2023 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seat belts is the leading concern among 144 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 3 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesJun 12, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Campaign 25V391000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemJan 23, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Campaign 25V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capNov 27, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.
Campaign 24V900000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, critical fastenersNov 14, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V859000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, rack and pinion, rackNov 2, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
Campaign 23V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
13 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 31, 2026
The engine required a short block replacement at approximately 40,000 miles. There was a severe knocking sound and the dealer diagnosed heavy scoring and abnormal wear present on the front bank cylinder walls. The result was excessive internal engine clearance and cylinder wall damage. Engine cylinder piston block holes were worn beyond spec. After 33 days the vehicle was returned and developed a growling/grinding noise when the AC was in operation and at lower speeds that followed the RPMs. Vehicle was returned to dealer and told sound was normal operation for this model and stated it was coming from AC Compressor. Independent shop verified 2 days later AC compressor was failing and possible metal contamination. AC compressor is backordered with no ETA. Advised to not use AC or Defroster to avoid seizing and causing serpentine belt to snap. Advised Honda Customer Care and assigned Case Manager who was made aware of knock and compressor failure and contacted dealer who stated vehicle could not be seen for 7 days due to being booked. Advised Case Manager of vehicle safety concern with internal engine failure damage and failing AC system and was denied emergency loaner or assistance and told it was all they could do. Vehicle now unsafe due to both with no timeline for fixing and known hazards due to severe engine failures and associated issues with main systems.
Engine, Aug 10, 2026
Honda Part #80872-SN7-003 failed at 3years and 40,000 miles which Honda will not cover under warranty. This is a simple O-Ring for the AC line which has a life span of 10-15 years. Apparently this has been common on 2023-2025 Pilots and passports and thus should be a recall issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2026, fire
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
Engine, Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was making a loud ticking sound. The dealer was contacted about the knocking sound and informed the contact that the sound was normal. The vehicle was taken for an inspection, and the contact was informed that the sound was not normal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine, Jan 25, 2026
Car has been serviced at same dealership I purchased from. All service up to date, Gas type shell gas brand used 95% of the time. (Noticed November 2025)issue a month after recommended transmission flush and an engine oil change. Rough idling (especially when temp below 60⁰) and almost like a miss fire when driving. No check engine light, and dealership had vehicle for two days but claimed unable to replicate issue suggested these engines are prone to carbon buildup. But recommended I switch to premium gas. SUV drives rough and then randomly reverts to normal smooth driving, also seems to struggle when switching gears, spoke to other owners of same type and a pattern of previous years owners mentioned potential issue with VCM. Major issue: Rattling during start up and driving ( sometimes goes away randomly) Car struggles with gear switching. Engine/transmission hesitation.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 20, 2025
All listed problems act sporadically. Dangerously Defected 2023 Honda Pilot. Numerous problems with vehicle over several months. Kept taking it back to Charlie's Honda and was told they could not reproduce the problems I was stating. The Vehicle will bog, hesitate and jerk while driving. Charlie finds nothing wrong. Actually all items that are functioning incorrectly, Charlie's tell me they cannot repair anything when they can not reproduce the problem. They tell me that the 10 gears are so close that they skip? Sorry, that's ridiculous! Finally I called previous Owners, (Which Charlie's Honda refused to give me until I had to show them the Chapter 10 S1475 I had with me.) [XXX] from Herman, ME. Ph # [XXX]. They told me to tell you to please call them because they are very upset. After several times taking the Honda back to Charlie’s with no repairs done they went to get a different vehicle at Charlie's Toyota and the Toyota Manager told them that the Honda Pilot was a very dangerous vehicle and will not be put out on the Lot for resale. The [XXX] stated that they almost crashed while taking a left at an intersection with their children in the vehicle because it almost came to a complete stop. This serious problem is doing it to me now and this is why I’m taking this action. The [XXX] left the Pilot at Charlie's Honda for several days but Charlie's said they could not reproduce the problem. Just a few of numerous defects stated below and reported to Charlie's Honda but received no repairs, just excuses : The Airbag says off when a 175 lb person sitting in the front passenger seat. Rear camera does not register an object. I was told it didn't work because it was 1 inch from rear side camera and it was too narrow. nothing done. Speed said I was doing 85mph. I was doing 40 mph. mechanic said he sees them register 100 mph. nothing done. The tech screen goes black. Cannot shut radio off. After trying 3 times. Much more to report! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 11, 2025
Transmission light came on and said: “Emissions system problem. Power may be reduced. See your dealer.” Spoke to dealer who said they are unsure how this could have occurred possibly wear. The vehicle has 41k miles and I’m the only owner. Also said the cam plate is leaking oil which caused the sensors to be damaged and causes the vehicle to lose power while driving
Engine, Apr 4, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The emissions system continues to malfunction despite multiple repair attempts, with the emission sensor reactivating as recently as February 2025. The VTC oil control valve also previously leaked but was replaced. The battery and seatbelt buckle issues were successfully resolved. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The emissions system malfunction may impair engine performance or emissions control, creating potential environmental and mechanical hazards. While the seatbelt and battery issues have since been resolved, they previously created safety risks—such as an unreliable restraint system warning and unexpected failure to start the vehicle. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealership (Winter Haven Honda) has confirmed the emissions system fault multiple times, including diagnostic sessions in December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected by the dealership in consultation with American Honda Motor Co. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have been reported. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The emissions warning light first appeared on December 9, 2024, and continued to reappear on December 12, 2024, January 7, 2025, and again in February 2025. These warning messages clearly indicate an unresolved system issue
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 28, 2025
Vehicle stopped with no warning while waiting in traffic at a red light and it took a while to restart. Same thing happened while parked in a lot waiting. The former issue was dangerous as I was in traffic with numerous vehicles moving around me with my family in the car as I got out to check the problem under the hood. The latter issue happened while out of town which is scary and dangerous considering it was a remote area.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
Car wouldn't go more than 25-30 miles/hour and rpm was at 5-6, had to use blinkers on highway. Luckily there weren't any injuries, i was scared of the situation as I was travelling with my toddler and newborn. After reaching home, car wouldn't reverse. I had shutdown and started the car multiple times before i could reverse. There was smell as if something was burning in the engine. I shutdown the car for 15-20 mins for smell to go away and restarted the car again, that is when check engine light was turned on with warnings about transmission, AWD and emission systems. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission failure, AWD system failure, Emission system failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by dealer, full diagnostics not available. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings before the failure. Dealer was saying about repairing the transmission, and also mentioned the car value will be depreciated significantly. I traded in the car for new pilot, as transmission problem are recurring and also losing significant value on the car. My loan and monthly payments went up because of something i didn't do. I am being punished for the someone else mistake. Dealer wouldn't provide any incentives too.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 4, 2023
Honda Pilot 2023 Elite shows 15+ error messages on the instrument panel. Messages indicate emissions systems, breaking systems, power steering and various risk mitigation systems experiencing problems resulting in reduced performance. Errors show up when the vehicle starts and are easy to reproduce. Dealer has looked at the vehicle 3 separate times. Problem occurs again in few days after dealer visit. Dealer based on the system error code diagnosed the problem with the fuel system. So far the dealer has replaced the high pressure fuel pump, injector relay, fuel pressure regulator and fuel rail pressure sensor. Dealer says when the vehicle starts the problem with the fuel system causes the electrical/computer system to go in safety mode; this makes onboard computers believe all systems are failing. Dealers' attempts (in consultation with manufacturer support) have so far not resulted in successful resolution of the problem. Without taking undue risk, I have personally tested some of the safety systems in errors indicated on the cluster panel to actually not work, e.g. lane departure mitigation system. Importantly, it feels vehicles braking distance has increased and steering is harder compared to when vehicles had no issues. All errors that are displayed are listed below. 1. Emission system problem, 2. Break system problem, 3. Electric parking brake system problem, 4. Break hold system problem, 5. Electric power steering problem, 6. Trailer stability problem, 7. Adaptive cruise control system problem, 8. Road departure mitigation system problem, 9. Vehicle stability assist system problem, 10. Hill start assist problem, 11. Trailer stability assist problem, 12. Hill descent control system problem, 13. Collision mitigation breaking system problem, 14. Road departure mitigation system problem, 15. Low speed breaking control problem.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 22, 2023
At 850 miles on the odometer, the 2023 Honda Pilot ECU failed during normal operation of the vehicle on local roads, leading to a loss of power to engine transmission components, emissions systems, brake hold system, and traction control leading to reduced control and speed over the vehicle. The vehicle has been sent to the dealer for inspection of the OBD warning messages displayed. The driver was unable to operate the vehicle due to impaired speed, acceleration and braking capabilities that accompanied the ECU malfunction. The problem is currently being diagnosed by the dealer at the Keating Honda Service Center in Conroe, TX. The warning messages which appeared included the following while experiencing the ECU failure: Emissions System Problem. Avoid Heavy Acceleration and High Speed. See your Dealer Brake Hold System Problem " Traction Control Problem " Lane Keep Assist Problem " Adaptive Cruise Control Problem "
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Delayed and sluggish acceleration, particularly from a complete stop, represents a significant safety concern.