2013 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 271 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 12 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Campaign 19V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 16, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Campaign 19V378000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleSep 27, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Campaign 18V661000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Campaign 18V042000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineAug 27, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles and certain model year 2013 Odyssey vehicles. During manufacturing of the engine piston, it is possible that the heat treatment process was not properly applied, resulting in the piston having an insufficient hardness level, making it more susceptible to premature wear.
A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JB4 (Honda Odyssey) and JB5 (Honda Pilot).
Campaign 13V382000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 13V016000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
271 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jul 5, 2019
PAINT IS PEELING
Engine, Jul 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER FLASHING NUMEROUS TIMES. BMW OF MURRIETA (41430 AUTO MALL PKWY, MURRIETA, CA 92562, (951) 200-5491) DID NOT MENTION IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V382000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY HAD A REDUCTION IN POWER WHEN NEEDING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2019
PAINT BETWEEN THE SUNROOF AND FRONT WIND SHIELD PEELING OFF.
Air bags, Jul 5, 2019
TAKATA RECALL WENT TO HONDA CITY OF BETHPAGE BECAUSE I RECEIVED AN EMAIL REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL. WAITED HOURS JUST TO LET ME KNOW AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED AND WILL NOT FIX IT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. DIDN'T EVEN BOTHERING ASKING ME I WANTED IT TO BE FIX OR NOT. SO I'M ASSUMING HONDA DOES NOT FIX AIRBAGS.
Structure, Jun 22, 2019
COMPLAINTS INVOLVING PAINT PEEL FROM HONDA PILOT RECALL. VEHICLE PAINT IS PEELING AT ROOF LINE COMMON TO WHERE WINDSHIELD INSTALL AND SUNROOF INSTALL. QUALITY OF PAINT IS NOT ISSUE. MANUFACTURING PROCESS IS THE ISSUE. MOST LIKELY A RESULT OF POOR WORKMANSHIP DUE TO PREPARATION OF METAL PRIOR TO APPLICATION OF PAINT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTROSTATIC APPLICATION. WILL REQUEST FULL REPAINT OF VEHICLE FROM DEALERSHIP AT MANUFACTURE EXPENSE. VEHICLE IS GARAGED IN 70-75 DEGREE ENVIRONMENT AND IS DRIVEN TYPICAL MILES FOR AGE OF VEHICLE. NO KNOWN EXTERNAL ISSUE SUCH AS CHEMICAL SPILL HAIL OR OTHER DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED ON AREA OF CONCERN OR ANY OTHER AREA. ORIGINAL OWNER OF VEHICLE. BOUGHT NEW FROM EXCELLENT DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS DONE 100% OF ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS INCLUDING TIRE REPLACEMENT, TUNE UPS, ETC.
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2019
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND REAR LATCH WAS UNABLE TO OPEN FROM BUTTON ON HATCH OR KEY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN REAR LATCH. I COULD NOT FIND ANY WAY TO OPEN THE REAR LATCH EVEN FROM INSIDE WITH AN ESCAPE BUTTON.
Exterior lighting, May 22, 2019
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACING THE BULB, BUT IT STILL WOULDN'T WORK. SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS LATER THE DRIVERS' SIDE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. WHEN LOOKING IT UP ONLINE, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS FAR BACK AS 2005 HONDA MODELS AND NOT ONLY WITH THE PILOTS BUT SEVERAL OTHER MODELS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 5/30/19 AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND WILL GET AN ESTIMATE ON THE COST FOR FIXING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. AT WHAT POINT DOES HONDA NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF THEIR CUSTOMERS PAYING FOR THEIR FAULTY WIRING?
Structure, May 9, 2019
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF MY PILOT. IT IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. WORRIED ABOUT POTENTIAL RUST AND COMPROMISE OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAR. HONDA WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY THOUGH IT IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2019
VEHICLE IS PARKED IN A CARPORT IN THE EVENINGS AND IN A CARPORT AT WORK DURING THE WEEKDAYS. THE PAINT ON THE ROOF BETWEEN THE SUNROOF COMPLETELY PEELED OFF IN SHEETS, LEAVING THE META UNDERNEATH EXPOSED.
Structure, May 6, 2019
LARGE SECTION OF WHITE DIAMOND PEARL PAINT PEELED AWAY FROM THE ROOF OF VEHICLE BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. FURTHER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET INDICATES THIS IS A WIDESPREAD DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY AND HONDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR IS AN ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED ACROSS THE HONDA LINE WITH WHITE VEHICLES FROM THEIR ALABAMA PLANT. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN 2 OTHER WHITE PILOTS WITH SAME PEELING IN MY AREA ALONE ALONG WITH MANY PHOTOS FROM OTHER OWNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Engine, May 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND VTM-4 INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Structure, Apr 29, 2019
PAINT PEELING IN MULTIPLE AREAS ON VEHICLE. STARTED ON INSIDE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER ALONG HOOD LINE AND ROOF BETWEEN TOP OF WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF. PAINT PEELING IS SHOWING UP IN NEW PLACES AND PROGRESSIVELY PEELING DAILY.
Structure, Apr 29, 2019
PAINT PEELED OFF ON ROOF BETWEEN WINDSHIELD AND MOON ROOF WHILE DRIVING. APPROXIMATELY 10' BY 12' IS THE SIZE OF THE PEEL. THE AREA OF THE PEEL HAS NEVER COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY FOREIGN OBJECTS NOR WERE THEIR ANY SCRATCHES OR DENT OR DINGS.
Structure, Apr 27, 2019
THE PAINT ON MY WHITE 2013 HONDA PILOT BEGAN TO FAIL IN 2017. THE PAINT HAS FAILED AND WAS LITERALLY PEELING OFF IN SHEETS BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND MOONROOF. IT'S VERY CLEAR THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE SINCE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF WHITE HONDA VEHICLES EXPERIENCING PAINT FAILURE.
Service brakes, Apr 23, 2019
2013 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WARPED ROTORS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. *JS
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2019
THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERYTIME WE OPEN A DOOR TO GET IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR IMMEDIATELY CLOSES. I BELIEVE IT IS A DOOR CHECK ISSUE. THIS IS CONCERNING BECAUSE WHEN TRYING TO GET SMALL KIDS IN AND OUT , THE DOORS DO NOT STAY OPEN, EVEN IF WE ARE ON COMPLETELY FLAT GROUND. ALSO WHEN TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE 3RD SEAT ROW, THE DOOR CLOSES ON ONES FACE, CAUSING ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN. I HAVE A NEPHEW WHO HAD HIS FINGER BADLY SMASHED IN THE DOOR DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE ON ANOTHER HONDA PILOT. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE THAT SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED OR RECALLED TO BE FIXED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR PAST 3 YEARS.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2019, crash
I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35MPH IN A CITY STREET AND SLOWLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. OUT OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND RUNNING OFF THE ROAD. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Power train, Mar 8, 2019
I HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND STATED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF REPORTS REGARDING ISSUES WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER OF THE HONDA PILOT. SIGNIFICANTLY, REPORT STATES THAT THERE IS SHUDDERING AND VIBRATION DURING SHIFT CHANGE. THIS WAS ADDRESSED TO THEM WHEN I HAVE MY CAR WHEN IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. THEY SAID IT IS JUST THE WAY IT WAS DESIGN BUT HONESTLY, IT WAS REALLY ANNOYING. SO NOW, AFTER ABOUT 95,000 MILES, AN ISSUE CAME UP. I DO BELIEVE THAT THESE TWO EVENT ARE RELATED. PLEASE CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS MATTER. THE SHUDDERING/VIBRATIONS HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING, DECCELERATING, AT IDLE, FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATES, WHEN MAKING A TRUN WHILE ACCELERATING SLOWLY.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2019
PAINT STARTING COMING OFF FIRST SMALL CIRCLE THEN MORE AND MORE IT GOES FROM SIDE TO SIDE BETWEEN MY SUNROOF AND WINDSHIELD.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2019
PAINT IS PEELING OFF BETWEEN WINDSHIELD AND SUN ROOF, ON THE HOOD AND FRONT FENDERS. VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND IT CLEARLY DELAMINATING, WHICH IS A FACTORY DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
Structure, Feb 19, 2019
MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUN VISORS, WHICH SHOULD BE LATCHED AND OUT OF THE WAY WHILE DRIVING, DROPPING DOWN BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW CAUSING A SERIOUS PROBLEM. (THE PROBLEM EXISTS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING ON A ROUGH OR REPAIRED ROAD.)
Visibility/wiper, Feb 18, 2019
WHEN IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CEILING, SEAT, AND FLOOR WOULD BE WET.
Structure, Feb 12, 2019
MY 2013 HONDA PILOT HAS PAINT PEELING OFF. THE PAINT IS MISSING OFF FROM THE ROOF BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. IT STARTED OUT SMALL DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL MORE STARTED FALLING OFF. I STARTED SEARCHING ONLINE AND NOTICED OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I EMAILED HONDA AND THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM AND SAID I'M OUT OF MY WARRENTY. THERE IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE PAINT THAT WAS USED.
Structure, Jan 31, 2019
PAINT IS PEELING DOWN TO THE METAL BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN IT WAS NOTICED. THE CAR IS GARAGED.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2019
PAINT ON ROOF OF CAR IS PEELING IN SHEETS TO THE BARE METAL. THE DAMAGE IS ON THE ROOF BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF. IT APPEARS TO BE A BAD PAINT MIXTURE AT THE PLANT AND HONDA IS NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFAULT. THIS CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING ISSUES WITH PAINT PEELING ALL THE WAY TO THE BARE SHEET METAL. I'M CONCERNED AS THE METAL IS NOW EXPOSED AND THE ELEMENTS WILL CAUSE DAMAGE (RUST/CORROSION) TO THE METAL AND COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF AND THE METAL THAT HOLDS THE WINDSHIELD.