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2015 Honda Pilot Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Honda Pilot carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine misfire from piston ring wear and oil consumption.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V661000 · Sep 27, 2018

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V502000 · Jun 27, 2019

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V378000 · May 16, 2019

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Honda Pilot.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine misfire from piston ring wear and oil consumption

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-07

“On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753531
“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the error message instructed the driver to pull over immediately”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721437
“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT CYLINDER 2 WAS MISFIRING. MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS STYLE OF PILOT AND HE RECOMMENDED TAKING IT TO A HONDA DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Roof and hood paint peeling

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2025-01

“the suv paint has started peeling and while driving the flakes fly off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512339
“WE BOUGHT A "WHITE DIAMOND PEARL" COLOR HONDA PILOT NEW FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP. WE NOTICED PAINT PEELING FROM THE ROOF A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO THAT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384585
“THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF MY WHITE HONDA PILOT ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD BETWEEN THE MOONROOF AND WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11204137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Soft or spongy brake pedal requiring extra pressure

SERVICE BRAKES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2025-04

“This Honda Pilot has a very low brake pedal , I describe it as a soft pedal. You have to depress the pedal almost to the floor let up and press it again to get fairly decent stopping power, still not the best”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501687
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA PILOT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10689551
“WHEN FIRST APPLY THE BRAKES THE PEDAL IS SPONGIE IF YOU PUMP ONCE THE PEDAL BECOMES FIRM LIKE IT SHOULD BE!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671577

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shudder and hesitation during acceleration

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2019-06

“VEHICLE SHUDDERS (SHAKES) AT SPEEDS OF 40-45 MPH. HAD CONVERSATION WITH HONDA ADVISOR (3/18) WHO SAID THIS WAS NORMAL. NOT SURE, BUT WANT TO REPORT IT ANYWAY BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T BE NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176382
“MY 2015 HONDA PILOT EX-L HESITATES TO ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING. IT MOSTLY HAPPEN WHEN TURNING RIGHT, WHEN I TURN AND TRY TO ACCELERATE THE GAS PEDAL BECOMES NON RESPONSIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220630
“ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICE CAR SHUDDERING AND SHAKING AT 35-50MPH AND THEN EVEN HIGHER SPEED LIMITS. WENT TO PURCHASING DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH VCM SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862902

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm bushing fluid leak

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2022-03

“On February 3, 2022, the right front lower control arm bushing was observed to be leaking fluid. This condition was confirmed by a Honda dealer toward the end of the same month”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456609
“FRONT WHEEL LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING LEAKING. BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414294
“2015 PILOT BEGAN HEARING OINKING SOUNDS AT 22K MILES (3/18). DEALERSHIP COULDN'T "REPLICATE" SO THEY TIGHTEN SUSP. BOLTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176380

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2022-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a sudden booming noise was heard, and the driver noticed that the sunroof had exploded causing the fractured glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450223
“ON 7/25/2020 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 9:00 PM CENTER LAND OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DISCOVERED THE SUNROOF GLASS HAD SHATTERED, WITH NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341825
“WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I-5 SOUTH FREEWAY, I HEARD AN EXPLODING SOUND ON SUNROOF. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

OEM scissor jack failure while changing a tire

EQUIPMENT

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2023-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while changing the passenger’s side front wheel, the factory jack sold originally with the vehicle failed to lift the vehicle high enough to allow the contact to remove the wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541199
“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while changing a flat tire on the driver's side front, the OEM jack was placed under the hard point located under the frame behind the driver's side front tire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487807
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE JACK THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10732161

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and Takata recall disputes

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2025-02

“Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641485
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA PILOT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE SEAT WAS BEING OCCUPIED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949219
“TAKATA RECALL - I CURRENTLY LEASE A 2015 HONDA PILOT FROM VIRGINIA. BECAUSE OF THE MILITARY, MY FAMILY AND I ARE NOW IN LAS VEGAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10898232

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

34 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Honda Pilot reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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