The 2006 Honda Pilot is a popular mid-size SUV that was introduced in 2003 and is known for its versatility, reliability, and spacious interior. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to problems and issues.
Some common 2006 Honda Pilot problems reported by owners include transmission issues, faulty ignition coils, and problems with the power steering system. Other issues that have been reported include problems with the fuel pump, timing belt, and the suspension system.
While these problems can be frustrating for drivers, many can be resolved with regular maintenance and repair by a certified mechanic. It is important for owners of the 2006 Honda Pilot to be aware of these common problems and to have their vehicle regularly inspected to help prevent them from occurring.
2006 Honda Pilot Problems
1. Warped front brake rotors
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing a vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors. This problem can occur if the rotors become excessively hot due to heavy braking or if they have not been properly maintained.
To fix this issue, the front brake rotors will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
2. Overheated wire harness
Another common problem reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is that the low beams on their headlights may fail due to an overheated wire harness. This issue can be caused by a malfunctioning wire harness or by faulty connections within the wiring system.
To fix this problem, the wire harness will need to be replaced or repaired by a mechanic.
3. Map light not turning on when opening door
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported that the map light in their vehicle does not turn on when the door is opened, which can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous if you need to see the interior of your vehicle at night.
This issue can be caused by a faulty map light switch or a problem with the wiring system. A mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.
4. Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing a water leak in their vehicle due to a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. This issue can occur if the seal around the wire harness becomes damaged or fails, allowing water to enter the vehicle.
To fix this problem, the faulty seal will need to be repaired or replaced by a mechanic.
5. Knocking noise from front end, stabilizer link issues
Another common problem reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, which can be caused by stabilizer link issues. Stabilizer links are components that help to reduce vehicle sway and improve handling.
If the stabilizer links become worn or damaged, they may produce a knocking noise when the vehicle is in motion. To fix this problem, the faulty stabilizer links will need to be replaced by a mechanic.
6. Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing a noise and judder on turns, which can be caused by differential fluid breakdown. The differential is a component in the drivetrain of a vehicle that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
If the differential fluid becomes contaminated or breaks down, it can cause issues such as noise and judder on turns. To fix this problem, the differential fluid will need to be drained and replaced by a mechanic.
It is important to have the differential fluid checked and replaced at regular intervals to help prevent this issue from occurring.
7. Failed power resistor causing rear blower not to work
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported that the rear blower in their vehicle stopped working due to a failed power resistor. The power resistor is a component that helps to regulate the flow of electricity to the blower motor,
which powers the rear air conditioning and heating system. If the power resistor fails, it can cause the rear blower to stop working. To fix this problem, the faulty power resistor will need to be replaced by a mechanic.
8. Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
Another common issue reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is the check engine light coming on due to the vehicle running rough and experiencing difficulty starting.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ignition system, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, or a problem with the fuel system.
To diagnose and fix this problem, it will be necessary to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and for any necessary repairs to be made.
9. Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing issues with the engine idle speed, such as it becoming erratic or the engine stalling. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning idle air control valve, a faulty throttle position sensor, or a problem with the fuel system.
To fix this problem, it will be necessary to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and for any necessary repairs to be made.
10. Check engine and D4 lights flashing
Another issue that has been reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is the check engine and D4 lights flashing simultaneously. The D4 light indicates a problem with the transmission, while the check engine light indicates a problem with the engine.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning transmission control module or a problem with the transmission itself. To diagnose and fix this problem, it will be necessary to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and for any necessary repairs to be made.
11. Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine light coming on due to sticking rocker pins. Rocker pins are components that help to transfer motion from the camshaft to the valves in an internal combustion engine.
If the rocker pins become stuck, it can cause issues such as a misfire or reduced engine performance, which can trigger the check engine light. To fix this problem, the faulty rocker pins will need to be replaced by a mechanic.
12. Shim to correct chirping timing belt
Another issue that has been reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is a chirping noise coming from the timing belt. The timing belt is a component that helps to synchronize the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft in an internal combustion engine.
If the timing belt becomes misaligned or fails, it can cause issues such as a chirping noise. To fix this problem, a mechanic may need to install a shim to correct the alignment of the timing belt.
13. Check engine light and engine takes too long to start
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine light coming on and the engine taking too long to start. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty ignition system, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, or a problem with the fuel system.
To diagnose and fix this problem, it will be necessary to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and for any necessary repairs to be made
14. Faulty front inner fender liner may deform and contact tires
Another issue that has been reported by 2006 Honda Pilot owners is a faulty front inner fender liner that may deform and come into contact with the tires. This issue can occur if the fender liner becomes damaged or is not properly installed, and it can cause issues such as tire wear or damage to the fender liner itself.
To fix this problem, the faulty fender liner will need to be repaired or replaced by a mechanic.
15. Software update for false coolant sensor fault code
Some 2006 Honda Pilot owners have reported receiving a false coolant sensor fault code, which can be corrected with a software update. This issue can occur if there is a problem with the vehicle’s software or if the coolant sensor itself is faulty.
To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to perform a software update and/or replace the faulty coolant sensor.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Warped front brake rotors | Replace front brake rotors |
| Overheated wire harness causing low beams to fail | Replace or repair wire harness |
| Map light not turning on when opening door | Repair or replace map light switch or wiring |
| Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness | Repair or replace faulty seal |
| Knocking noise from front end due to stabilizer link issues | Replace faulty stabilizer links |
| Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Drain and replace differential fluid |
| Failed power resistor causing rear blower not to work | Replace faulty power resistor |
| Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting | Diagnose and repair underlying issue |
| Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls | Diagnose and repair underlying issue |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | Diagnose and repair underlying issue |
| Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins | Replace faulty rocker pins |
| Shim to correct chirping timing belt | Install shim to correct timing belt alignment |
| Check engine light and engine takes too long to start | Diagnose and repair underlying issue |
| Faulty front inner fender liner may deform and contact tires | Repair or replace faulty fender liner |
| Software update for false coolant sensor fault code | Perform software update and/or replace faulty coolant sensor |
2006 Honda Pilot Recalls
| Recall | Description | Affected Models |
| 19V501000 | Newly replaced passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V499000 | Newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 14 models |
| 18V268000 | Front passenger air bag inflator potentially installed improperly during replacement | 10 models |
| 17V029000 | Passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 7 models |
| 16V344000 | Passenger frontal air bag inflator ruptures on deployment | 8 models |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s front air bag defective | 10 models |
| 06V270000 | Incorrect NHTSA contact information in owner’s manual | 15 models |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects 2006-2011 Honda Pilots that have had their passenger air bag inflators replaced, as the newly replaced inflators may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflators will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects 2006-2011 Honda Pilots that have had their driver’s air bag inflators replaced, as the newly replaced inflators may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflators will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects certain 2006-2007 Honda Pilots, as the driver’s frontal air bag inflator may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects 2006-2011 Honda Pilots that have had their front passenger air bag inflators replaced, as the newly installed inflators may have been improperly installed. This can cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be properly installed by a certified mechanic.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall affects certain 2006-2007 Honda Pilots, as the passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall affects certain 2006 Honda Pilots, as the passenger frontal air bag inflator may rupture on deployment. This can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. To fix this problem, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall affects certain 2006 Honda Pilots, as the driver’s front air bag may be defective. In the event of a crash, the inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments, which can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
To fix this problem, the faulty air bag will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic
Recall 06V270000:
This recall affects certain 2006-2007 Honda Pilots, as the owner’s manual may contain incorrect NHTSA contact information.
This is a violation of federal law and can prevent consumers from being able to easily contact NHTSA with questions or concerns about their vehicle. To fix this problem, Honda will send an updated owner’s manual to affected vehicle owners.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2006-honda-pilot/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2006/
All Honda Pilot years we talked –
