2013 Honda Pilot Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Honda Pilot, 2% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vcm (variable cylinder management) system causes jerking and vibrations, periodically, during the change from eco mode to full cylinder operation. I had the service manager drive with me and on that trip, the problem could not be duplicated. The sales and service manager said that they had never heard of that being a problem. I now see that Honda has had this problem for several years. The company refuses to acknowledge and fix the obvious problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10567305, filed 2014-03, 25 miles“The problem is a noticeable rumble appearing to come from the rearend but affecting every part of the vehicle. It can be felt on the steering wheel, seats, dash, etc. At first we thought it occurred at only 62 and 40 MPH but the more we drive the vehicle it can be felt at any speed. We had leased a touring Pilot but brought it back after 1400 miles and traded it for a ex-l Pilot hoping the rumble would be less. At first it didn't occur as much, but the more miles it has the worse it gets. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508966, filed 2013-04, 20 miles“When the eco turns on start to vibrate the whole car. The car vibrates and rattle noise comes in the engine compartment. Very disturbing ofr a new car but they say is how the eco works, concerned can cause engine damage due to vibration.”
NHTSA complaint #10521162, filed 2013-06, 42 miles“Vehicle hesitates/ and shakes at 45 and 60 MPH, very scary. Took car to dealership in bluffton sc march 2014 and may 2014. Dealership could not reproduce problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10593477, filed 2014-05, 15,000 miles“2013 Honda Pilot. Consumer writes in regards to severe vibration when eco drive engages. The dealer informed the consumer there was no fix for the problem, as it was a normal characteristic.”
NHTSA complaint #10520295, filed 2013-06Related service bulletins
- 10216874Jul 19, 2022"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10172366Mar 5, 2020Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
- 10142438Jun 13, 2018Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10136437May 4, 2018Service bulletin - The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected…
- 10129412Jan 31, 2018Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10106925Feb 2, 2017Techline summary article - if the engine is overheating and theres engine oil mixed in the coolant reservoir, chances are the cylinder head may be cracked. A crack may form…
- 10127645Aug 30, 2014Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al .v. Amrican Honda Motor Co…
- 10128544Jul 30, 2014Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al .v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10128573Jul 24, 2014Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al .v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10129532Feb 26, 2014Service bulletin - The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 through P0304 and cause the MIL to…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 | 13 | 1% |
| 2016 | 45 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 10 | 6% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 43 | 6% |
| 2004 | 28 | 5% |
| 2003 | 37 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2013 Honda Pilot
79 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeats
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology