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
144 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the stability, traction control, ABS, brakes, Lane Departure, and speedometer warning lights were illuminated. The "Anti-lock Brake System, Brake Performance Reduced", "Parking Sensor Failure", "All-Wheel Drive System Failure", "Electric Power Steering System Failure - Steering Assist Reduced", and "Vehicle Stability Assist System Failure - Reduced Traction and Handling" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sensor assembly front (57450-T90-A02) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2023
THE VEHICLKE HESITATES MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP OR STANDSTILL. THE SAFEY CONCERIN IS THAT THE HESITATION OCCURS WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC FROM A STOP AND MIGHT CAUSE A COLLISION DUR TO THE DELAY IN MOVING FORWARD. THIS HAS OCCURED ON MANY OCASSIONS. NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WS INSPECTED BY HONDA AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2023
Wireless phone charger works for about 10 minutes then stops charging. I’ve tried moving it phone to multiple positions and still have the same results.
Structure, Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an air draft sound coming from the interior of the vehicle with all the windows closed. While washing the vehicle, the contact observed water leaking into the interior of the vehicle however, the contact was unable to locate the origin of the leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was also unable to locate the origin of the leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 527.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 12, 2023
The vehicle was purchased 7/1/2023. It is a 2023 Honda Pilot. 8 days after the purchase (OD mileage: 332), on a major highway, all mechanical systems in the vehicle failed within 2 minutes of each other. The engine, brakes, electrical, airbags, AWD, all of the ADAS systems, etc. ALL lit up within about 5 minutes of each other. Soon after this happened, the vehicle essentially shut down and was forced to a stop in a turning lane off of the major highway. The vehicle gave no indication that this was coming. The dealership's immediate response was to assume that we had put diesel fuel in the vehicle (this was not the case). As of now, they still have not been able to determine the cause of these catastrophic failures. Completely unsafe! This failure event could have been lethal and no one has any answers...
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2023
When traveling on the road I live, the Pilot will slam its breaks on, I assume this is the automatic breaking system, but the issue is, there will be nothing on or near the road. No cars, pedestrians , nothing. Just my pilot. The speed limit is about 45MPH and it will slam the breaks on. It has become so problematic I avoid traveling that direction on my road. It has happened to my spouse while driving as well. And again, it’s not every time, but sometimes. It has happened about 10+ times. Makes me nervous that while driving it will do it, and I will be rear ended.
Power train, Jul 8, 2023
The pilot sometimes hesitates when trying to accelerate in normal mode (have not used in other modes). It happens randomly, and the same when trying to slow. It seems the transmission is not shifting properly. Or something is preventing it from transitioning properly.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2023
The 360 surround camera is not showing a 360 view. This is a safety issue, as there could be a person in the camera stitching lines or the camera blind spot.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
Car hesitates when trying to accelerate in normal mode. Same when trying to slow. It seems the transmission is not shifting properly. When trying to merge or make a quick turn, this issue has made driving difficult. This is ongoing problem that is consistent. I took it to dealer to check it out, but was turned away .
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2023
Hello, this is an issue with the vehicle not knowing the key FOB is in the vehicle as it's moving. This occurred 2 days after purchasing the 2023 Honda Pilot. As I was driving a warning light popped up on the dash indicating that the key was not in the vehicle. I took a picture and sent it to the dealer, they changed batteries, blamed issue on Honda manufacturing and emailed me that this was not a safety concern as the vehicle will not shut off if it doesn't sense the FOB in vehicle. Honda corporate told me this is a safety concerns. I'm not sure who to trust in this instance.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2023
Had just rolled 1000 miles on car. Went to back out of a parking spot at a restaurant and car would shudder to a stop after moving a foot or two in reverse and go back into park. This happened approximately 4 to 5 times. We finally backed up enough to put it in drive and it continued to do the same thing in drive. We shut the car off and cranked it again. It still would slam back into park from drive at least twice more. We are now concerned with this as a safety issue in addition to it being a defect. What if it decides to return to park and we are going 60 mph? Dealer said if they can’t replicate the issue they can’t repair it. I have found an almost identical complaint another person posted on line with a 2017 Honda pilot. Have screen shot.
Visibility, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the wife was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle's glass sunroof suddenly exploded and shattered causing glass shards to fall into the cabin of the vehicle. During the failure, the driver sustained bruising and small lacerations to the neck and back area. The injuries did not require medical attention. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 600.
Steering, Lane departure, Jun 16, 2023
1st incident: I was traveling on country road. I was approaching two bicyclists on the right. With no oncoming traffic, I began to move into the other lane to go around the bicyclists. The warnings appeared on my dash, and the steering wheel pulled the car back towards the bicyclists. 2nd incident: I was traveling on a country road, goin over a hill. The cameras must have lost sight of the lane markers, dash flashed the lane departure warning and the steering pulled the vehicle towards the oncoming lane. There was a motorcycle approaching & I steered the vehicle back to the appropriate lane position. 3rd incident: My husband was driving on a country road. A tractor and farm implement was approaching in the oncoming lane. My husband slowed down & moved to the right of his lane to give the tractor more room. The lane departure warning flashed & the steering pulled the vehicle back towards the tractor/implement. We returned to the dealership & had them shut this feature OFF.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2023
- There is a clicking noise coming from the steering column area after the vehicle has been driven on the highway for approximately 15 minutes and the vehicle engine has been warmed up. The noise can be heard at low speeds, such as pulling up into a driveway, or turning the steering wheel while parked. - The vehicle is brand new with 2900 miles as of today and the clicking noise coming from the steering column can pose an unknown danger to those in the car and around the car. - The vehicle was brought in to the dealership for service inspection pertaining to the clicking noise and the issue was able to be duplicated and recorded. However, the issue is unresolved and the case is still open. - The dealership service department had the vehicle manufacturer engineer on the phone to aid in the troubleshooting. The troubleshooting recommendation by the engineer was to check if there is a similar clicking noise from another vehicle that is the same year, model, and trim level prior to further investigating; this has not started due to dealership inventory unavailability of the same exact year, model, and trim level. Until the dealership receives the same year, model, and trim level to compare with, the case will remain open. - The issue was first noticed when the vehicle had approximately 2000 miles.
Electrical system, May 22, 2023
According to the dealership, there was a ABS Sensor that went bad. Dropped off the 2023 Pilot Elite the other day and they said the part might be delivered in August 2023. The incident happened twice and everything went dead. The dashboard lit up with every warning under the sun in terms of electrical failures - Power Steering failure (Steering assist reduced), Anti-Lock Brake Problem (Brake performance may be reduced), Vehicle stability assist system problem (Reduced Traction and handling), Hill start assist problem, TSA system problem - see your dealer, Hill Descent Control system problem (apply brake when descending). I believe major problems with the design of the sensors/electrical circuitry might exist. But, I will leave that to the experts. I appreciate the help on what you find out.
Electrical system, May 20, 2023
According to the dealership, there was a battery failure, a wheel sensor failure, and possibly other things going on as well. The car was rendered useless. ABS stopped working, multiple transmission failures, traction control failures, power steering failures, brake failures, total sensor failures, and overall rendered the car dangerous and unsafe to drive. The car became a heavy, metal, killing machine with zero safety features. The trunk is also unable to be opened and the memory seats do not function. The car is still at the dealership 3 times with no resolution and has been sitting there now for weeks. Confirmed by the dealer to be a major flaw. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer repeatedly. The dashboard list up like a literal Christmas tree. There was around 15-20 warnings on the dashboard.