CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Honda Pilot has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA, including 29 crashes, 14 fires, 36 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (143 reports).
2004 Honda Pilot recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.
Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles may rupture due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.
Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash
A front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly when it was replaced, so it may not deploy properly in a crash.
Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.
Most common 2004 Honda Pilot problems
Problem areas named in the 544 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 143 |
| Seats | 87 |
| Air Bags | 81 |
| Electrical System | 60 |
| Structure | 42 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 28 |
| Suspension | 27 |
| Engine | 22 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 21 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
What owners report
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the odometer mileage reading was 160,000. After obtaining a Carfax Report it was discovered that the previous mileage was 337,000. The contact also indicated that the instrument cluster had been replaced and the air bag and check engine warning lights were inoperable, and the driverâs side air bag had been removed from the vehicle. The VIN was not available.
Honda sold America cars that they knew were rusted less than five years and they still letting people drive these cars that are rusted at the bottom
The steering became extremely loose over time on my Honda Pilot posing significant safety concerns because of it. The tires adamantly follow all the divets, lines, grooves, and bumps in the road causing me to lose control of the vehicle very easily in poor driving conditions. This is especially exaggerated during inclement weather such as snow or rain. Recently, due to the steering looseness, I lost control of the vehicle and hit a mailbox damaging the entire right side of the vehicle. Please help to work with Honda to resolve this issue. Thank you!
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase September 2024, the vehicle mileage was 139,020. The contact stated that after a mechanic had informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted, the contact retrieved the Carfax report history of the vehicle and discovered that the vehicle mileage was 196,000 on August 11, 2018.
When I took my car for tire installation at Walmart on [XXX] , the technician declined to install the tires, he stated "your vehicle is unsafe to lift up for tire installation because of rust". I was on my driving it to a body shop when something snapped near the right rear tire after I hit pot holes. I felt it was unsafe to continue I decided to drive it slowly back home and parked it. I fear to drive it again to avoid causing accidents to myself and to other motorists. The car engine runs good and there are no problem lights on my car dashboard. The car interior is still good. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2004 Honda Pilot questions
Does the 2004 Honda Pilot have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2004 Honda Pilot: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda Pilot?
Based on 544 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (143), Seats (87), Air Bags (81).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Honda Pilot has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.