Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 211 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Honda Pilot, and it carries 9 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 46 | 22% |
| Seats | 16 | 8% |
| Tires | 13 | 6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 10 | 5% |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 5% |
| Structure | 9 | 4% |
| Power train | 9 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 8 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I have a 2007 Honda Pilot. While just taking off again from a stoplight, the passenger side, "curtain-side" airbags randomly deployed. The airbag light had been flickering on and off - it would then be on for a few momen
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The 2007 Honda Pilots rear subframe suspension mounting points and the driver side rear sping and shock support rusted away so bad that the driver side wheel collapsed, fortunately it was discovered just in time before t
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
My airbags have been recalled. This is an American (MPH on the dashboard) car and Honda Canada said they cannot fix it here. I will have to drive to America to fix it.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's seat belt and the rear passenger’s side seat belt located in the second and t
NHTSA complaint: Seat belts
instrument panel warning light w/driver & air bag is on! Stopped by the Honda Dealer & was told It wasn’t safe for me to drive for if I got into an accident the bag wouldn’t work! I’m [XXX] & drive in traffic to shop! Th
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
My 2007 Honda Pilot has an electrical problem! If my car sits more than 4 days without being driven or started the battery goes dead! I’ve had it to Honda & they can never find a problem! I bought new batteries & it stil
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
* Rear Frame Corrosion on my 2007 Honda Pilot EX * This is causing instability issues with the potential risk of the subframe uncoupling from the rear frame rail. * No, but a visual inspection clearly shows heavy corrosi
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
Subframe rust prevented vehicle from passing inspection even though (From Honda) "but extensive testing has concluded that vehicle stability will be maintained”. TSB: MC-10209071-0001.pdf (nhtsa.gov)
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2007 Honda Pilot. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or dea
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer servic
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-
Risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman custo
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
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 airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-213
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. The
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 driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
| Reliability raw | 52 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 211 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and air bags is the most reported area with 46 of them (22%). There are 9 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 52/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.