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Exterior lightingPart report

2021 Honda Pilot Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
1%of 450 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Honda Pilot, 1% of the 450 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“There is an electrical malfunction which causes all of the electrical components to flash on/off, glitch. This has occured while driving but primarily when the vehicle is parked and unattended. I’m afraid it can short and cause a fire. The vehicle will turn istelf on and off repeatedly and rapidly while unattended. This has been going on for 2 years with our vehicle and not under warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #11726753, filed 2026-03

“Last week the the security alarm went off for no reason. The following day, I arrived to work and parked my car. 45 minutes later, I am notified my headlights were on. I ALWAYS keep my headlights on AUTO so they never should have been on. After I started my car for a minute, everything seems fine. 3 hours later, I hear an alarm in the parking lot but did not think it was my vehicle. I leave work and go to outside and realize my alarm has been going off for a couple of hours. …”

NHTSA complaint #11521949, filed 2023-05

“LED Headlight burned out and is not possible to change or remove, dealer indicated it is not something that normally goes out, and wants to charge $2,000”

NHTSA complaint #11659394, filed 2025-05

“Headlights were replaced under the 3yr/36k mile warranty just prior to the 3 yr mark due to the clear coat peeling and headlights showing excessive wear and scratching. 6 months after replacement, the replaced headlights are showing the same signs of clear coat peeling and excessive wear and scratching, far sooner than the original 3 yr mark. The headlight condition continues to deteriorate and will eventually need replacement or refurbishment. Now, the Honda emblem on the front, which is covered in clear plastic since it houses anti-collision components, is showing the same signs of wear. …”

NHTSA complaint #11648807, filed 2025-03

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202531%
202411%
202321%
202141%
202071%
201991%
201831%
2017101%
2016141%
201544%
201433%
201331%
201211%
201131%
201011%
200911%
200897%
2007178%
2006145%
2005304%
2004122%
2003324%

Other parts of the 2021 Honda Pilot

Electrical system
136 complaints
Engine
112 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
98 complaints
Other or unknown
85 complaints
Lane departure
44 complaints
Air bags
32 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaints
Brakes
28 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
25 complaints
Fuel system
23 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
19 complaints
Tires
13 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Honda Pilot

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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