The 2008 Honda Pilot has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA, including 11 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (32 reports).
2008 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 Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
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 2008 Honda Pilot problems
Problem areas named in the 133 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 32 |
| Structure | 16 |
| Power Train | 11 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Engine | 10 |
| Exterior Lighting | 9 |
| Seats | 9 |
| Steering | 8 |
| Suspension | 8 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 |
What owners report
Frame completely rusted through, multiple holes found in the frame. This is a death trap!
Referring to my 2008 Honda Pilot, as I was pulling into my driveway I heard a very loud bang in the rear area of my vehicle. When I looked underneath the vehicle I could see the rear subframe had rusted through and detached. This is my main vehicle that I use on a daily basis to provide rides to family members. 3 weeks before this happened I had 7 people in this car that I drove approximately 30 miles one way which had us on the highway doing 70 mph. Please note that is the speed limit on that highway. Had the subframe broke off at that time it would have been catastrophic. Honda America requested I have it towed to the nearest Honda dealer to diagnose it. It happened on March 11, 2026 an
I could hear a loud grinding noise while driving and the rear of the truck felt like it was driving without any type of suspension. Any bump or slight imperfection in the roadway felt like metal banging and a severe thump could be felt inside the vehicle. The front of the vehicle felt fine but the rear felt extremely strange and unstable.
the VSA and danger triangle lights are on
Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust
2008 Honda Pilot questions
Does the 2008 Honda Pilot have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2008 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 Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Pilot?
Based on 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (32), Structure (16), Power Train (11).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 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.