2021 Honda Pilot Electrical System Problems
The 2021 Honda Pilot has 128 Electrical System complaints, 30% of its 433 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles. A related recall (20V439000) covers instrument panel software, though most owner reports describe Auto Idle Stop and power-loss failures rather than the instrument panel.
- Electrical System complaints
- 128
- 30% of 433
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 44,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Auto Idle Stop (AIS) shuts the engine off at a stop and fails to restart, leaving the vehicle unresponsive for several minutes until the driver shifts to Park and restarts.
- Vehicle stalls or completely loses electrical power while slowing to a stop, cutting off tail lights, headlights, and hazards until it suddenly re-energizes.
- Infotainment display goes blank and audio speakers emit popping or crackling sounds even after a related recall was performed.
- Dashboard lights flicker and the brake system locks up on the highway, forcing the driver to pull over and restart the vehicle.
- After an auto-stop restart, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral and shuts off completely, requiring the driver to coast to the roadside.
When 2021 Honda Pilot electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 15, 2020, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2021 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2021 Honda Pilot?
- NHTSA lists 128 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Pilot, which is 30% of its 433 total complaints for the year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Honda Pilot electrical system?
- Yes, campaign 20V439000 covers 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles for instrument panel control module software that can cause the instrument panel display to not work; dealers reprogram the software free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2021 Pilot electrical failures typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2021 Pilot is 44,000 miles.
- What kind of electrical issue do 2021 Pilot owners report most?
- Many owners describe the Auto Idle Stop feature shutting the engine off at a stop and failing to restart, along with sudden complete loss of electrical power while slowing down.
- Are the 2021 Pilot's electrical complaints worse than other years?
- The 2021 Pilot's 30% share of complaints tied to the Electrical System is lower than the 2020 Pilot's 44% and the 2016 Pilot's 34%, but higher than the 2018 Pilot's 20%.