2006 Honda Pilot

[Ewag2983]

So this past Saturday I traded my 05 Ram 2500 for a 2006 Honda Pilot. Great shape inside and out. Leather seats, the back 2 rows look like theyve never even been used. 130k miles on the clock, same as the truck I traded. All dealer service history. Only think that didn't work was the rear hvac, and that was a simple resistor replacement. Loving it so far and stellar gas mileage compared to the truck. Just didn't use the truck as it was meant to be used anymore.


So, besides the common VTM-4 issues in the rear end that I've read are pretty common, any other typical issues I might expect based on anyone elses experience here?

TIA.

 

[mrsilv04]

My boss has one of these, same year. Have always been intrigued by the European style turn signal light on the front fender.

 

[Balrog006]

Keep on top of the transmission fluid changes, not that it’ll cure or prevent catastrophic failure if one is eminent but it’ll keep the trans happy otherwise.

130k? Has the timing belt and water pump been changed? The Honda J35 V6 interval is 105-110k Miles and it’s a ~$1K Service. A tune up/new plugs are due at the same time, those been done yet?

The cabin filter is a bit of a PIA to change especially at first, but still somewhat of a complex thing for a cabin filter and probably takes 10-15 minutes.

Dealer will likely recommend “compliance bushings” for the lower front arms based on mileage, be sure to inspect them for actual damage before having that done, watch for the tie rods loosened up as well, they’ll cause a “clunk” when turning or over bumps.

Other than those, the platform is durable, efficient and fairly easy to do basic maintenance on.

 

[mx5miata]

That's a sharp looking SUV lots of luck that vehicle will clock well over 200k

 

[TmanP]

My dad had a 2004 in the same color that he traded 2 years ago for his Silverado. We took it to over 175k without much drama.
(However, interestingly, his 5.3 Silverado gets identical mileage.)
The Pilot was good to us, it had very few issues:

-the transmission (torque converter, I think) shuddered at ~40 mph for a number of years, but it held together
-it started burning some oil towards the end
-it had an appetite for tires and brakes
-just like you mentioned, the rear HVAC stopped working

Other than that, it just had a few cosmetic issues, like the fake-metal interior door handles peeling and the Honda logos on the wheels peeling, and the front armrest going flat.

Altogether, it was a very good car for us. We had it for 12 years and it never had much for "major issues".
I'm glad that you're happy with it and I wish you good luck with it.

 

[mclasser]

The 1st gen Pilot is very common in my neck-of-the-woods. They hold up well to road salt and are quite capable in the snow.

Check out piloteers.org.

 

[Ewag2983]

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
Keep on top of the transmission fluid changes, not that it’ll cure or prevent catastrophic failure if one is eminent but it’ll keep the trans happy otherwise.

130k? Has the timing belt and water pump been changed? The Honda J35 V6 interval is 105-110k Miles and it’s a ~$1K Service. A tune up/new plugs are due at the same time, those been done yet?

The cabin filter is a bit of a PIA to change especially at first, but still somewhat of a complex thing for a cabin filter and probably takes 10-15 minutes.

Dealer will likely recommend “compliance bushings” for the lower front arms based on mileage, be sure to inspect them for actual damage before having that done, watch for the tie rods loosened up as well, they’ll cause a “clunk” when turning or over bumps.

Other than those, the platform is durable, efficient and fairly easy to do basic maintenance on.


I will be doing the timing kit in 2 weeks, along with plugs, filters, oil change,vtm fluid change, and balance/rotate the tires. Im fortunate enough to have my own tire machines in my home garage. Timing kit will be easy enough. Ive done at least 50 Honda belts, just never one on a Pilot,but mot expecting any issues.

While I'm at it, I'll give the suspension and steering a good check.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Ursatdx]

Our 06 has been great.
140k on it. Did the timing belt/water pump, serp at 120k
130k new plugs, rotors and pads bushings, shocks,struts.
Routine 5k OCIs w/ Shell Synth.
Other fluids done per Maint schedule.
Best vehicle we've owned.
As stated above, very good snow machines.
Silver too and same wheels.
Soon to be my Daughters.

 

[229]

Drain and fill three quarts of Honda ATF and serpentine belt while you have it off.

 

[The Critic]

Nice find. At that mileage, you can also plan on replacing the front motor mount and the side motor mount. The side one has to come off when you do the t-belt service, so inspect it carefully. Use OE only....it is a fairly easy repair if you are mechanically inclined.

 

[SatinSilver]

Drain and fills only with that trans per Honda. I'd space them out 500 miles/1 week minimum for a gradual cleaning. You don't too big of a particle to break loose and clog of one of the many small internal passages up. Also any other driveline fluids that need to replaced I would change out.