Problems · by component

2020 Honda Pilot electrical system problems

214 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Pilot cite electrical system, 43% of all 493 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
214
43% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Front facing camera fail. Causing brake system adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist , collision mitigation, road departure mitigation. Auto high beams to not work”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11765352
“While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11760548
“There's an old recall called FAKRA Service Cable Safety, Recall Number #23V-431, The recall issue was fixed, but it is now recurring. The cracking windshield sound, along with the screen shutting off or going blank, increases the risk of a crash or injury when backing up or driving while using the navigation system. We contacted Honda about this issue, but they don't seem keen on fixing it, especially now that it's out of warranty.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11759738
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the radio made an abnormal crackling and popping sound, and the instrument cluster flickered with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and the cruise control became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-058 and 21-012, and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11755856
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the radio was shutting off was displayed. Additionally, the speakers made a crackling sound before the radio shut off, and the main screen became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer times; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the issue. During the final visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an amplifier failure and replaced the part; however, the issue persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11754784
“Summary of safety defect and failed recall repair: Vehicle: 2020 Honda Pilot EX (Clean California Title) Core Issue: Persistent, catastrophic failure of the MOST Bus fiber-optic communication network, resulting in complete blackout of the federally mandated rear backup camera (FMVSS No. 111 violation), total infotainment reboot loops, loud audio cracking/popping, and instrument panel system failure during active vehicle operation at 65+ mph highway speeds. RECALL REMEDY FAILURE CHRONOLOGY: 1. IN-WARRANTY ANCHOR: On April 20, 2022 (34,201 miles) at Tracy Honda, initial network cracking/popping and communication faults were logged under factory warranty. Display head unit was replaced, but underlying MOST Bus backbone issues persisted. Fakra connectors replaced to attempt to fix the issue. 2. RECALL ATTEMPT: On July 17, 2025, at Lompoc Honda, the vehicle was presented specifically under Safety Recall Campaign 23-047 / NHTSA 23V-431. Dealer technicians installed FAKRA connectors and connector jumpers per official remedy instructions. 3. REMEDY FAILURE: The recall remedy failed to correct the defect. The vehicle continues to experience "Network Communication Lost"…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026Electrical systemODI 11753899

Showing 6 of 214 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Electrical systemReported Jul 28, 2020NHTSA 20V440000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.