In brief, the Honda Pilot uses front MacPherson struts and rear shocks. This means there are struts at the front and conventional shock absorbers at the rear.
The Honda Pilot's suspension design has evolved across generations, but the general arrangement remains: a MacPherson strut front suspension paired with a rear independent suspension that uses coil springs and separate shock absorbers. Understanding this helps with maintenance decisions, parts selection, and diagnosing ride issues across model years.
Suspension layout explained
Below are the key details about the front and rear suspension arrangements you’ll commonly find on modern Honda Pilots.
- Front suspension uses MacPherson struts, which integrate the coil spring, shock absorber, and top mounting into a single assembly attached to the wheel hub.
- Rear suspension uses an independent multi-link design with coil springs and separate shock absorbers (not rear struts) to control wheel movement and ride comfort.
- Because of this setup, front wear items are typically struts or strut assemblies, while rear wear items are shocks (absorbers) along with related hardware.
Recognizing the front-strut and rear-shock arrangement helps with selecting the correct replacement parts and planning maintenance intervals.
Maintenance considerations
When replacing worn components on a Honda Pilot, know that:
- Front replacements commonly involve struts or strut assemblies, including mounts and bearings.
- Rear replacements involve shocks (absorbers) and may also involve related components like sway bar links or mounts depending on wear.
- Always follow Honda’s service specifications for torque, alignment, and ensuring proper ride height to maintain handling and comfort.
If you’re unsure about your model year, consult the owner's manual or a dealer service bulletin for the exact suspension configuration tied to your VIN.
Summary
Across Honda Pilot generations, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts while the rear relies on an independent multi-link design with separate shock absorbers. In short, the Pilot features struts up front and shocks in the rear.
What is the biggest complaint about Honda Pilot?
Transmission Problems
Many Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing unsettling transmission issues. Symptoms often include rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, unexpected jerking, or even complete transmission failure.
How long do struts last on a Honda Pilot?
between 75,000 and 90,000 miles
How Long Do Shocks and Struts Last? Under normal conditions, you shocks and struts should last between 75,000 and 90,000 miles.
What are the first signs of bad shocks?
Read on to learn the signs of worn shocks & struts:
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a Honda Pilot?
The average cost for a Honda Pilot Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $1,051 and $1,459. Labor costs are estimated between $346 and $507 while parts are priced between $705 and $952.