A used Honda Pilot is a solid three-row family SUV if you check four things first: which transmission the trim uses (2016 Touring and Elite got a nine-speed that reviewers disliked, other trims a six-speed), whether the VIN is in the 2023 connecting rod bearing recall, whether a car from a salted state is covered by the 2026 rear subframe corrosion recall that may still be waiting on its final fix, and what the title, odometer and towing history say.
We worked through NHTSA's recall data and the original road tests for this guide in mid October 2026. If you are cross-shopping, our used Toyota Highlander buying guide covers the obvious rival, and our used Honda CR-V buying guide is the smaller Honda. Decode the VIN with our Honda VIN decoder so you know the exact year and trim before you go further.
Pilot generations at a glance
The second-generation Pilot ran 2009-2015, the third 2016-2022, and the fourth started for 2023. The current truck, per Car and Driver, makes 285 hp through a 10-speed automatic. The third generation is the volume used buy right now, and it is the one where the transmission split matters.
Six-speed vs nine-speed on 2016 models
Car and Driver's 2016 test spells it out: LX, EX and EX-L got a six-speed automatic, while Touring and Elite got the nine-speed with paddle shifters. The reviews were not kind to the nine-speed. Consumer Reports told shoppers to stick with the six-speed, calling the nine-speed neither smooth nor responsive and the push-button shifter unintuitive. MotorTrend found it a bit clunky at low speeds, with abrupt on/off-throttle shifts.
So on a Touring or Elite, spend real time in stop-and-go traffic on the test drive. Feel for harsh engagement, hesitation from a stop, and hunting between gears. Ask whether the transmission software was ever updated and get the repair order if it was. A rough nine-speed is not automatically a broken one, but you want a dealer or good independent shop to scan it before you sign anything. Honestly, if the family does not need the Elite's extras, an EX-L with the six-speed is the easier used buy.
The connecting rod bearing recall
Recall 23V-751 covers 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilots, along with other Honda and Acura V6 models, where a manufacturing error in the crankshaft can make the connecting rod bearing wear and seize. Honda's Part 573 report says improperly ground crank pins came out crowned or convex, and lists warning signs of abnormal engine noise, stalling, and reduced power with the check-engine light on. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine. On a used Pilot from those years, get the VIN result and the repair order. A knock from the engine on a cold start is a reason to stop the deal until a dealer has looked at it.
The 2026 rear subframe corrosion recall
This one is new and it matters most for salt-belt buyers. Recall 26V-365 covers 2016-2022 Pilots (plus Ridgeline, Passport and Acura MDX) sold in 22 states and Washington, D.C., mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Honda's Part 573 report lists 463,253 Pilots and says rear subframes built with improper coating can corrode at the suspension mounting points where de-icing salt is heavy, until the rear control arm or lower arm mount can fracture. Warnings include abnormal noise or vibration from the rear and changes in handling. The fix is an inspection plus a reinforcement kit, and repair or replacement as needed.
Timing is the problem for buyers right now. NHTSA's recall record says interim owner letters went out July 27, 2026, with the final remedy expected in fall 2026. That means a Pilot listed today may show the recall as open with no fix yet available. Get underneath with a flashlight, look at the rear subframe near the arm brackets for peeling paint and scale, and use our salt belt used-car checklist for the rest of the underside.
Other recalls, family wear and towing
Recall 21V-932 covers 2016-2019 Pilots where the hood latch striker can separate, and 23V-735 covers a small batch of 2023-2024 Pilots with a loose ball bearing in the steering gearbox. Older second-generation Pilots appear in Takata passenger inflator campaigns, which our Takata recall check explains. Run the VIN through our NHTSA recall check by VIN walkthrough to see everything open.
Three-row SUVs live hard lives. Check that every third-row seat folds and latches, look for stains and broken trim behind the second row, and test every rear door lock and window. If there is a hitch or a wiring plug at the back, ask what was towed and how often, and look for transmission fluid service on the history; MotorWeek's long-term 2016 Pilot noted a 5,000-pound tow rating and no standard hitch. Then pull your own report for title brands, accidents and odometer gaps, because seller PDFs get edited. As of mid October 2026, a CARFAX report through us is about $5.50 as a guest or $4.50 as a member, and a CARFAX plus AutoCheck bundle is about $6.75, versus roughly $39.99 to $44.99 at retail. Confirm at checkout. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck, or Experian.
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