Used 2012 Honda Pilot EX SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Honda Pilot EX SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
My Pilot Experience
Robert S, Anderson, SC, 11/19/2016
2012 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
For those of you considering a Honda Pilot, please allow me to share my experience. I have a Pilot EX that was bought new in 2012 for the purpose of being our family vehicle. We average roughly 16,000 miles a year. Regular maintenance is performed and tire rotations occur at about every 7000 miles. Front-end alignments are done whenever all four tires are replaced. Our Honda is 2WD … and has never pulled a trailer or been used in any manner that could be classified as severe service. It’s just a basic family vehicle.
At about 40,000 miles, I noticed a noise in the front end and took it back to the dealer for diagnosis. The driver’s side front wheel bearing was found to be bad and was replaced under warranty. Shortly after 50,000 miles, the passenger side CV axle had to be replaced by the dealer (under warranty) because of a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel.
The latest problem became evident during this past summer’s vacation trip at about 80,000 miles. The front end became noisy again similar to the sound experienced earlier. This time the dealer found the driver’s side front wheel bearing bad again and also found the passenger side front wheel bearing showing signs of failing. Honda paid for 75% of the driver’s side bearing (the same one that had failed at 40,000 miles) but would not pay for the passenger side bearing replacement. The total cost out of pocket for these issues was ~$350. I filed a case with Honda requesting reimbursement. The reimbursement was subsequently denied because the warranty period had expired. Apparently Honda’s opinion was that replacement of three wheel bearings inside of 100,000 miles is not abnormal.
I’m providing this information because many of you are probably in the same place I was in 2012, researching the web to find a dependable vehicle. I remember thinking at the time that Honda would be a good choice that would provide years of trouble free driving. Experience is teaching me otherwise. If I keep this vehicle, history demonstrates that I can expect to replace another wheel bearing at about 120,000 miles. As a last note, if you wish to investigate this issue further, you can search the internet using “Honda Pilot front wheel bearing problems” to see other people that have experienced similar problems.
Big Problem
joyfuljoy, Brandon, FL, 01/24/2012
2012 Honda Pilot EX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I have had my 2012 Honda Pilot for over two months now. The first day I drove it from the lot (I test drove a different car and picked mine for color-so never drove mine) There was a loud humming noise when the AC compressor kicked on. The dealership replaced the Power steering twice (at 200 miles and 600 miles) Needless to say, the humming noise is there louder than ever. I filed a … vehicle defect notification with Honda. I received a letter saying they are going to attempt to correct the problem for the third time. He said it should lower the noise but not eliminate it. I am so upset. I feel like I live at my dealership/service dept. I wish I never bought this 2012 Pilot
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Honda Pilot EX SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Impressive fuel economy
- Pro:pleasant ride
- Pro:roomy third-row seat
- Pro:clever interior storage features.
- Con:Sluggish acceleration
- Con:some cheap interior plastics
- Con:feels cumbersome to drive.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Honda Pilot SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Honda Pilot in Ohio is:
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