How common are electrical problems in the 2020 Honda Pilot?

NHTSA lists 215 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Pilot, which is 44% of the 487 total complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any Pilot year in this component.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Honda Pilot electrical system?

Yes. Recall 20V439000, reported 2020-07-28, covers 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles for incorrect instrument panel control module software that can cause the instrument panel display to fail. Honda dealers reprogram the module free of charge.

At what mileage do 2020 Pilot electrical problems tend to occur?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 1,850 miles for Electrical System complaints on the 2020 Pilot, indicating many issues surface early in ownership.

Have there been any crashes or fires linked to the 2020 Pilot electrical system?

NHTSA data for this component and year shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries associated with the reported complaints.

Does the recall fix the popping speaker and screen shutdown issue?

Some owners report the MOST network problems, including popping speakers and screen shutdowns, continued even after the MOST FAKRA cable recall repair was performed.

2020 Honda Pilot Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 215 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Honda Pilot, 44% of its 487 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 1,850. A related recall (20V439000) covers instrument panel control module software affecting display function.

Electrical System complaints: 215; 44% of 487
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 1,850 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the infotainment screen and speedometer display going black or rebooting while driving, sometimes accompanied by a 'network connection failure' message.
Owners describe loud popping or crackling sounds from the speakers, occurring whether the audio system is on or off, often paired with loss of radio, Bluetooth, or rear entertainment function.
Owners report the MOST network communication failing even after the MOST FAKRA cable recall repair, with cascading error messages for blind spot and emissions systems.
Owners describe the auto engine stop/start system causing the vehicle to stall in drive at a stop, requiring a manual restart of the entire system.
One owner reported the vehicle catching fire shortly after purchase, with a burnt smell and smoke from the hood despite no warning lights on the dash.
Owners report the auto high-beam function failing to work with no indicator light showing on the dashboard.

When 2020 Honda Pilot electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 29, 2019, latest Sep 22, 2026.

215 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2020 Q3 (38).

Electrical System recalls for the 2020 Honda Pilot

NHTSA 20V439000Jul 28, 2020Electrical System607,786 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.

Electrical System complaints by Pilot model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201010 (9%)
201128 (10%)
201223 (13%)
201312 (4%)
201412 (10%)
201516 (15%)
2016586 (34%)
2017268 (29%)
201886 (20%)
2019270 (30%)
2020215 (44%)
2021128 (30%)
202234 (22%)
202328 (20%)
202411 (10%)
202545 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2020 Honda Pilot?: NHTSA lists 215 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Pilot, which is 44% of the 487 total complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any Pilot year in this component.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Honda Pilot electrical system?: Yes. Recall 20V439000, reported 2020-07-28, covers 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles for incorrect instrument panel control module software that can cause the instrument panel display to fail. Honda dealers reprogram the module free of charge.
At what mileage do 2020 Pilot electrical problems tend to occur?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 1,850 miles for Electrical System complaints on the 2020 Pilot, indicating many issues surface early in ownership.
Have there been any crashes or fires linked to the 2020 Pilot electrical system?: NHTSA data for this component and year shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries associated with the reported complaints.
Does the recall fix the popping speaker and screen shutdown issue?: Some owners report the MOST network problems, including popping speakers and screen shutdowns, continued even after the MOST FAKRA cable recall repair was performed.