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.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 18, 2025
When we have taken this vehicle on the highway or interstate, the Adaptive Cruise Control randomly disengages while driving and renders any cruise options unusable. When this happens the vehicle brakes hard while driving. The braking system also randomly brakes hard while driving, even if the cruise control is working. This is a huge safety concern as we are on the highway and interstate with several other vehicles around us. We are worried we will get in an impact collision from the rear. We have taken this vehicle to a certified Honda repair center four times for this specific concern and this 4th occurrence, the Pilot has been there for over 27 days with no resolution. This is a brand new vehicle and we have had this safety issue/faulty ACC since we purchased it.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Feb 13, 2025
On Tues. Feb.11, 2025, I was at a stop light when the car went into reverse on it's own. Then, when driving, the car went into neutral on it's own. Again, at a stop light, the car went into reverse. I had the car towed to dealership that day. I was sent a msg. that the shifter is defective and that a new one would be ordered. There were two msgs. on the dash when this issue occurred. One stated a transmission problem and the other was a blind spot problem. I am currently waiting for the service dept. to get back to me. I had my two young grandsons in the car with me as well as my husband. It was terrifying.
Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 13, 2025
During the most recent weather, light snow, the sensor on the front of the car ices over and disables many of the safety features while driving. The driver will get a caution alert on the dash that says "some" safety features "May" be disabled. However, there is no information about which ones or why. This particular issue has happened multiple times in inclement weather. Also I know it's a problem as while in the dealership many were calling asking g about why this was happening. It is a danger to drivers. If they heated the "H" emblem, where the radar sensor is, it would not be a problem. I have included photos of the dash at the time along with photos of the emblem iced over and the general conditions outside at the time, very light snow
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH in the rain, the Honda emblem became wet, and the driver assist features stopped working properly. The message displayed was sensor obstructed which may affect some of the driver assist features. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2025
Hello, I am writing to report an issue I discovered with my new 2025 Honda Pilot EXL, which I purchased in October 2025. On January 5, 2025, while inspecting the engine, I noticed that the protective cover on the wiring harness was wrapped with black electrical tape. This tape was shredded and peeling away from the plastic pipe cover, likely due to heat or other factors. I was surprised and concerned to find such a low-quality material used in this location. The tape's deterioration raises concerns about potential damage to the wiring itself due to heat exposure. I am also worried about the long-term reliability and safety implications, including the possibility of a fire. I drove approximately 40 miles round trip to the Honda dealership where I purchased the vehicle. They dismissed my concerns, stating that this was "normal" and simply advised me to purchase more electrical tape from a home improvement store and re-wrap the harness myself. They refused to perform any repair or replacement. I question why Honda would not use heat-resistant tape in this engine compartment area, especially given the potential for high temperatures. Using a more robust, heat-resistant material would provide greater safety and prevent the current issue. I believe this is a design flaw that needs to be addressed.
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2025
Backup Camera not functioning. Black screen when car is in reverse.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 8, 2025
My brand new 2025 Honda Pilot frequently (several times per week) will deploy the CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) causing the brakes to be applied harshly and bringing the vehicle to a near stop, despite there being nothing in the road ahead, behind, or to the sides of the vehicle. This happened the first time with only 100 miles on the vehicle. My concern for safety is that sudden unexpected braking could cause an accident and lead to potential injury/death. I've had the vehicle to the dealership 5 times and they've had a handful of excuses. First the alignment of the car was off. Next was a replacement of the radar unit, which they believed to be faulty. The next visits resulted in my Honda tech telling me that a "large radio tower" near where I live are causing interference with the system. However when I received the paper work it says there are large power lines causing interference. I live in a small town and there are no large power lines or large radio towers visible from where I live. I believe Honda is making excuses to get me to stop bothering them with this issue. After all of these trips, Honda is refusing to look at the vehicle again, despite it's behavior putting myself and my family at risk. There were no warning lamps, messages, or anything other symptoms prior to this happening.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 3, 2025
Shifting from 1st, 2nd, 3rd gears is delayed/hesitant. Extremely noticeable at low speeds when releasing accelerator or braking. Unable to predict speed when coming to a smooth stop, occasionally feels like it lurches forward when it tries to downshift upon braking. Desperately needs software update to TCM, as mentioned hundreds of times elsewhere online. Does not 'train' itself to mitigate this problem.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Dec 22, 2024
After two weeks of purchasing this vehicle the whole system just turn off. The first time it happens was on a Tuesday afternoon. I turn the vehicle off. As I return to the car a few minutes later I couldn't Start the car. Everything was off no power on, the lights were off, engine, doors where lock. waited an hour them the car engine started up. Two days later the same issue again call the town truck for help. Two hours later the town truck arrive then the car started again. took it to the dealer but they didn't find anything. On the six time I left the car at the dealer for 3 weeks but they couldn't fix it again. 3 weeks later they think they fix the issue but nope same issues after picking up the car again. Please don't sell this vehicle to another person. I am returning the car but as a first time owner of honda I don't recommended.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 13, 2024
We own two Hondas. On December 18, 2024 someone stole the radar senders from both vehicles. I takes a little over a minute to steal these. The Honda dealer states that Honda Corp has offered no solution. Beyond expense this negates the cars high tech safety features which makes the vehicle unsafe to drive per the numerous warning that flash on the dash board. As you can understand, there is no effective way to stop this safety defect from reoccurring. The solution may be an encrypted design for the sensor, that only works on the car it was installed on. Police report cannot be made until we know the accurate repair cost.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 6, 2024
I was driving and I began slowing down as I approached a red light. My vehicle suddenly stopped. I was unable to turn the vehicle back on nor change the gear. When I would press the start button while pressing the brakes, some dash lights would turn on but again I was not able to change the gear. After several attempts of turning the car on, the car started and I was able to change gears to Drive. Approximately one or two blocks later, while in motion, the car abruptly stopped again. This time the dash displayed “Engine Oil Pressure Low” Stop Engine. Do not Drive”. The car was subsequently towed to a nearby Honda Dealership where an inspection was allegedly done and the issue was supposedly fixed. The service notes stated the vehicle was found with low oil levels and that no leak was found. They released the car back to me. Now, one week after I picked the car up from the Honda Service Department, I encountered the same issue again. While stopped in traffic, my vehicle shut down. I was unable to turn it back on nor change the gears. An orange steering wheel with an orange exclamation mark next to it popped up on the upper right hand corner of my dashboard along with a red battery logo below it. I was on the roadway unable to turn the car back on for approximately one hour. After continuous failed attempts to turn the car on and change the gear, at one point it turned back on and I was able to drive the car.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 3, 2024
There is an issue with 2025 Pilot Safe Systems such as adaptive cruise and blind spot detection. Honda knows about this issue and working on a fix however there is no ETA.
Seat belts, Nov 29, 2024
The seatbelt was either not assembled properly or installed incorrectly. The strap that’s on the wall does not have a metal piece to buckle into the latch that is in the seat crease. So there is no functional seatbelt on the rear passenger side on the third row.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 26, 2024
At 65 mph or higher ( highway speed), I hear the constant troubling noise coming from the front of the vehicle. I had taken the car to the dealership in Fallston, Harford County, Maryland, for inspection twice. The mechanic acknowledged hearing the same noise but could not diagnose any problem with the vehicle. The same mechanic drove another 2025 Honda Pilot and was able to replicate the same noise while driving at highway speeds. Subsequently, I wrote the letter to American Honda Motor Co., Inc outlining the problem and seeking resolution. I was informed there was no open campaigns and to contact NHTSA to file my complain.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2024
- Had initially reported this problem to dealer at ~1590 miles on the vehicle. After ~2,200 miles gasoline smell is still there and severe. - The smell is obnoxious to driver if driving with Windows rolled up and is a safety concern. - Issue is more pronounced, severe when driving at the beginning of the day after overnight parking. - Took it to same dealer twice, they did diagnosis and informed it’s because of the plastic stuck to the exhaust which is the cause. They want to wait out till it’s fully burnt and the smell should go away. - Have raised a case with the manufacturer too and they’re looking.
Power train, Nov 10, 2024
The transmission jerks at low speeds, especially in gears 1, 2, and 3. Starting from a stop is the worst. When you press the gas pedal there is a delayed response to accelerate the car. This is a safety issue. When you press the gas to pull out in front of traffic the vehicle is slow to respond, can get bogged down trying to shift gears, and may result in an accident. The jerkiness feels like the transmission is going to fall out. The vehicle does not accelerate smooth from 0-20 mph.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2024
- Extremely strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle while driving. Didn’t matter AC on or off, smell was terrible but more evident with AC/Fan on. Had to lower all the 4 windows to let out the air. - With a toddler in car it was terrifying with the nauseating smell and/or the risk of fire if at all. - Problem not reproduced by dealer and was mentioned it’s a sticky plastic in exhaust, will go away. - First appeared only on 23rd Oct 2024 with around 1,590 miles on it and not until then. No other related symptoms. - Fuel was almost 3/4th full and had been more than 8 days since last filled. Never filled to the brim ever or overflowed.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 13, 2024
While driving on an open road, two lanes traveling the same direction the collision mitigation system was activated. The only thing I can think is that it was due to a bicycle that was traveling the same direction at a slower speed than I was driving but I had plenty of room to go around and was not even close to hitting them. The brakes were activated which was not only scary but dangerous. Had a car been behind me there is a strong chance I would have been rear-ended because nobody in their right mind would expect me to hit my brakes in this situation. This prompted me to look at the manual where I saw Honda has a list of reasons the emergency braking could activate despite "little chance of collision". The list is extensive with many reasons the system could activate incorrectly causing an accident, not preventing one. The unexpected braking itself is terrifying but how difficult Honda makes it to "opt out" of the system that obviously has many flaws is even more concerning. I tried to turn off this system only to find out that it is a multi step process that can only be done when stopped so if you forget to turn it off you are stuck using it even if you don't trust the system. Every other safety setting can be turned off while driving except this one. Why make it so difficult for the driver to choose to have complete control of their car, especially when their system is admittedly flawed. In addition, the emergency braking system is the only safety feature that resets every time you shut off the car. So every single time you start the engine you have to go through multiple steps to choose to have control of your own vehicle. It seems the system that is the most flawed is the only one Honda is trying to force drivers to use. This is not safe for my family or those driving around me. I called Honda and they told me there is nothing that can be done to disable it and have the setting hold even after turning off the car like all the other safety setting.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 5, 2024
New 2025 Pilot with about 3,000 miles, driving in Montana on a level dusty gravel road at about 5,000 feet altitude. Driving into the morning sun for about 20 minutes at a slow speed of about 30 mph all of a sudden multiple warnings flashed, engine, brakes, etc. Steering was stiff and brakes did not feel active, very stiff. I just coasted to a stop on a desolate gravel road, no other traffic. The engine was still running, did not press on the gas for in large red letters the warning panel said "DO NOT DRIVE". The car was very dusty. If we had been on an Interstate at 70 mph that would have been an accident, with steering and brakes inhibited somehow? I shut OFF the engine, waited 10 minutes, started engine again and WARNINGS still active. Shut OFF engine and waited 20 minutes. Restarted engine and looked like warning were starting to clear, and steering and brakes felt normal again. With no WARNINGS showing I drove very slowly for many miles with no further occurrences. Slowly worked my way back across the country to Florida without any further failures. It appears to all be computer related, perhaps sensors failing and the computer shutting down what must be electrical steering and brake assist. At speeds with Interstate traffic, that condition will be an accident. There are no failure codes shown on the access panel. We have an appointment with our Honda service dealer, maybe they will be able to access a computer history to see the failure mode that caused loss of steering and brakes. The fact that a computer can impact those critical systems on a vehicle, is a serious safety issue. Prior to this incident, driving about 30 minutes on a dusty gravel road in Montana, some sensor must have been actuating the rear brake caliper, I could hear the scraping sound of pad on rotor, didn't sense the car slowing. The car was dusty, maybe sensors inhibited, the scraping lasted about 15 minutes, at least that it could be heard in the car. Could be a safety iss
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 30, 2024
While driving on a winding mountain pass traveling from Bozeman, MT to Butte, MT. I was driving my 2025 Honda Pilot in the inside lane while a semi was traveling in the outside lane ahead of me. As the road curved left, I approached as the semi was ahead in the next lane. I believe my Honda Pilot recognized this as a potential crash and braked hard causing the distance between me and the semi to increase dramatically, even though both vehicles were clearly in their own lanes. Fortunately there was nobody traveling immediately behind me.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 10, 2024
Ripples in windshield cause distortion when viewing the road. This is only present in the passenger side on my vehicle.
Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Sep 3, 2024
Poor back-up camera resolution at night. Almost hit pedestrian due to poor visibility from camera
Power train, Structure, Service brakes, Aug 29, 2024
The transmission jerks/jumps when accelerating and also as slowing down. The vehicle, including the steering wheel, shakes when braking at speeds above 60mph. Several parts of the body are not put together properly, leaving gaps, overlaps, etc.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2024
The vehicle has multiple electrical issues. The biggest problem is with the keyless entry system and remote start. In hot weather (living in SW Arizona), neither system works. Use of a vehicle key is required to enter the vehicle. Upon entry, the vehicle displays "keyless access system problem. See your dealer". The dealership finally diagnosed a problem with a control module. During this time we've had a loaner 2024 Honda Civic that does the exact same thing. Also experiencing problems with the backup camera display blacking out intermittently. The infotainment system regularly drops connection to our cell phones (Apple and Android).
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2024
I was driving my new 2025 Honda Pilot when I went to make a right turn and the steering system locked on me. I couldn't turn right and was almost in a horrible accident. Thank God that the other vehicles were able to stop in time. But I had to get the car out of traffic with the help of good samaritans. I cut the car off and all the systems dispalyed a error and said to see dealer. It was the most scariest and stressful time. I was late to work, my husband had to leave work to come and get me. I had the car towed to the dealership and was given a rental but I want to know why this happened and what will the Honda do to ensure this won't happen to me or someone else driving that car for it to be a 2025 elite edition. I could have been seriously hurt or killed.