Honda Pilot Maintenance Schedule, 2016-2022: 3rd generation

Model years on this page: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Honda Pilot 2016-2022 at a glance

3rd generation (2016-2022)

3.5L SOHC V6 (J35Y6) with Variable Cylinder Management, 280 hp - 6-speed automatic (2016-2020, LX/EX/EX-L) or 9-speed automatic (2016-2020 Touring/Elite, standard on all trims from 2021)

Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic. Oil changes: 7,500-10,000 mi on the Maintenance Minder (estimate; Honda gives no fixed mileage).

Quick specs - Honda Pilot 2016-2022

Engine3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 (J35Y6) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), direct injection, 280 hp / 262 lb-ft
Oil type0W-20 Full Synthetic (Honda Genuine Motor Oil, API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil)
Oil capacity5.4 qts (change) / 5.7 qts with filter
Transmission
  • 2016-2020: 6-speed automatic (LX/EX/EX-L) or 9-speed automatic with Idle-Stop (Touring/Elite)
  • 2021-2022: 9-speed automatic with Idle-Stop (standard on every trim - the 6-speed automatic was discontinued for MY2021)
Transmission fluid
  • 2016-2020: Honda ATF DW-1 (6-speed automatic) or Honda ATF-Type 3.1 or higher (9-speed automatic) - the two fluids are not interchangeable
  • 2021-2022: Honda ATF-Type 3.1 or higher (DW-1 no longer applies - no trim uses the 6-speed automatic from MY2021 on)
CoolantHonda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (blue), 50/50 with distilled water

Honda Pilot 2016-2022 maintenance schedule

Each model year's source document is named under "by model year" below. A row or service that only some years have names those years.

IntervalService
Maintenance Minder Code A
  • Replace engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic)
  • Reset the oil life monitor - if "Maintenance Due Now" does not appear within 12 months, change the oil yearly regardless of the monitor
Maintenance Minder Code B
  • Replace engine oil and oil filter
  • Inspect front and rear brakes
  • Check parking brake adjustment
  • Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
  • Inspect suspension components
  • Inspect driveshaft boots
  • Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
  • Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect fuel lines and connections
Sub-code 1 - fires with Code B (typically every 7,500-10,000 mi)
  • Rotate tires
Sub-code 2 (typically every 15,000-30,000 mi) - sooner in dusty conditions or heavy industrial/vehicle-exhaust soot, per Honda
  • Replace engine air filter
  • Replace dust and pollen (cabin) filter
  • Inspect drive belt
Sub-code 3 - no fixed mileage (Honda prints none; the Maintenance Minder decides)
  • Replace transmission fluid
  • Replace transfer-case fluid - AWD (i-VTM4) models only
Sub-code 4 (typically every 100,000 mi) - roughly 60,000 mi under sustained extreme temperatures or heavy-load driving, per Honda
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Replace timing belt and inspect water pump - the J35 V6 is a timing-belt, interference-engine design in every Pilot generation, not chain-driven
  • Inspect valve clearance
Sub-code 5 - no fixed mileage in Honda's document; fires from monitored coolant condition
  • Replace engine coolant (Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, blue)
Sub-code 6 - AWD (i-VTM4) models only, per Maintenance Minder sub-code 6 (no fixed mileage in normal use)
  • Replace rear differential fluid (Honda DPSF-II)
Sub-code 6, severe duty only (AWD i-VTM4, sustained low-speed mountain driving or trailer towing) - 7,500 mi initial service, then every 15,000 mi
  • Replace rear differential fluid (Honda DPSF-II) sooner than normal duty, per Honda's severe-duty schedule for AWD (i-VTM4) models
Sub-code 7 - added to the Minder starting MY2019 (36 months since last reset if the Minder message has not already fired) (2019-2022 only)
  • Replace brake fluid
Independent of Maintenance Minder - every 3 years (not yet a tracked sub-code on MY2016-2018) (2016-2018 only)
  • Replace brake fluid

When to replace each part - Honda Pilot 2016-2022

The schedule above is organized by mileage. This is the same information organized by part, for when you already know what you are replacing and just need the interval.

Engine oil & filterHonda Maintenance Minder (Code A/B) - Minder is authoritative; typically 7,500-10,000 mi in practice, estimate
Transmission fluidMaintenance Minder sub-item 3 ("Replace transmission fluid") - Honda prints no mileage for normal or severe driving; the Minder decides when it is due
CoolantMaintenance Minder Sub-code 5 - no fixed mileage in Honda's document
Spark plugsNGK DILZKR7B11G - Maintenance Minder Sub-code 4, typically every 100,000 mi per Honda press materials
Engine air filterMaintenance Minder Sub-code 2, typically every 15,000-30,000 mi (estimate)
Cabin air filterMaintenance Minder Sub-code 2, typically every 15,000-30,000 mi (estimate)
BrakesInspected at every Maintenance Minder Code B, typically every 7,500-10,000 mi (estimate)
TiresRotated at Maintenance Minder Sub-code 1, typically every 7,500-10,000 mi (estimate; tied to the oil change)
BatteryNo fixed Honda interval found; test annually, typical lifespan 4-5 years (general estimate, not Honda-specified)

OEM-spec parts for the Honda Pilot 2016-2022

PartFitment noteBuy
Honda Genuine 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (5 qt)OEM spec for the 3.5L J35Y6 V6, every 3rd gen trimCheck price on Amazon
Honda ATF DW-1 (1 qt)2016-2020 only. For the 6-speed automatic (LX/EX/EX-L, 2016-2020) - not the 9-speedCheck price on Amazon
Honda ATF-Type 3.1 (1 qt)For the 9-speed automatic (Touring/Elite, 2016-2020) - not interchangeable with DW-1Check price on Amazon
Compare Type 3.1 automatic transmission fluid for the 2016-2022 Honda Pilot on Amazon
NGK DILZKR7B11G Iridium Spark PlugOEM plug for the 3.5L J35Y6 V6 (3rd gen, 2016-2022)Check price on Amazon
Honda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (blue, 1 gal)Use only Honda Type 2 blue - do not mix coolant typesCheck price on Amazon
Compare Type 2 coolant for the 2016-2022 Honda Pilot on Amazon
Honda Genuine Dual Pump Fluid II 08200-9007 (1 qt)AWD (i-VTM4) trims onlyCheck price on Amazon
More options for the 2016-2022 Honda Pilot on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure: ServiceSage Auto participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date.

Honda Pilot 2016-2022 torque specs

Lug nut2016: 94 ft-lbs (127 Nm) (19mm socket)

Torque specs via Honda genuine accessory installation instructions (2016 18" wheel).

How to reset the oil life / maintenance light - Honda Pilot

Maintenance Minder reset (SEL/RESET knob)

  1. Ignition to ON/II, engine off.
  2. Press the SEL/RESET knob repeatedly to cycle the display until "Engine Oil Life %" or the Maintenance Minder code appears.
  3. Press and hold SEL/RESET for about 10 seconds, until the oil-life percentage and maintenance code(s) start blinking.
  4. To reset only the completed item, rotate the knob to highlight it first. To reset everything, press and hold SEL/RESET again for about 5 more seconds while it is blinking.
  5. The display stops blinking and resets to 100% - reset confirmed.

Honda Pilot by model year

Each model year's own record: the manual its schedule comes from, and what NHTSA and the EPA list for that year.

2016 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder System

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
23V7510002023-11-13engine and engine cooling
21V9320002021-11-29structure
17V2190002017-03-30fuel system, gasoline
16V4170002016-06-09fuel system, gasoline
15V6680002015-10-16electrical system
15V4240002015-07-06seat belts

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 1,711 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • engine: 771
  • electrical system: 579
  • power train: 201

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2016:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto 6-spdGasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2017 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder System

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
21V9320002021-11-29structure

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 929 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • engine: 470
  • electrical system: 266
  • fuel/propulsion system: 122

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2017:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto 6-spdGasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2018 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder System

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
23V7510002023-11-13engine and engine cooling
21V9320002021-11-29structure
19V2980002019-04-12engine and engine cooling
18V2210002018-04-05seats

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 440 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • engine: 157
  • electrical system: 85
  • power train: 78

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2018:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto 6-spdGasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2019 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder Service Codes

Recalls

NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2019 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
23V7510002023-11-13engine and engine cooling
23V4310002023-06-15back over prevention
21V9320002021-11-29structure
21V2150002021-03-25fuel system, gasoline
21V1650002021-03-11tires
20V4390002020-07-28back over prevention
20V4400002020-07-28electrical system
19V7840002019-10-31structure
19V2980002019-04-12engine and engine cooling
18V8480002018-11-28structure

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 910 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • electrical system: 264
  • engine: 234
  • forward collision avoidance: 123

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2019:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto 6-spdGasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2020 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder Service Codes

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
24V0640002024-02-01air bags
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
23V4310002023-06-15back over prevention
23V1740002023-03-16visibility
21V1650002021-03-11tires
20V4390002020-07-28back over prevention
20V4400002020-07-28electrical system
20V0670002020-02-06equipment
19V7840002019-10-31structure

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 492 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • electrical system: 214
  • engine: 101
  • forward collision avoidance: 89

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2020:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto 6-spdGasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2021 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder Service Codes

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
24V0640002024-02-01air bags
23V8580002023-12-18fuel system, gasoline
23V4580002023-06-29service brakes, hydraulic
23V4310002023-06-15back over prevention
23V1740002023-03-16visibility
20V7250002020-11-20tires
20V4390002020-07-28back over prevention
20V4400002020-07-28electrical system

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 439 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • electrical system: 130
  • engine: 107
  • forward collision avoidance: 98

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2021:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2022 Honda Pilot

Maintenance schedule source: Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Maintenance Minder Service Codes

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2022 Honda Pilot:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V3650002026-06-04structure
26V3320002026-05-21air bags
24V0640002024-02-01air bags
23V4580002023-06-29service brakes, hydraulic
23V4310002023-06-15back over prevention

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Honda Pilot. Top component areas reported:

  • forward collision avoidance: 45
  • electrical system: 38
  • engine: 33

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2022:

EngineTransmissionFuel
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S9)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

More Honda Pilot maintenance schedules