2013 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 5th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 271; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 20.2; 129,770 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.47×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 63; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2012 Pilot 2014 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2013 Honda Pilot?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Honda Pilot is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is paint and rust, mostly paint peeling (45 of 271 complaints). Owners also complain about vibration and the brakes. 63 of the 271 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Honda also offers 4 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and white paint peeling (roof and tailgate). NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2012 scores 80 and the 2014 scores 82.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-082 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 78
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Paint and rust: paint peeling45 complaints
Vibration (cause not stated)40 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder35 complaints

How the 2013 Pilot Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.35×	−6
Everyday problems	0.75×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.50×	−6
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 271 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Paint and rust: paint peeling
45 complaints (17%)
Paint peeling, peeling / fading and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
40 complaints (15%)
Vibration or shudder. In 16 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
35 complaints (13%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and soft or long pedal travel. 7 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 14 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Engine: vibration or shudder
27 complaints (10%)
Vibration or shudder, unusual noises and hesitation. 7 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
18 complaints (7%)
A failure, burning or using oil and damage. 10 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
13 complaints (5%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
11 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder, rough running or misfires and a failure. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
10 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
6 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
6 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
6 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
6 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
6 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, the car rolling away and gear hunting. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.

Show 26 more problems

Engine failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
5 complaints (2%)
Pulling or wandering, sticking or stiffness and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
ABS failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure and a stored fault code.
Control arm bushings: a leak
4 complaints (1%)
A leak, a failure and shattering or cracking.
Fuel system: warning lights
4 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a bad smell. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Stalling. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Sun visor: will not stay up
3 complaints (1%)
Will not stay up and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Hard starting and the car not starting.
Tires failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Cooling system: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Headlights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Ignition or push-button start: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a feature that stopped working.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Rearview camera: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Seats: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and shattering or cracking.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Windshield: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (41)

Show the 41 problems reported once

AWD or rear differential: warning lights
EVAP system failure
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Blower motor: unusual noises
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Climate controls: stopped working
Engine mounts failure
Engine overheating
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior lights: stopped working
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Oil pressure: excessive oil pressure
Electrical burn to front passenger foot (cause not stated)
Electrical issue (not described)
Engine compartment fire (cause not stated)
Rear hatch glass release switch: stopped working
Rear passenger door check (door does not stay open): will not stay open
Rear suspension: lurches sideways after bumps
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Rocker arm oil switches failure
Rollaway after shifting to park (cause not stated)
Rolled backward in drive (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Oxygen sensor failure
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
Seat belts failure
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
Stability control (VSA): stopped working
Sway bar links: unusual noises
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
Timing belt: unusual noises
Shifter or park: drove away under power while in park
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage

How the 2013 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years

The other Pilot years of the 2nd generation, 2009 to 2015, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2016	Avoid	52	3.6×	95.8	8	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2015	Not scored	–	–	9.8	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2014	Excellent	82	0.33×	13.0	3	Paint and rust: paint peeling
2013 This year	Good	78	0.47×	20.2	6	Paint and rust: paint peeling
2012	Excellent	80	0.35×	12.5	9	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2011	Good	78	0.39×	15.2	11	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2010	Good	79	0.35×	13.7	10	Control arm bushings: a leak
2009	Good	78	0.34×	13.6	9	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2008	Good	79	0.33×	12.6	7	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart

See every Pilot year

2013 Honda Pilot Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine
A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 13V382000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 27, 2013.
Air bags
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.
NHTSA 13V016000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 18, 2013.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 13-082
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include a software update, new spark plugs and piston and ring repair.
Who qualifies:
A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs of the affected cylinders must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-055
White paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
The problem:
The factory Taffeta White paint on the roof or tailgate can peel off. The paint is too thin in some places.
The fix:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The roof or tailgate paint must be peeling. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-057
White paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
The problem:
The factory White Diamond Pearl paint on the roof or tailgate can peel off. The paint is too thin in some places.
The fix:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The roof or tailgate paint must be peeling. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 15-045
Front suspension lower arm bushings
The problem:
The rubber bushings in the front suspension rear lower arms can crack from heat and ozone. They then make noise or leak fluid.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the lower arm bushings for free. Owners who paid earlier can be repaid if they meet the listed requirements.
Who qualifies:
The bushing must make noise or leak fluid. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
7 years or 100,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-055, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
3 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV 4WD and SUV FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2013 Pilot, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V661000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V042000
Engine NHTSA 13V382000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-082: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
19-055: white paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
19-057: white paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
15-045: front suspension lower arm bushings

On the Test Drive

Check the paint and the underbody for rust or peeling clear coat.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Paint and rust
Vibration
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Pilot Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.