2021 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2021 Pilot
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (126 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 126 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (104 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 104 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (98 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 98 NHTSA complaints
Lane Departure complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (44 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 44 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (31 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 31 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
41 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
10
Electrical System Check
A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Tires Red flag
Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss.
Visibility Check
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of 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.
2021 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 2021 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2021 Pilot. The most serious involve Back Over Prevention (20V439000) and Tires (20V725000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Pilot?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (126 complaints) and Engine (104 complaints), out of 433 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 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 Electrical System, which drew 126 complaints for this model-year.