Dealer visit checklist
2019 Honda Pilot checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.0x more owner complaints than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Honda Pilot problems to check
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting, particularly on AWD trims with the 9-speed automatic — Honda issued TSBs but some owners still report sluggishness
- Infotainment touchscreen unresponsiveness or slow response, a known complaint across this generation
- Oil dilution with fuel in the engine has been reported on some units, especially in colder climates with short-trip driving — monitor oil levels and quality closely
- Vibration or shudder at highway speeds linked to torque converter issues on the 9-speed transmission
- Rear AC performance can be inconsistent in extreme heat, worth verifying on inspection
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles.
- TIRES: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away