2008 Honda Pilot Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 12%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Honda Pilot, 12% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at highway speed, the rear of the car started swaying slightly. Several passing motorists motioned me to pull over. Upon inspection, we noticed the rear chassis on both sides had pulled away from the body of the vehicle, causing the rear wheels to tilt in from the top and out from the bottom.”
NHTSA complaint #11245141, filed 2019-08, 169,295 miles“This occurred three times. We have found the hood to be in open position (ajar). Its like someone pulled the level and the hood opens, but the secondarily latch keeps it from flying open while underway. I will just reach in and pull the secondary latch to open the hood and close it. I am just afraid that the hood will fly open one day while we are driving, but the secondary latch is doing it's job.”
NHTSA complaint #10594890, filed 2014-05, 77,000 miles“The door stop check which should keep the door from closing on the driver's legs as one enters or exits the vehicle failed and had to be replaced. It actually was not working when I purchased the car in january of 2014 with 59,900 miles. The door would not stay open when parked on the slightest of inclines, and a stiff breeze would blow it shut. The door closed on my left leg several times; I was not injured, other than a nice ouch. If the door closes on an elderly person, the injury could be more serious. …”
NHTSA complaint #10594869, filed 2014-05, 64,000 miles“I own an 2008 Honda Pilot (automatic) and would like an investigation of this vehicle's inability to hold in gear on an incline. The Pilot will roll backwards when in drive without stopping on an uphill incline, and will roll forward when in reverse on a downhill incline. I live near san francisco and driving in that area is nearly impossible in an automatic that will not hold its gear. It is worse than a manual transmission because you can't control the gear engagement with a clutch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10296969, filed 2009-12, 15,000 miles“My was driving the unit for about two minutes from the starting point. Then, all the lights of the dashboard turn on. When she tried to move the vehicle to the emergency lane, a black smoke start to go inside of the vehicle and a engine fire started. Rapidly, she left the car to a safe place and the fire consumed the entire vehicle. The car was declared total loss by the insurance.”
NHTSA complaint #10679002, filed 2015-01, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10209071Mar 8, 2022Service Bulletin - Corrosion of the frame rail that supports the rear subframe may occur on some vehicles that are commonly driven in harsh environments. The subframe mounts may…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 4% |
| 2022 | 7 | 4% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 12 | 1% |
| 2018 | 17 | 4% |
| 2017 | 15 | 2% |
| 2016 | 54 | 3% |
| 2015 | 10 | 9% |
| 2014 | 20 | 17% |
| 2013 | 47 | 17% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 19 | 6% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 16 | 12% |
| 2007 | 15 | 7% |
| 2006 | 26 | 10% |
| 2005 | 23 | 3% |
| 2004 | 42 | 8% |
| 2003 | 47 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 Honda Pilot
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology