Diagsheet

2020 Honda Pilot · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 26owner reports
  • 3,600median miles
  • 4involved a crash

Newest report Jul 20, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

26 of the 484 complaints on this car describe brake wear.

Tick what matches of 26 reports

5
3
5
1
11
2

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the brakes covers the 2020 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Pilot

PE12-028opened Oct 9, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2005

Vehicle stability assist malfunction. Closed mar 15, 2013.

NHTSA summary
The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system in the model year (MY) 2005 Honda Pilot vehicles integrates braking control strategies for anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control and brake assist functions. The system consists of a VSA modulator (an electronic control unit and electronic/hydraulic actuator) that receives data from an integral brake pressure sensor and from wheel speed sensors (four wheels), the steering wheel angle sensor and a combination yaw rate and lateral acceleration sensor.Allegations of unexpected braking appear to be related to inappropriate activation of the brake assist (BA) function.The BA system is designed to minimize stopping distances in emergency braking maneuvers by rapidly applying maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. ODI's analysis of complaints and information provided by Honda in its response to DP12-002 and PE12-028 identified fault conditions that may result in false detection of a panic stop by the BA system, resulting in unexpected, severe brake application. The VSA control algorithm should detect inappropriate BA activation in less than 1 second and turn the system off. However, some complaints allege longer duration incidents of severe braking with no brake pedal application. Honda implemented countermeasures in the control and fault detection algorithm in the MY 2006 Pilot VSA modulators, which are not interchangeable with the MY 2005 parts.Allegations of steering anomalies appear to be related

None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 2,000 and 11,700 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.

1120
521
222
323
124
225
226

What owners wrote

“Full brake system, Emissions System problem, and Service System malfunctioning, out of the blue. Factory Reset and System Updated performed with no improvement.”

Filed Jul 20, 2026

“Several system failures relates to a faulty multipurpose camera used by the Honda Sensing system from collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and land keeping assist. Multipurpose camera premature failure leads to loss of several safety features.”

Filed May 9, 2025

“Phantom braking from the CMBS collision avoidance system. It occurs randomly and applies brakes when the road is clear. The amount of braking varies from a partial second to more severe. This will cause an accident.”

Filed Mar 5, 2024

“My husband was getting off the highway when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. He attempted to hit the brakes, but the car did not stop. The automatic stop crash feature did not turn on. The abs did not work. Ultimately, crashing into the car ahead of him. Manufacturer Safety-related recall issued NHTSA #23V-174 Recall #FE5 2020-22 Multi-Model Door Mirror Glass Safety Recall Status: Remedy Available”

Filed Jul 7, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 4 of 26 reports involved a crash and 6 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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