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2012 Honda Pilot MPG

20 mpg combined across 2 EPA-rated versions. Best: Pilot 2WD (FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 18 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined.

Every version

Abbreviations and method

How it compares

• 2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD: class average 20.9 mpg over 113 versions; best Pilot −0.9 (#64).
• 2011: 19 mpg best (+1 for 2012).
• 2013: 20 mpg best.
• Available as FWD, AWD.
• 2026 model: 22 mpg best (+2).

Safety

171 owner complaints: Engine 35, Service Brakes 28, Electrical System 22, Air Bags 20. Crashes 17, fires 3, injuries 19.

Recent owner reports: Engine

“On April 9, 2026, my daughter came in from school and parked her Honda Pilot at about 5:10PM. At about 7:03PM, my wife and I were sitting outside and heard a loud POP, it sounded like a car backfiring. I went to investigate and saw a little smoke and a small orange glowing piece of something on the ground under the vehicle towards the front of the vehicle.”

“The check transmission light comes and goes. Ive had the transmission flushed with no issues. It pulls codes for the torque converter as its supposedly getting stuck per mechanic or is over heating and throwing the code. It does not drive rough and I believe it is a faulty code that needs to be addressed and updated and cleared. Ive had it cleared out once and it stayed off for a whole month.”

“Unusual amount of oil consumption. Faulty cylinder 3. Gaskets cause the oil to leak into the spark plugs causing the engine light to come on with loss of power. Changed cylinder 3 spark plug at least 10 times or more since purchasing the vehicle in 2021. Oil also drips onto the alternator, replaced it twice in 9 months. Wheels and steering wheel shake when hitting the brakes.”

Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.

Recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).

Nearby years

• 2005 · 17 mpg
• 2006 · 18 mpg
• 2011 · 19 mpg
• 2015 · 20 mpg
• 2016 · 23 mpg

All 24 years →