2020 Honda Pilot

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
3.5L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
0W-20 Full Synthetic (4.5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S9)
Wheel Torque
94
ft-lbs

The 2020 Honda Pilot maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Honda Pilot.

For oil changes, the 2020 Honda Pilot takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Type 2 Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF DW-1. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Honda Pilot, torque the lug nuts to 94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2020 Honda Pilot have reported 5 common issues including "Phantom Braking (CMBS Malfunction)", "Infotainment System Crashes and Black Screen" and "Rough Transmission Shifting". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 9 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2020 Honda Pilot. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2020 Honda Pilot uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2020 Honda Pilot Specifications
Motor Oil0W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Lug Nut Torque94 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantBlue Type 2 Coolant (OAT)
Transmission FluidATF DW-1
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF DW-1
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Coolant
Fluid Type
Blue Type 2 Coolant (OAT)
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Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
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Washer Fluid
Windshield
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DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2020 Honda Pilot.

Common problems reported by 2020 Honda Pilot owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Phantom Braking (CMBS Malfunction)

The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activates unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to brake hard for no apparent reason even when no obstacles are present. This is the most commonly reported safety issue and can be startling and dangerous.

Solution

Honda has released software updates to improve CMBS radar calibration. Ensure the front radar sensor (behind the Honda emblem) is clean and unobstructed. Visit the dealer for the latest CMBS software update. In persistent cases, the radar module may need replacement.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $500 - $1,000 for radar module
2

Infotainment System Crashes and Black Screen

The infotainment system frequently crashes, displays a black screen, or loses the backup camera feed. Crackling noises may come through the speakers. The system may require a full vehicle restart to recover, affecting navigation, audio, and climate controls.

Solution

Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10+ seconds. Check for and install the latest system updates at the dealer. Honda has released multiple patches for the infotainment stability. If the head unit hardware is failing, replacement is needed.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $800 - $1,500 for head unit
3

Rough Transmission Shifting

The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts roughly, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gears during low-speed driving. The shifts feel jerky and abrupt, especially when the transmission is cold. Some owners describe a shudder during light acceleration.

Solution

A transmission control module software update from Honda can improve shift smoothness. Ensure the transmission fluid is at the correct level and has been changed on schedule. In persistent cases, the torque converter or valve body may need attention.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $200 for fluid change; $1,500 - $3,000 for torque converter
4

Engine Stalling at Low Speed

The engine can stall unexpectedly when coming to a stop or while idling, potentially leaving the driver without power steering and power brake assistance. Some owners report this happening intermittently with no check engine light.

Solution

Have the dealer check for TSBs related to idle control and fuel delivery. The throttle body may need cleaning, or the idle air control system may need recalibration. Check for fuel pump recalls that may apply to your VIN.

Est. Cost: $100 - $300 for throttle body service; free if recall applies
5

Battery and Electrical System Drain

The 12V battery drains prematurely, sometimes within 2 years. The vehicle may fail to start after sitting for a few days. Multiple electronic modules that fail to properly enter sleep mode create a parasitic electrical draw.

Solution

Replace the 12V battery with a higher CCA-rated AGM battery. Have the dealer perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source. Honda has issued software updates for certain modules that fail to sleep properly.

Est. Cost: $200 - $350 for battery; $0 for software updates

9 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2020 Honda Pilot. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign: 24V064000 Date: 01/02/2024

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

2

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 23V858000 Date: 18/12/2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

3

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 23V431000 Date: 15/06/2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.

4

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Campaign: 23V174000 Date: 16/03/2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.

5

TIRES

Campaign: 21V165000 Date: 11/03/2021

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

Consequence

Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2021. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co. customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UA2.

6

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 20V439000 Date: 28/07/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.

7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 20V440000 Date: 28/07/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.

8

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign: 20V067000 Date: 06/02/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.

Consequence

If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is B6T.

9

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign: 19V784000 Date: 31/10/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles. The front frame left and right side upper members may not have been welded completely to the unibody. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge. If the vehicle is identified as missing welds, the dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle or provide a similar replacement vehicle. Owner notification began November 6 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6J.

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Pilot — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212019201820172016
See Also
2020 Honda Pilot Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2020 Honda PilotAll Vehicles Using 0W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2020 Honda PilotWiper Replacement: 2020 Honda Pilot