2023 Honda Pilot Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 13th of 21 Pilot years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 139
- 3 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 18.1
- 75,323 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.5×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 40
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Pilot?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Honda Pilot is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.5 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 13th of the 21 Pilot years we score.
The most reported problem is seat belts, mostly warning lights (30 of 139 complaints). Owners also complain about dashboard warning lights and the steering. 40 of the 139 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2024 scores 62.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- About 1.5 times the problems of the average car its age
- More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
- Seat belts: warning lights30 complaints
- Several warning lights at once16 complaints
How the 2023 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.2× | −12 |
| Everyday problems | 2.2× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | 2.0× | −12 |
| Recalls | 1.4× | −7 |
| Score | 63 |
What Owners Report
We read all 139 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Seat belts: warning lights
30 complaints (22%)
Warning lights, false unbuckled warnings and a failure that needed a new part. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
16 complaints (12%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Steering: unusual noises
16 complaints (12%)
Unusual noises, sticking or stiffness and a hard pedal or less assist. 3 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
8 complaints (6%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
AWD or rear differential: stopped working
7 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and failure or loss of drive. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off
7 complaints (5%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure.
Brakes failure
6 complaints (4%)
A failure, damage and longer braking distance.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (4%)
Hesitation. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
6 complaints (4%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Transmission: hesitation
6 complaints (4%)
Hesitation, harsh or delayed shifts and failure or loss of drive. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
5 complaints (4%)
Water leaking in and parts breaking or coming apart.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Adaptive cruise control: warning lights
4 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, hard braking with nothing ahead and problems that come and go. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Engine: stalling
4 complaints (3%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and a fire. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Show 21 more problems
Power liftgate: stopped working
4 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking.
Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, water leaking in and a failure.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
ABS failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Windshield: optical distortion
3 complaints (2%)
Optical distortion and shattering or cracking.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure and damage.
Engine failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak.
Engine sensors or computer: reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (1%)
Not shutting off.
Key fob: warning lights
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own and warning lights. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Mirrors: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Parking brake: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness and warning lights.
Rearview camera: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (1%)
The system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working.
Shifter or park: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (32)
Show the 32 problems reported once
- A/C compressor failure
- Airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Alternator or charging failure
- Brake hold or auto hold: warning lights
- Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
- Control module (unspecified): fault code
- CV axles: damage
- Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Frame or structure: unusual noises
- Headlights: stopped working
- High-pressure fuel pump failure
- Screen and audio: works on and off
- Instrument cluster: wrong readings
- Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
- A/C line O-ring failure
- Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
- Emissions system: warning lights
- Emissions system (unspecified): warning lights
- Front brake sensors: hard braking with nothing ahead
- Front sensor assembly failure
- Lug nuts: missing
- Side panels: parts breaking or coming apart
- Wireless phone charger: works on and off
- Piston rings: early wear
- Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
- Power windows or regulator: stopped working
- Road departure mitigation: stopped working
- Stability control (VSA) failure
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Struts or shocks failure
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
How the 2023 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years
The other Pilot years of the 4th generation, 2023 to 2026, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 6.1 | 1 | Steering: unusual noises |
| 2025 | Provisional 62 | – | – | 8.1 | 4 | Steering: unusual noises |
| 2024 | Caution | 62 | 1.8× | 16.2 | 6 | Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings |
| 2023 This year | Caution | 63 | 1.5× | 18.1 | 5 | Seat belts: warning lights |
| 2022 | Good | 72 | 0.81× | 10.5 | 5 | Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead |
2023 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
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.
NHTSA 25V391000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 12, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 25V031000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 23, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: filler pipe and cap
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V900000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 27, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seats: critical fasteners
An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V859000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 14, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 59% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: rack
A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V735000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 2, 2023. By the third quarter of 2025, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still openNHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025
Inaccurate rear seat belt warning in Pilots
Still openNHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in October 2025, covers 2023-2024 Pilots. It has 6 complaints and several field reports that the rear seat belt warning shows the wrong status. Drivers may think children are buckled when they are not, especially in the third row. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25017Opening report (PDF)Open since Oct 28, 2025
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2023 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD and SUV FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2023 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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages NHTSA 25V391000
- Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system NHTSA 25V031000
- Fuel system, gasoline: filler pipe and cap NHTSA 24V900000
- Seats: critical fasteners NHTSA 24V859000
- Steering: rack NHTSA 23V735000
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
- Drive slowly in tight circles and listen for groaning or shudder from the rear. Ask when the rear differential fluid was last changed.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Seat belts
- Dashboard warning lights
- Steering
- 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