Quick answer: the 2009–2015 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 takes 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) of oil with a filter change. Honda specifies 5W-20 for 2009–2011 and 0W-20 from 2012.
| Model years | Oil capacity (with filter) | Without filter | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2011 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 5W-20 |
| 2012–2015 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 0W-20 |
The oil grade changed in 2012. The 2009–2011 manuals list 5W-20 and the 2012–2014 manuals list 0W-20. The capacity stayed at 4.5 quarts, far less than the 5.7 quarts of the 2016 and newer Pilot.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Checked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 5W-20 | 2009 manual |
| 2010 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 5W-20 | 2010 manual |
| 2011 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 5W-20 | 2011 manual |
| 2012 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 0W-20 | 2012 manual |
| 2013 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 0W-20 | 2013 manual |
| 2014 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) | 0W-20 | 2014 manual |
| 2015 | 4.5 US qt (4.3 L)* | 0W-20* | Manual not published by Honda |
Recommended oil type
The 2009, 2010 and 2011 owner’s manuals call for 5W-20. The 2012, 2013 and 2014 manuals call for Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20 or an API premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil. Use an oil with the API Certification Seal.
How to reset the oil life on the 2009–2015 Honda Pilot
See also: Honda oil life reset for all models.
These are the two procedures in the 2013 Pilot owner’s manual. Which one applies depends on the display in your Pilot; if your screens look different, follow your own manual.
Models with the select/reset knob
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Press the select/reset knob repeatedly until the engine oil life is displayed.
- Press and hold the knob for 10 seconds or more. The reset mode appears.
- Press and hold the knob for five seconds or more. Oil life returns to 100%.
Models with the multi-information display
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Press the SEL/RESET button repeatedly until the engine oil life is displayed.
- Press and hold SEL/RESET for 10 seconds or more. The oil life reset mode appears.
- Select RESET with the information button, then press SEL/RESET. Oil life returns to 100%.
Oil change tips
- A 5-quart jug covers one change with a new filter.
- Add about 4 quarts, check the dipstick, then top up to the upper mark.
- Do not fill above the upper mark on the dipstick. Honda warns that overfilling can damage the engine.
- There is no fixed mileage interval in the manual: follow the Maintenance Minder percentage.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Honda’s owner’s manuals on Honda’s technical information server (techinfo.honda.com), Specifications and Maintenance Minder sections:
- 2009 Pilot owner’s manual
- 2010 Pilot owner’s manual
- 2011 Pilot owner’s manual
- 2012 Pilot owner’s manual
- 2013 Pilot owner’s manual
- 2014 Pilot owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 21, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2009–2015 Honda Pilot take?
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with a filter change. Every manual Honda publishes for this generation (2009–2014) lists the same figure.
What oil does a 2009–2015 Pilot use?
It depends on the year. The 2009, 2010 and 2011 manuals specify 5W-20. The 2012, 2013 and 2014 manuals specify 0W-20.
Can I use 0W-20 in a 2009–2011 Pilot?
Those owner’s manuals list 5W-20. Honda switched the recommendation to 0W-20 in the 2012 manual. Check with your Honda dealer before changing the grade on an older Pilot.
How much oil without changing the filter?
4.2 US quarts (4.0 L).
How do I reset the oil life on a 2009–2015 Pilot?
With the ignition ON, show the engine oil life, then hold the select/reset knob 10 seconds and then 5 more seconds. On models with the multi-information display, hold SEL/RESET 10 seconds, select RESET and press SEL/RESET.
Newer Pilot? See the 2016–2022 Honda Pilot oil type and capacity.