The Honda Pilot gets its mid-life cycle refresh with the 2012 model year. Generally known to be a dependable midsize SUV, there are no major flaws with the vehicle reported so far, apart from the oil consumption issues at high mileages, something that is usual for big-bore high displacement engines. The recall status might seem a bit high and consistent each passing year, but most of them are for airbag issues that are more of a common vendor fault and not something related to the manufacturer. However, every vehicle has its downsides and this article covers most of the common problems seen in the 2012 Honda Pilot. With base prices starting at $28,620, should the Pilot be on your next midsize SUV purchase list alongside other popular choices like the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Traverse? Well, let’s find out.
2012 Honda Pilot User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling has been reported to be some common issue on high mileage 2012 Honda Pilot SUVs. Intermittent misfires, loss of power, starting problems, and excessive vibration from the engine are some of the early indications of this issue. Though reputed mechanics have pointed this out to premature wear of the piston rings, the official statements have been released by the manufacturer. The average failure mileage as reported by the NHTSA is around 125,000 miles. The variable cylinder management system in Eco mode on the 2012 Honda Pilot is also complained to be highly intrusive and induces excessive vibration.
- Transmission Problems- Though instances of replacement are pretty low, the 5-speed automatic transmission on the Honda Pilot is far from perfect. Issues such as shifting delays, jerky upshifts, lurching from a standstill, and slow drive/reverse engagement are all commonly seen on this unit. Though the dealerships have been approached by many, the absence of codes and the inability to replicate the failures have prevented them from getting a plausible remedy. These complaints have been reported to be noticed from mileages as low as 4,800 miles.
- Service brake- Excessive brake noise and front disc warping is a commonly seen problems on the 2012 Honda Pilot. If noticed, the owners are usually advised to change the brake pads and get the brake discs skimmed or even replace them if excessive wear is identified. Squealing noise and steering vibrations are some indications of worn-out/warped brakes. As reported, the replacements are not covered under warranty and would cost anywhere between $750 and $1,200.
Electric System complaints
- Radio problems- Internal wiring andconnector issues on the 2012 Honda Pilot lead to a blank media screen or complete unit malfunction. Several owners have gone through this issue and blame the substandard wiring on the vehicle as no faults with the fuse or the unit itself were traced most of the time. Replacing the connecter pins or just re-plugging the whole system resolves the issue in most cases. Connectivity issues might require a software update from the dealer.
Structural problems
- Paint chipping- 2012 Honda Pilot SUVs specced with Pearl white paint job have been reported to show excessive paint peeling or chipping. Though the issue was left unattended initially, a couple of lawsuits made Honda look into this matter more seriously. As a remedy, the manufacturer extended the paint warranty on this specific body color with cost-free repair available for vehicles that fall under rather fuzzy policies.
- Suspension issues- The front control arm and related bushings on the 2012 Honda Pilot are prone to fail prematurely and require replacement. Front end vibration at speeds and thud noises when going over uneven patches are the main indication of this issue. Even though this complaint has been brought to the notice of the manufacturer, no further statements have been released so far.
2012 Honda Pilot Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
27th June 2019 |
19V502000 |
The passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal airbag 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, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2019. |
|
2 |
16th May 2019
|
19V378000 |
Improperly installed passenger airbag inflator |
The front passenger airbag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement, causing it to not perform as intended in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal airbag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2019. |
|
3 |
27th September 2018 |
18V661000 |
The passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal airbag 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, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 6, 2018. |
|
4 |
26th April 2018 |
18V268000 |
Improperly installed passenger airbag inflator |
The front passenger airbag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement, causing it to not perform as intended in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. |
|
5 |
9th January 2018 |
18V661000 |
The passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal airbag 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, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2018. |
|
6 |
31st August 2017 |
17V545000 |
Incorrectly installed replacement airbag |
Vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal airbag inflators may have incorrectly installed the replacement airbag inflators, which causes them not to function as intended in the event of a crash and increase the risk of injury. |
The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2017. |
|
7 |
10th January 2017 |
17V030000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflator may rupture |
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal airbag 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, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the front passenger side airbag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification and will send a second notification when parts are available. |
|
8 |
18th January 2013 |
13V016000 |
The driver’s airbag module may be missing rivets |
One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing, causing it to not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. |
|
9 |
17th February 2012 |
12V063000 |
Vent shut float case separation |
The vent shut float (VSF) valve case in the fuel tank assembly does not meet the design specifications, which may result in a fuel leak and increase the risk of a fire. |
Dealers will inspect the VSF assembly date and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 13, 2012. |
Should you buy a used 2012 Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is generally known to be a reliable midsize SUV and continues to remain that way. Recent times have brought out issues regarding excessive oil consumption on its engine, but the actual number of cases is on the lower side, as it stands. Apart from that, there are no major deal breakers that might end up breaking your bank later. The overall dated appeal and rudimentary setup have caused it to drop in rankings this year, but for those who are looking for a trusty and comfortable family machine, the 2012 Honda Pilot should not disappoint.
