2018 Honda Pilot Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Pilot
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (157 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 157 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (85 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 85 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (78 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 78 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (63 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 63 NHTSA complaints
Fuel System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (62 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 62 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
38 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
7
Structure Red flag
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Seats Red flag
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Structure Red flag
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Pilot–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Pilot. The most serious involve Structure (21V932000) and Engine and Engine Cooling (19V298000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Pilot?
The top complaint areas are Engine (157 complaints) and Electrical System (85 complaints), out of 440 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Pilot?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 157 complaints for this model-year.