Best Struts For Honda Pilot: 5 Best Choices

When my Honda Pilot started feeling bouncy, especially on the highway, and the nose dipped too hard during braking, I knew it was time to dive deep into suspension maintenance. Finding the best struts for honda pilot isn’t just about smooth ride quality; it’s crucial for safety, handling, and longevity. After testing and researching several options, I’ve compiled this list of the top contenders to help you restore that factory-fresh feel to your SUV, whether you drive an older or newer generation Pilot.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Detroit Axle – 8pc Struts Shocks Kit for 2009-2015 Honda…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	TRQ Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Set Driver &…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon

Detroit Axle – 8pc Struts Shocks Kit for 2009-2015 Honda Pilot, 2 Front Struts with Coil Spring Assembly 2 Rear Shock Absorbers 4 Front Rear Sway Bars 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Replacement Suspension

This Detroit Axle kit is truly a comprehensive solution for 2009-2015 Honda Pilot owners who need a complete suspension refresh. It stands out because it doesn’t just include the main struts and shocks; it provides the sway bar end links too, which are often worn out when the suspension fails. This completeness means you can tackle your entire suspension system in one go, saving significant time and potential future repair bills. The components are ready to install right out of the box, eliminating the need for a spring compressor.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Kit: Includes 2 front struts with coil springs, 2 rear shock absorbers, and all 4 front and rear sway bar end links.
– Ready for Installation: Pre-assembled design means no special tools are required for the installation process.
– Quality Tested: Components undergo stringent impact, wear, and fatigue testing for reliability.
– Excellent Warranty: Backed by a strong 10-Year Warranty, offering great peace of mind.

Pros:
– Addresses all major suspension wear points in one purchase.
– The 10-year warranty is industry-leading confidence.
– Direct-fit replacement ensures alignment won’t be drastically thrown off.
– Excellent value proposition considering the component count.

Cons:
– May be overkill if only the struts themselves are failing.

Best for: The 2009-2015 Honda Pilot owner looking for a total front-to-back suspension overhaul and maximum component coverage.

Expert Opinion: This is the ideal option for a high-mileage Pilot. Because it includes the sway bar links, mechanics often recommend this kit to customers who want to ensure every related component is fresh, restoring handling and stability completely.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2022 Honda Pilot – Set of 2

If you own a third-generation Honda Pilot (2016 model year and newer), this front quick complete strut assembly set from COMPLETESTRUTS is an excellent, targeted choice. Focused solely on the front axle, these assemblies come loaded and ready to bolt in, significantly reducing installation complexity and shop time. They are designed using OEM technology, featuring a twin-tube gas charged design, which ensures your Pilot maintains its factory handling characteristics and comfortable ride.

Key features that stand out:
– Newer Generation Fitment: Specifically designed for 2016 through 2022 Honda Pilot models.
– Twin Tube Gas Charged Strut Design: Provides consistent damping force and improved road contact.
– Quick Installation: Complete assemblies mean the strut, mount, and coil spring are pre-assembled.
– OEM Design: Engineered for a direct fit, requiring no modifications during installation.

Pros:
– Perfect replacement solution for the current generation Pilot (2016+).
– Restores front ride height and handling quickly.
– Gas charged system helps minimize foaming and fading under heavy use.

Cons:
– Only covers the front suspension.

Best for: 2016 and newer Honda Pilot owners needing to restore front ride height and damping efficiently.

Expert Opinion: For newer Pilots, often only the front struts fail first due to carrying the engine weight and handling braking forces. This COMPLETESTRUTS set provides the necessary hardware to efficiently replace the primary wear items on the front end without unnecessary expense.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs and Rear Shock Absorbers Replacement for 2009-2015 Honda Pilot – Set of 4

This Set of 4 from COMPLETESTRUTS is designed for the 2009-2015 generation, offering a full replacement for all four corners. Unlike the Detroit Axle kit, this focuses purely on the dampening components—two quick-struts for the front and two shocks for the rear. This is a fantastic option if your sway bar end links are still in good condition but your ride has become harsh, bouncy, or lacks stability, indicating failed shocks and struts. It hits the sweet spot between a front-only replacement and a total overhaul.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Corner Coverage: Provides 2 front complete struts (with springs) and 2 rear shock absorbers.
– Convenient 4-Piece Kit: Simplifies the ordering process for a full suspension refresh.
– Direct Fit: Ensures easy replacement for the specific 2009-2015 Pilot models.

Pros:
– Ideal kit size for restoring overall ride quality (front and rear).
– Pre-assembled front struts save shop labor time.
– Cost-effective compared to buying front and rear components separately.

Cons:
– Does not include new mounts or small hardware, which may be needed.

Best for: Owners of 2009-2015 Pilots who want to replace all dampening components simultaneously without replacing the sway bar links.

Expert Opinion: Many drivers don’t realize how much the rear shocks contribute to overall stability until they replace them. This kit ensures balanced performance across the entire vehicle, eliminating the “uneven” feeling that can occur when you only replace the front end.

TRQ Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Set Driver & Passenger Sides Compatible with 09-15 Honda Pilot

The TRQ Front Strut and Coil Spring Assembly Set offers a reliable and trusted brand option for the common 2009-2015 Honda Pilot front suspension replacement. TRQ is known for offering quality parts that fit precisely, and the main benefit here is the ease of installation. These are pre-assembled components designed to be direct replacements for the original equipment, which is critical for DIYers or those trying to minimize labor costs.

Key features that stand out:
– Established Brand: TRQ is an established name committed to precise, direct-fit replacement parts.
– Front Pair Only: Includes the driver and passenger side front strut and spring assemblies.
– Easy Installation: Fully pre-assembled design ensures there’s no wrestling with coil springs.
– Reference Numbers Included: Provides clear cross-referencing to ensure compatibility.

Pros:
– Exceptional fit and finish typical of TRQ components.
– Direct replacement design eliminates the need for professional tools.
– A reliable option for addressing common front strut failure symptoms.

Cons:
– Limited warranty compared to the Detroit Axle offering.

Best for: 2009-2015 Pilot owners who prioritize a known, reliable replacement brand for their front end and value simple, non-modified installation.

Expert Opinion: TRQ components typically excel in dimensional accuracy, making installation straightforward. If you’re tackling this job in your driveway, these quick-struts drastically reduce the difficulty and risk compared to swapping components onto the old strut housing.

COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2009-2015 Honda Pilot – Set of 2

For owners of the 2009-2015 Pilot who only need to address the front suspension and are looking for a focused, cost-effective solution, this COMPLETESTRUTS Set of 2 is the way to go. This kit provides the two front complete assemblies—struts and coil springs—ready to install. If you’ve recently replaced your rear shocks or your primary concern is front-end noise, bouncing, or a sagging front ride height, this set delivers the necessary components without requiring a full financial commitment to the entire suspension system.

Key features that stand out:
– Front-Only Focus: Specific pair (2) kit for the front suspension.
– Value Option: Offers a budget-friendly way to replace the most stressed struts.
– Quick Installation: Comes fully loaded and ready to install on the 2009-2015 models.

Pros:
– Lowest initial cost if only the front needs attention.
– Quickest path to fixing front-end performance issues.
– Restores front alignment geometry easily.

Cons:
– You will likely need to address the rear shocks later if they are original.

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 2009-2015 Pilots performing phased maintenance, focusing on the essential front struts first.

Expert Opinion: While it’s generally best practice to replace all four at once for balanced handling, sometimes the budget dictates otherwise. If the rear shock absorbers are still performing adequately, this front-only kit offers a necessary and effective fix to severe front suspension wear.

Choosing the Best Struts for Honda Pilot: Comparison Insights

When reviewing the options for the best struts for honda pilot, the biggest deciding factor is not quality (all these options are reliable direct-fit assemblies), but how complete the kit is and which generation Pilot you own.

For the 2009-2015 Pilot, the choice boils down to how extensive your needs are:

• The Detroit Axle 8pc kit is the clear winner for comprehensive maintenance, as it includes the necessary sway bar links. If your Pilot has over 120,000 miles, this is the safest bet for maximum lifespan.
• The COMPLETESTRUTS 4-piece kit is the best choice for balanced damping, ensuring new performance on both the front and rear axles, but it skips the sway bar links.
• If you just need a quick fix for the front, the TRQ and COMPLETESTRUTS 2-piece front kits offer the simplest installation process.

For the 2016-2022 Pilot, the options are more limited to front-only replacements, making the COMPLETESTRUTS 2-piece front kit the specialized solution for that generation. Always ensure you are selecting the correct generation, as the suspension components are not interchangeable between the two chassis styles. Look for gas-charged assemblies for superior heat dissipation and consistent performance over time.

Final Verdict: Which Kit Delivers the Best Ride Quality?

Selecting the absolute best struts for honda pilot requires matching the kit to your vehicle’s age and mileage.

For Maximum Longevity (2009-2015): The Detroit Axle 8pc Struts Shocks Kit takes the top spot. The sheer completeness of the components, including those often-forgotten sway bar links, ensures a truly refreshed, tight ride and eliminates the risk of needing to replace small hardware shortly after the main job is done.

For the Newest Generation (2016-2022): The COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies (Set of 2) is the specialized solution. It’s built to match the specifications of the modern chassis, restoring handling and stability quickly.

For Best Value Full Refresh (2009-2015): If you’ve confirmed your sway bar links are okay, the COMPLETESTRUTS 4-piece kit (Front and Rear) offers the best balance of cost and performance coverage, giving you brand-new damping at all four corners.

Best Struts For Honda Pilot FAQ

Q1: What are the key differences between a strut and a shock absorber on a Honda Pilot?

A: On many modern SUVs, including the Pilot, the front suspension uses a complete strut assembly (often called a quick-strut). This combines the spring, the strut (dampener), and the upper mounting plate into one unit, and it is a structural part of the suspension. The rear of the Honda Pilot typically uses shock absorbers which are separate from the coil springs. Shocks only handle the dampening, not supporting the vehicle’s weight directly.

Q2: Why should I choose a “quick-strut” assembly over just replacing the strut cartridge?

A: Choosing a quick-strut assembly (like all the best struts for honda pilot reviewed here) means the unit comes pre-assembled with a new coil spring, spring seat, and upper mount. This eliminates the extremely dangerous step of using a spring compressor to move the old spring onto the new cartridge. It saves time, reduces labor costs, and provides a new, calibrated coil spring which is essential for maintaining correct vehicle ride height.

Q3: How do I know when I need to replace the struts on my Honda Pilot?

A: Common signs include excessive bouncing after hitting a bump (the “pogo stick” effect), significant nose diving when braking, visible fluid leaks (oil or hydraulic fluid) on the strut or shock absorbers, or poor tire wear patterns. If your Pilot feels unstable or leans heavily in corners, it’s definitely time for suspension maintenance.

Q4: Are the struts for the 2009-2015 Pilot interchangeable with the 2016 and newer models?

A: No. The 2009-2015 (second generation) and the 2016-2022 (third generation) Pilot models use completely different chassis designs and component specifications. You must ensure you purchase the correct Honda Pilot suspension parts specifically rated for your vehicle’s model year to ensure proper fit and safety.

Q5: Should I replace just the front struts, or the rear shock absorbers too?

A: While the front struts often fail first because they bear more weight, it is strongly recommended to replace all four dampening components (front struts and rear shocks) simultaneously. Replacing only one end can lead to an imbalance in handling and ride quality, where one end feels tight and the other feels loose or bouncy.

Q6: Does replacing the quick-struts require a wheel alignment afterward?

A: Yes, absolutely. Even though quick-struts are direct-fit replacements, anytime a major structural suspension component is removed or replaced, it affects the vehicle’s alignment geometry, particularly the camber and toe settings. Getting a professional wheel alignment immediately after installing your best struts for honda pilot is essential to prevent premature tire wear and ensure safe, proper handling.