Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2006, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as Pilot years to avoid, based on complaint index and recall counts relative to other Pilot years.

Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as CX-5 years to avoid, based on complaint index relative to other CX-5 years.

Which has more complaints, the Pilot or the CX-5?

The Pilot has 7,999 total complaints over 21 model years (381 per year on average), while the CX-5 has 2,430 total complaints over 14 model years (174 per year on average). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

Which gets better fuel economy, the Pilot or the CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 averages 26.5 mpg combined across its model years, compared to 20.1 mpg combined for the Honda Pilot.

Which model has more recalls?

The Honda Pilot has 56 total recall campaigns across its model years, far more than the Mazda CX-5's 8 recall campaigns.

Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-5: Which Years to Avoid

Honda Pilot years to avoid are 2006, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2025, while Mazda CX-5 years to avoid are 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. The Pilot logs 7,999 total complaints across 21 model years (381 per year) and 56 recall campaigns, versus the CX-5's 2,430 complaints across 14 model years (174 per year) and 8 recalls. The CX-5 also averages 26.5 mpg combined against the Pilot's 20.1 mpg.

Head to head

Honda Pilot

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 7,999
Per model year: 381
Recall campaigns: 56
Years to avoid: 2006, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2025
Best years: 2014, 2015
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.1
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Mazda CX-5

Model years: 2012–2025 (14)
NHTSA complaints: 2,430
Per model year: 174
Recall campaigns: 8
Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
Best years: 2017, 2022, 2024
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.5
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Pilot				CX-5
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Caution	679	13	17	—	—	—	—
2006	Avoid	268	8	17.5	—	—	—	—
2007	Good	211	7	17.5	—	—	—	—
2008	Good	133	7	17.5	—	—	—	—
2009	Caution	134	9	18.5	—	—	—	—
2010	Caution	111	10	18.5	—	—	—	—
2011	Caution	293	11	18.5	—	—	—	—
2012	Caution	171	9	20	No verdict	1	0	—
2013	Good	271	6	20	Good	194	1	28
2014	Best	116	3	20	Avoid	377	3	27
2015	Best	109	4	20	Good	133	3	27
2016	Avoid	1,703	8	22	Avoid	510	4	29
2017	Avoid	924	4	22	Best	148	1	26.5
2018	Caution	440	7	22	Avoid	349	3	28
2019	Avoid	904	13	22	Avoid	270	2	27
2020	Avoid	487	11	22	Caution	106	0	26
2021	Caution	433	10	22.5	Caution	146	0	25.5
2022	Good	156	5	22	Best	63	0	25
2023	Caution	142	5	21	Caution	62	0	25
2024	Good	113	6	21	Best	44	0	25
2025	Avoid	201	4	21	Good	27	0	25

Complaint Index by year

Honda Pilot

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mazda CX-5

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2006, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as Pilot years to avoid, based on complaint index and recall counts relative to other Pilot years.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as CX-5 years to avoid, based on complaint index relative to other CX-5 years.
Which has more complaints, the Pilot or the CX-5?: The Pilot has 7,999 total complaints over 21 model years (381 per year on average), while the CX-5 has 2,430 total complaints over 14 model years (174 per year on average). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
Which gets better fuel economy, the Pilot or the CX-5?: The Mazda CX-5 averages 26.5 mpg combined across its model years, compared to 20.1 mpg combined for the Honda Pilot.
Which model has more recalls?: The Honda Pilot has 56 total recall campaigns across its model years, far more than the Mazda CX-5's 8 recall campaigns.