Owners have reported 1 crash and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Honda Pilot. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, with frequent mentions of malfunctioning sensors, wiring problems, and electronic system failures. Typical symptoms include warning lights for systems like ABS, traction control, and power steering, as well as issues with the rear liftgate and dashboard alerts for various system failures. Complaints often arise at low mileages, with some issues reported as early as 850 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one crash where unintended acceleration was involved, and several instances where vehicles became difficult to control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for buyers considering a used 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly those related to the vehicle's electronic safety features and overall reliability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints15
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, most commonly involving knocking or clicking noises in the steering column, often attributed to the steering rack. These noises are frequently heard at low speeds or while turning, and some owners have experienced multiple replacements of the steering rack with recurring issues. Additionally, some complaints highlight a loss of power steering functionality, sometimes accompanied by grinding sounds and multiple dashboard warning lights. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 332 miles and others at approximately 8,468 miles. Safety concerns are expressed by owners, particularly regarding the potential for steering failure while driving, which could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Owner complaints9
SEAT BELTS
Owners report persistent issues with false seat belt warnings in the 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly affecting the second and third rows. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belt alarm activates even when passengers are properly buckled, with some noting the problem occurs intermittently or when passengers shift in their seats. These issues are often reported to begin shortly after purchase or around 38,000 miles, and some owners experience them immediately post-warranty. The false alarms are described as distracting and potentially dangerous, as they may lead drivers to ignore real seat belt warnings. This pattern suggests potential defects in seat occupancy sensors or related components, which could be a consideration for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several power train issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, primarily involving hesitation and improper shifting. Complaints frequently mention hesitation during acceleration, especially from a stop, and difficulty maintaining power, which can be particularly concerning when merging or entering traffic. Some owners describe sporadic loss of power, with the vehicle failing to respond to throttle input, while others note the transmission does not shift smoothly between gears. These issues are reported to occur with new vehicles and can present safety implications, such as potential collisions due to delayed acceleration. Buyers considering a used 2023 Honda Pilot should be aware of these recurring power train problems, as they may impact driving safety and vehicle reliability.
Owner complaints5
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the sunroof and moonroof, including spontaneous shattering and structural failures. Complaints describe loud noises followed by glass shattering, with some incidents resulting in glass falling into the cabin and causing minor injuries. These failures are noted at varying mileages, with reports at approximately 600 to 25,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of side mirrors not returning to their original position after reversing due to a software malfunction. The sunroof issues pose safety implications, particularly when glass falls into the vehicle while driving.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to engine performance and transmission functionality. Common symptoms include rough idling, gear shifting struggles, and delayed acceleration, particularly noticeable at lower temperatures or from a complete stop. Some owners mention emissions system malfunctions, with warning lights appearing and recurring over months, while others describe severe engine and transmission failures leading to reduced speed and burning smells. These issues often occur despite regular maintenance, with some complaints emerging as early as a few months after purchase. Safety implications are noted in scenarios where acceleration delays or transmission failures occur, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions.
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report that the 2023 Honda Pilot's forward collision avoidance system occasionally engages the brakes unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle suddenly braking without any apparent obstacles, often while driving at highway speeds or near large vehicles like tractor trailers. One owner notes multiple system failures during a snowstorm, affecting braking and other driving assistance features, with photographic evidence of dashboard alerts. The unexpected braking has reportedly occurred multiple times, leading to concerns about potential rear-end collisions. These issues appear to be intermittent, with no specific mileage range consistently mentioned.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the airbag systems of the 2023 Honda Pilot, specifically noting error messages related to the "Secondary Restraint System Failure" and "Supplemental restraint system problem." These issues appear at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing the problem at 80,100 miles. Complaints frequently mention that these errors prompt a recommendation to visit a dealer, but the underlying causes are not detailed. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the presence of these warnings suggests potential airbag deployment concerns. Used car buyers might consider verifying if these issues have been addressed, particularly if purchasing a vehicle with similar mileage.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report that the 2023 Honda Pilot experiences sudden and unexpected braking without any apparent reason or obstruction. Complaints frequently mention that the Collision Mitigation Braking System or driver-assist sensors may be misinterpreting conditions, causing the vehicle to brake abruptly. Symptoms include violent shaking and forceful stops, even when no vehicles or obstacles are nearby, occurring multiple times since purchase. These incidents pose safety risks, as they can lead to potential rear-end collisions and create panic among drivers and passengers. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they involve significant safety implications.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot report issues with the automatic engine shutoff feature and acceleration behavior. One complaint describes the engine shutting off after approximately 30 minutes while parked with the air conditioning running, which disabled the cooling system and led to overheating inside the vehicle, posing a risk to occupants. Another owner notes a hesitation of 2 to 3 seconds followed by a sudden surge when entering traffic, which occurs without warning lights or messages and affects vehicle control. These issues are reported to occur under specific conditions, such as extended idling or during traffic entry, but no consistent mileage range is noted. Safety implications include potential heat-related injury and loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
