Makes›Honda›Pilot›2009

2009 Honda Pilot

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Honda Pilot
Pictured: 2025 Honda Pilot. Photo: SIGSauerP365XL, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV LX/EX/EX-L
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
Length
190.9 in
Curb weight
4,337 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,337 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2009

  • New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Pilot →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV LX/EX/EX-L190.9 in78.3 in72.8 in109.4 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,337 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pilot 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-3%$3,550468
Pilot 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+2%$3,700494
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Honda Pilot under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Honda Pilot (this car)19 MPGNot rated9
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated9
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe20 MPGNot rated2
2009 Volkswagen Touareg20 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (9)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V502000 · 9,555 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 16, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V378000 · 19,138 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Apr 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V268000 · 1,335 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V042000 · 691,726 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Aug 31, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V545000 · 3,257 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Risk
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V030000 · 977,708 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V346000 · 2,719,386 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.
Air Bags · Jan 18, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V016000 · 748,481 vehicles

Problem
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Risk
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing · Sep 9, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V468000 · 310,773 vehicles

Problem
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 PILOT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 13, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE STITCHING THAT SECURES THE END OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER LAP SECTION OF THE SEATBELT MAY BE INCOMPLETE OR MISSING.
Risk
IF THE STITCHING IS INCOMPLETE OR MISSING, THE SEATBELT MAY DETACH FROM THE ANCHOR WEBBING, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN A CRASH.
Fix
HONDA DEALERS WILL CONDUCT A SPECIALIZED INSPECTION OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELTS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEATBELTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Honda Pilot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

80Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
115,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine28
Air Bags26
Suspension8
Power Train7
Service Brakes6
Seat Belts4
Steering3
Unknown Or Other3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/10: 119/01: 119/02: 219/03: 119/04: 119/10: 219/11: 119/12: 120/01: 120/03: 120/08: 221/07: 122/02: 122/05: 122/06: 122/08: 122/12: 123/03: 123/09: 124/04: 124/06: 124/10: 125/10: 126/01: 118/1019/0319/1120/0322/0222/0823/0924/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Honda Pilot buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 28 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Air Bags — 26 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Suspension — 8 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Honda Pilot. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pilot years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Pilot22200 inNot rated127
2025 Pilot22200 in★★★★★4216
2024 Pilot22200 in★★★★★6116
2023 Pilot22200 in★★★★★5146
2022 Pilot23196.5 in★★★★★5170
2021 Pilot23196.5 in★★★★★10450
2020 Pilot23196.5 in★★★★★11492
2019 Pilot23196.5 in★★★★★13921
2018 Pilot23194.9 in★★★★★7440
2017 Pilot23194.9 in★★★★★4936
2016 Pilot23194.9 in★★★★★81,720
2015 Pilot20191.3 in★★★★★4108

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →