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Honda PilotModel year report

2023 Honda Pilot Problems

Compared with other Honda Pilot years

Typical for this model

53/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
146filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
18,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Honda Pilot (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this 2023 Pilot most often write about front-end electronics acting up: false seat belt reminders from the second and third rows, and intermittent warnings from the driver-assist and brake systems, sometimes with the vehicle braking on its own. Steering noise and repeated steering rack replacements recur across many complaints, and sunroof glass shattering is reported by several owners. Many reports are filed at low mileage, but the seat belt complaints tend to come in later, often around 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

  1. Electrical system

    Dashboard warning flood and electrical faults

    • 23 complaints (16%)
    • median 8,550 mi at 1.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2023–2026

    Owners report multiple warnings at once — brake system, anti-lock brake, hill start, lane keeping, all-wheel drive, parking sensor — sometimes followed by a loss of power or the vehicle going into a reduced state. Complaints describe wheel speed sensor replacement, backordered parts, and dealers unable to reproduce the problem after the warnings clear on restart. Others describe auto idle stop failing to restart the engine, and a service bulletin covers an auto idle stop wiring issue at the battery management connector. Spread across the model year, with several reports under 10,000 miles and others past 25,000; intermittent and often clear after a restart.

    Recall 25V0310002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Start the vehicle and confirm no warnings remain lit after a short drive, and ask for any stored fault codes. Ask whether the idle-stop and fuel injection software updates tied to the recalls have been performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a used Honda Pilot and in less than 30 days I'm having problems with some electrical wiring harness. The dealership wants me to pay for the repairs. The error message that showed up auto idle stop ignition problem see your dealership”

    NHTSA complaint #11654748, filed 2025-04

    “I was stopped at a stop light on a very busy road. The vehicle went into Auto Idle shut down. When the light turned green, I attempted to press the gas but the engine was completely stalled and would not restart. I had to put the vehicle in park, turn off the vehicle, and completely restart it for the vehicle to be able to successfully clear the busy intersection. After this incident, the vehicle would inconsistently give me the Auto Idle System Problem warning when first started. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11730810, filed 2026-04
  2. Seat belts

    False seat belt reminders (second/third row)

    • 31 complaints (21%)
    • median 60,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2024–2026

    Owners report the seat belt warning chiming and flashing even when a passenger in the second-row middle or right seat, or the third row, is properly buckled, and sometimes when the seat is empty. Complaints describe shops replacing buckles or the seat wiring harness, and some owners say the problem returned after repair and that they were quoted several hundred dollars. A service bulletin addresses a false reminder for the second-row right seat. Reported from low mileage up to roughly 60,000 miles; one complaint notes the alert comes and goes as the buckled passenger shifts position.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the engine on, buckle every second- and third-row belt in turn and watch whether the reminder light and chime clear; ask whether the seat belt buckle or harness has already been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The third row seat belt buckles on driver side and passenger side have been replaced due to failing to register when a child is seated and buckled in that row causing the vehicle alarm to go off notifying me that the child is unbuckled when they are not. I have been to the dealer 5 times going on 6 for this same issue. Have had a total of 3 buckles fail, one of them had failed twice now. 2 of them have been repaired and the vehicle is scheduled to go back to the dealership April 3rd to fix the two new buckles that have failed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11728575, filed 2026-04

    “Rear seat belt indicator and alarm go off continuously when the seat is occupied and when the passenger is buckled by the seat belt. While the passenger is buckled, anytime they shift it causes the indicator light to come on and the alarm to sound. This defeats the purpose of having the indicator.”

    NHTSA complaint #11708203, filed 2026-01
  3. Forward collision avoidance

    Emergency braking activates with no obstacle

    • 12 complaints (8%)
    • median 34,500 mi at 2.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2023–2026

    Owners describe the collision-mitigation system flashing a BRAKE warning and applying the brakes hard when there is no vehicle or pedestrian in the path, often while passing large trucks or in ordinary lane travel. Some also report a "Clean Radar Sensor" message that turns off adaptive cruise control until the vehicle is restarted, and dealers realigning or replacing front brake sensors in a few cases. Mostly reported within the first 20,000 to 50,000 miles; several complaints mention rain or highway speeds.

    What to check: Ask whether any front radar or camera calibration or sensor replacement has been done, and test adaptive cruise control and lane keeping on a highway drive. Note whether the sensor area shows debris or damage.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When driving down both highways and interstates on several occasions my vehicle has slammed the brakes on prompting the warning of emergency braking. This when there are no vehicles directly in my lane or path. It often occurs when passing a tractor trailer on the interstate so much so that I hover my foot on the gas pedal to counteract this braking.”

    NHTSA complaint #11583713, filed 2024-04

    “Automatic Braking System (ABS) automatically applied brakes when I was 2 car lengths behind a vehicle that was turning and the sensor detected the vehicles brake lights. There was enough space between my vehicle and the one in front of me that was turning for me to stop if needed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11641765, filed 2025-02
  4. Steering

    Steering noise, rack replacement

    • 10 complaints (7%)
    • median 8,468 mi at 1.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2023–2026

    Complaints describe a popping, clicking or knocking felt and heard through the steering wheel after the vehicle warms up, at low speed or while turning. Owners report the dealer replacing the steering rack, in some cases more than once, with the noise returning afterward; a few describe the wheel becoming hard to turn or warning messages about reduced steering assist. Often reported between roughly 2,000 and 12,000 miles, generally after the vehicle has been driven for a while and warmed up.

    Recall 23V735000

    What to check: Drive for 15 minutes, then listen for clicks or pops while turning the wheel in a parking lot. Ask whether the steering rack has been replaced and keep the repair paperwork.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When trying to drive my vehicle i noticed the steering wheel became hard to turn. I was able to get a tow truck to drop my vehicle off at the dealership to get it looked at. The dealership is telling me that it is due to a steering problem needing a rack and pinion part. This vehicle is a 2023 Honda Pilot which was just purchased by me in April. There hasnt been any issue until now.”

    NHTSA complaint #11686248, filed 2025-09

    “At about 9700 miles I noticed a popping noise in the steering wheel when it was turned left or right after driving for a few miles and it could be felt in the steering wheel. The popping sound got worse and on July 7, 2025 I took the car to the Honda dealership I bought it from at 11, 900 miles and the master mechanic confirmed the sound and stated the steering rack needed to be replaced. That was done over 4 days but several months later the popping sound that could again be felt in the steering wheel returned. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11735303, filed 2026-05
  5. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Panoramic sunroof glass shattering

    • 7 complaints (5%)
    • median 4,000 mi at 1.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2023–2026

    Owners report a loud pop and the panoramic sunroof glass breaking or shattering while driving or backing out, with glass falling into the cabin. Some say the shade was closed and contained the glass; others describe minor cuts. Complaints mention dealers and the manufacturer being contacted, with no cause identified in most reports. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 25,000 miles, often at highway speed or during a normal drive.

    What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass and seals for chips, cracks or prior replacement, and ask whether the panel has ever been replaced under warranty.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Sunroof glass exploded: While driving in light traffic -- approximately 65 mph -- I heard a loud crash exploding sound and then the sound of glass breaking. No other vehicles were near me but I quickly scanned my front, back, and side windows and mirrors and nothing was broken. No warnings on instrument panel. I could hear wind coming in the vehicle and realized it was coming from the sunroof. I pulled off at the next exit and inspected the top of my Honda Pilot. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11561145, filed 2023-12

    “The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the rear of the panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered, raining glass down into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 4,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11557008, filed 2023-11, 4,000 miles

Buying note. Check the seat belt reminders in every row and the steering for noise on a warmed-up test drive, and get confirmation of which open recalls were performed. A dealer service history showing sensor, rack or software work done for these symptoms is worth having before you buy.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 146 consumer complaints for the 2023 Honda Pilot. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 76% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 18,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 90 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Honda Pilot model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 53 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Body and structure (6), Fuel system (5), Lane departure (5), Air bags (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Wheels (4), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Exterior lighting (2).

Example complaints

Seat belts: “Honda has a known issue where their Pilot’s seatbelt sensor stops working. I was the second vehicle this week to bring my car in because the belt dings incessantly even though the seatbelt is secured. This can prevent the airbag from deploying while a passenger is in the seat. I’m being charged for the repair and feel that it should be covered as it’s a safety issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11754915, filed 2026-08

Electrical system: “When I filled up on gas and I used 88 instead of regular 87 fuel so a day after I filled up with gas I turn on the vehicle all of the lights came on warning that the awd system didn’t work and the lane departure didn’t work and cruse control didn’t work. And when I went to the dealer they couldn’t figure it out until the pulled the gas out saying we put the wrong gas in the car”

NHTSA complaint #11601453, filed 2024-07

Other or unknown: “The car engine shut off while in auto idle stop, prompting me to take to the dealership last year,2025. There, I was informed that the wiring is made from soy, which attracts rats, leading to a repair bill exceeding $1000. Unfortunately, this issue has recurred, as the engine has stalled twice when the vehicle shifted to park during a stop, necessitating a restart.”

NHTSA complaint #11770310, filed 2026-10

Forward collision avoidance: “The Pilot emergency braked on its own as I was driving 30mph on a rural road, throwing myself and my children forward in our seats as the vehicle came to a stop. It was a violent action. No other vehicles or people were around us and no reason for the braking should have occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #11553929, filed 2023-11

Mileage when problems were reported

76% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 36,000 miles.

41%0–1018%10–2518%25–5018%50–756%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (17 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 18,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.

202320242025202660
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Honda Pilot. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Pilot · SUV AWD★★★★★4 / 4554 · 14.3% risk
Pilot · SUV FWD★★★★★4 / 4554 · 15.5% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.

Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2023 Honda Pilot version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Pilot AWD3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic192521$3,200
Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic192521$3,200
Pilot AWD TrailSport3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic182320$3,350
Pilot FWD3.5L 6-cyl10-speed automatic192722$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2023 Honda Pilot → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 90 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 90 bulletins →

Other model years of the Honda Pilot

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20262712,0001522Too new to compareToo new
20252168,2184522Too new to compareToo new
202411635,0006522Too new to compareToo new
202314618,000552253 · TypicalToo new
202217036,000552342 · TypicalRising
202145032,0001052390 · MoreRising
20204924,00011523100 · MoreStable
201992122,00013523100 · MoreRising
201844047,500752346 · TypicalRising
201793638,000452368 · MoreStable
20161,72050,0008523100 · MoreStable
201510946,00044200 · FewerStable
201411634,25834201 · FewerStable
201327128,000642058 · TypicalFalling
201217236,000942045 · TypicalStable
201129346,3751141962 · TypicalFalling
201011159,94010—195 · FewerFalling
200913470,4009—1923 · FewerFalling
200813387,0007—180 · FewerStable
200721182,1777—18Not compared (before 2008)Rising
2006268100,0008—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
2005679102,00013—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2004544104,00012—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
2003720117,00013—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Honda Pilot model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda Pilot?

Owners of this 2023 Pilot most often write about front-end electronics acting up: false seat belt reminders from the second and third rows, and intermittent warnings from the driver-assist and brake systems, sometimes with the vehicle braking on its own. The issues reported most often: Dashboard warning flood and electrical faults; False seat belt reminders (second/third row); Emergency braking activates with no obstacle.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?

NHTSA recorded 146 consumer complaints for the 2023 Honda Pilot as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2023 Honda Pilot is reported most often?

Seat belts is named most often, in 34 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 28.

Has the 2023 Honda Pilot been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2023 Honda Pilot do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Honda Pilot 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Honda Pilot get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Honda Pilot (Pilot FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Honda Pilot reported?

Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 18,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 36,000 miles; 76% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.