2021 Honda Pilot · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 78owner reports
- 50,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
226 of the 435 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 78 of those describe infotainment, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Pilot.
Narrower sheets: Backup camera goes black or freezes (25 reports)
Tick what matches of 78 reports
Infotainment on other Pilot years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head unit or screen (42 reports) and the camera (38 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display.
The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach.
Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle.
All 10 recalls on the 2021 Honda Pilot, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Pilot
Ignition interlock failure - rollaway. Closed jan 14, 2013, led to recall 12V-573.
Low beam headlights stop illuminating. Closed sep 17, 2012, led to recall 12V-136.
None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.
What owners paid
11 of the 78 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $983 to $2,700.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 75,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 Honda Pilot that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
There is a popping or crackling from the speakers or no sound from the audio system. You may also see a Network Loss message and/or display issues.
ServiceNews Article - We have received information from the vendor (Alpine) that display panels are being replaced for cracks on the center display screen.
On Monday July 27th, American Honda released Service Bulletin 20-049 for 19-20 Odyssey. Service Bulletin 20-058 for 19-21 Pilot and Passport is forthcoming.
What owners wrote
“Component inspected by Honda dealer Itâs the forward camera it has already malfunctioned and no longer works I only have 62,000 miles on my pilot. This seems excessive there is definitely a defect in these vehicles. The incident is the warning lights that came up and no longer worked”
Filed Oct 28, 2025 · 62,000 miles
“When stopped at red light idle stop feature was active and car wouldnât restart couldnât turn the truck off or on all electrical components such as radio, screen and heating were on but engine wouldnât start or stop”
Filed Feb 10, 2024
“Audio system popping noise affecting the dashboard system and audio system not working loss of power controls to use any of the systems digital components including speed control backup camera entire audio system”
Filed Jun 8, 2023
“The Entertainment system makes popping and crackling sounds and will cut out. This is very distracting while driving. It does not allow you to use the screen at all including to view backing up. I contacting Honda Corp and was told to get a formal diagnosis which is scheduled for June 16, 2023. Was also told this has happened many times before in other models of pilots.”
Filed May 25, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 78 reports involved a crash and 2 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 75 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 53 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 47 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 37 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 31 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 31 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports