2025 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 202 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2025 reports, 11 involved a crash. 11 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
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 5, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The third-row passenger seat belt assembly may not function, due to incorrect routing that traps the seat belt behind the passenger side panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A non-functioning seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is ZL4.
Campaign 25V056000 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
Representative owner complaints
202 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Forward collision avoidance, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to detect the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature independently activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. During the failure, the message "Reduce Speed" was displayed, but no other vehicles or objects were nearby. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2025
Random misfires in engine cylinders, excessive jerking
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 21, 2025
While driving with speed control on the vehicle will show warning light in dash and say something is blocking front camera sensor. Causing mirrors to tint automatically xm radio to stop Bluetooth problems and no crude control. Nothing blocking camera have to stop and restart vehicle. Throttle problems intermittent not smooth. To much throttle causing it to shift hard at start downshifting is hard and can also do this in reverse. Have had this at a dealer once and bring back again. They adjusted the throttle body. Seemed to do nothing.
Visibility/wiper, May 15, 2025
The rear view mirror popped off the base. Result is driving without rear view mirror until repaired. This is a faulty design with the mirror hex base attached to the windshield and the mirror neck having a spring clip.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 14, 2025, crash
My 2025 Honda Pilot’s Collision Mitigation Braking System and backup sensors have failed three times at low speed, resulting in collisions with objects directly behind or in front of the vehicle. These include a front collision with a tree, running over a small tricycle, and backing into a tree — all under 5 mph with sensors fully enabled. The system failed to detect or respond in any instance. This is a critical safety failure
Steering, May 10, 2025
Steering will make creaking/knocking noise any time the temp warms to 70 or more or if temp is below, after about an hours drive. Hundreds of reports online about this exact issue with dozens of videos, all with the exact same issue. Yet Honda has done nothing to solve the problem or investigate the safety impacts of leaving this issue unchecked. Happens when turning the wheel whether in motion or parked. Doesn’t matter.
Power train, Engine, May 7, 2025
The message "emission system problem, power may be reduced, see your dealer" indicates a potential issue with your vehicle's emission control system, which may also be causing a reduction in engine power. I was told by the Honda Service Center, that i shouldn't drive it until it is serviced because the car might stall or engine damage may occur. The car only has 86 miles, I have had it less than a week. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was told the car might stall Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It has been reported 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? See attachment.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 6, 2025, crash
The backup camera, parking sensors, and automatic braking system failed to function properly on my 2025 Honda Pilot Touring during two separate incidents, both resulting in collisions with stationary objects (trees). In both cases, the rearview camera displayed only the ground, and the audible alerts and automatic braking system did not activate, despite all safety features being enabled and set to maximum sensitivity. I specifically purchased this vehicle for its advertised safety systems, which did not engage or warn me in either instance. This malfunction put my safety and the safety of others at risk, especially in residential or pedestrian areas. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or a dealership, but the damage is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights or error messages prior to or during the failures.
Suspension, Apr 28, 2025
I am experiencing a clicking and popping noise at low speeds and when turning or backing the vehicle. These sounds are getting louder and more frequent. I have checked on the Honda Forum and several owners have indicated a problem with the steering rack which they had replaced under warranty. Please look into this as there seems to be a large number of these issues occurring. As you well know steering safety is a major concern and cause for alarm. I have taken my vehicle in once and the service department could not duplicate the issue. It is occurring again and the earliest I can get in is May 12th. I have recorded the sound and it is definitely occurring. I have almost 15,000 miles on the vehicle and this started happening around 14,000 miles. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this safety issue.
Steering, Apr 27, 2025
I have clicking,ticking noise coming from the stering wheel area during low spedd turning. i notice the noise around the front lef and right wheel area when I pulling in or out of parking spot
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2025
The cruise control quits intermittently while driving. It has since November 2024. The Honda Dealer says they do not have a fix. It increases driver fatigue and it surprises you as you are driving. The alert is to clean sensor, but cleaning doesn’t fix it. It has been inspected by Harr Honda and they can’t fix it.
Power train, Apr 7, 2025
The transmission stutters between shifts. When I apply a healthy amount of throttle input (say 50% or so), the shifts feel very clean and crisp. When I'm at minimal throttle (but I need to creep along) or when I come close to a stop (not quite full stop) and get back into throttle, there is a noticeable delay in power from 1st to 2nd gear. If there's a delay in acceleration, it can create a dangerous scenario where I can't "escape" out of a situation I need too. It's very unsettling. I also feel stuttery down shifts while I'm braking and coming to a stop. The car lurches forward as I'm braking when it tries to execute its downshifts.
Power train, Engine, Apr 5, 2025
When shifting to reverse it shifts back to park And it will not move forward or reverse I nearly had someone rear ended me as I backed up from my driveway. This has happened numerous times that I am afraid to drive it. The mileage right now is only 216 miles since bought in December 2024.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Apr 2, 2025
The system just shuts down. It may start working again but when it shuts down it is like you put on the brakes. Is usafe if you are being followed. 65
Steering, Suspension, Mar 21, 2025
Loud popping noise when steering started at about 2000 miles. The entire steering rack was replaced. At 7000 miles the noise is back along with a clicking in the steering wheel. Took it to the dealership again and they adjusted the clock spring, but it is still there. I am worried because I am afraid my steering will fail. The dealer did reproduce the problem both times. No independent inspection. No warning lamps.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 20, 2025
I was travelling northbound in the right lane, of two lanes, on Hwy 55 in St. Louis Tuesday around 0715 when my Honda Pilot suddenly braked very hard; the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) had gone off without reason. I was in a construction zone and I was probably traveling about 50 miles per hour. There were no barriers immediately in front of me, as in a hard curve left or right and definitely no vehicle in front of me and thankfully no vehicle behind me, considering the normal bumper-to-bumper morning traffic. I did not come to a complete stop, well I don't think I did, but slowed greatly enough that all vehicles on my left driving past me fairly fast. I was in shock and confused unable to figure out happened. After a brief assessment of my surrounding I accelerated and continued on my way to work. If someone has been following me I have no doubt they would have collided with me, worse it could have been a tractor trailer! I got to work and was mentally shot for the rest of the day. The dealer was friendly, somewhat empathetic and I scheduled a maintenance check up. I have owned the car less than one month of this this report. I am already looking for a new vehicle and will NEVER own a Honda again. Driving this vehicle with that CMBS that can go off randomly, a/k/a "phantom brake" is nerve raking. I do my best to remember disable the system before driving. Sadly, a system I would ordinarily enjoy having. Also, I now fear following other Honda drivers because if their CMBS fail I might crash into them! The idea Honda has not repaired this or a recalled their vehicles is mind bending; this could cause fatalities! Frankly, their complacency is nothing short of apathy for human life. I am going to lose thousands of dollars getting out of this vehicle, which I find unacceptable and cruel. I am happy to testify to this account and am telling you this is nothing short of my sworn statement.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 19, 2025
Vehicle collision system for warning distance was placed to low setting. Driving about 30mph with no cars in front but a large dually on my left lane and a truck on my right lane, similar speed or slightly less, all of us 3 approaching an under construction intersection. Neither car came in my lane yet my system warned me to break and then activated the brakes forcefully. Rear passenger witnessed also and agreed they saw no cause to trigger sudden breaking. No car behind me or else we would have been rear ended. Tried turning system completely off but it resets every time at car startup.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2025
Every time I fill my car up with gas and I set the nozzle to shut off automatically when it is full of gas, gas spits out all over my car and on the pavement. I called the dealership and they said this is normal. I do not feel that it should be. Also, whenever I drive my car it acts as if it has no power and it almost feels like it’s missing or not getting enough gas or something.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the road. The contact stated that after opening and closing the door, the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) required a software update. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Power train, Mar 15, 2025
Jerky transmission from 1gear to 2nd gear . Most noticable when engine is cold.
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2025
I was coming out of a parking lot so I was braking. My car suddenly surged even though my foot was on the brake. I pushed the brake harder and harder my car moved about 20 ft. toward a curb before it stopped. We are contacting the dealer to have it checked. No reports where filed. There was no warning before it happened. It speed up like it was accelerating to go on the expressway.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Mar 8, 2025
My car is cycling through warnings about several systems including braking, power steering, trailer stability assist, electric parking break, emissions, low speed braking, collision mitigation, cruise control, electric power steering.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 1, 2025
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction – 2025 Honda Pilot Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing a formal complaint regarding a recurring safety issue with my 2025 Honda Pilot, which I purchased in September 2024. The vehicle’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system frequently and unexpectedly turns off while driving on the highway, creating a serious road safety hazard. This issue has been happening intermittently since I bought the vehicle, and despite bringing it to Honda’s attention, they have not acknowledged or addressed the problem. The sudden deactivation of the ACC system can cause unexpected speed changes, forcing the driver to react quickly and potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions. Given the increasing reliance on driver-assist technologies, such malfunctions pose a risk to both the driver and other motorists on the road. I have reported this issue to my local Honda dealership, but they have not provided a permanent resolution. I am concerned that other Honda Pilot owners may be experiencing the same problem, which could indicate a widespread defect. Therefore, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action, including issuing a recall if necessary, to prevent potential accidents. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and inform me of any next steps. I am available to provide further details or documentation as needed. I appreciate your prompt attention to this critical safety concern. I also attached photos of the said issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 74 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 50 MPH. The message "Front Driver's Assist System Cannot Operate - Clean Area Some" was displayed. The contact stated while in the process of pulling over to the side of the road, the vehicle accelerated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front radar had gone into LIMP mode and was misaligned. The dealer realigned the radar. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure and that the front radar of the vehicle could become misaligned after hitting a pothole. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,172.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2025
My trunk is getting full of water every time is rain,and I haven’t even use my trunk and my vehicle is not even close to 2,000 mile,