2025 Honda Pilot Problems

What owners report

Complaints on this model year cluster around the driver-assist system: owners describe the Pilot braking on its own on open roads and in traffic, or the collision-mitigation and adaptive-cruise features dropping out with warning messages. A second cluster covers steering assist that cuts out or a steering wheel that clicks at low speed, and many of these events arrive together with a dashboard full of warning lights. Because the vehicles are recent, most reports come in at low mileage, and owners frequently say the dealer could not reproduce or diagnose the problem.

1. 1
   Forward collision avoidance

   Unintended automatic braking from collision-mitigation

   • 76 complaints (35%)
   • median 12,750 mi at 1.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
   • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2024–2026

   Owners describe the collision-mitigation braking activating with no obstacle ahead — on open highways, in construction zones, and near bicycles or scooters on the shoulder — producing hard, sudden deceleration. Several say adaptive cruise control also deactivates and the car slows sharply on its own, sometimes repeatedly on the same trip. Complaints describe dealers realigning front cameras or radar and cleaning sensors, with some owners reporting the behavior returned afterward. Reported at a wide range of mileage, including vehicles under a few thousand miles, on highways, curves, and in rain, snow, or dusty conditions.

   What to check: Ask the seller whether any camera or radar realignment work was done, and test drive at highway speed and in traffic to see whether the braking or cruise systems behave normally. Note that adaptive cruise and collision-mitigation settings can be adjusted in the vehicle menu.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving on an open road, two lanes traveling the same direction the collision mitigation system was activated. The only thing I can think is that it was due to a bicycle that was traveling the same direction at a slower speed than I was driving but I had plenty of room to go around and was not even close to hitting them. The brakes were activated which was not only scary but dangerous. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11619563, filed 2024-10

   “On multiple occasions, under different driving conditions, the vehicle has experienced significant and rapid deceleration without any warning lights, diagnostic codes, or dashboard messages. The deceleration has occurred unexpectedly and creates a dangerous situation, particularly in traffic where a car or semi behind me is not anticipating the sudden decrease in speed. This requires me to fully depress the gas pedal which then creates a slingshot effect once acceleration takes hold. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11755170, filed 2026-08
2. 2
   Steering

   Steering assist cuts out or feels stiff; clicking at low

   • 57 complaints (26%)
   • median 8,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2024–2026

   Owners report moments where power steering assist stops, leaving the wheel very hard to turn, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes while turning at low speed; several say steering returned after shutting the vehicle off and restarting. Others describe a popping or clicking noise from the steering wheel at low-speed turns, with one complaint noting the dealer replaced a steering component and the noise came back. Complaints also mention steering warnings appearing alongside AWD and driver-assist failure messages. Mostly reported between roughly 3,000 and 30,000 miles; some steering-assist losses occurred during turns or after driving over rough pavement or a railroad crossing.

   What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and at low speed and listen for clicking or popping, and ask whether any steering rack, tie rod, or cable reel repairs were performed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The power steering system software problem undriveable. The AWD failed said undriveable. Only 30k miles on it and it just locked and couldnt steering right to left in the middle of traffic. Could have caused a bad accident lycjuly my kids weren't in the car. The computer software took over completely made my car uncontrollable. Have a video of all warnings that came on.”

   NHTSA complaint #11729805, filed 2026-04

   “While driving at low speeds after the vehicle has warmed up there are popping: clicking sounds while turning. Has the vehicle looked at by Honda and of course they didn’t hear anything. Other vehicles have needed the steering rack recalled and I need a recall to be issued for my car. Brand new car should be making noise and no car should be making noise while driving like this. Get it together.”

   NHTSA complaint #11664190, filed 2025-06
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Multiple warning lights and driver-assist shutdown

   • 106 complaints (49%)
   • median 16,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
   • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2024–2026

   Owners describe the dashboard lighting up with a group of warnings — emissions system problem, power may be reduced, AWD unavailable, lane keeping and cruise disabled, sometimes a do-not-drive message — often after a bump, rain, or a cold start. Some vehicles lose motive power and need to be restarted, and several owners say the dealer found no stored codes or could not reproduce it. A few complaints mention the speedometer or speed-limit reading displaying the wrong number, and others report the rear camera or remote-start features not working. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 30,000 miles, sometimes after driving over rough roads or in wet or dusty conditions.

   Recall 25V0310004 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask for any service records tied to warning-light visits, and confirm whether the fuel-injection ECU software recall (25V031000) was completed. Check that the rear camera and remote start work.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “This vehicle shut down while driving. Initially it would not restart. When it did restart all the indicator lights were on in the dash. I got to a safe location and I shut it off. I opened and closed the driver's door. When I turned it back on it was back to normal. I had it towed to the dealer because I was concerned about driving it. They found nothing wrong. I am concerned about driving this vehicle anywhere. I feel it will happen again. It's just a matter of time.”

   NHTSA complaint #11685630, filed 2025-09

   “Started up vehicle, and (all the bashboard warning lights illuminated),tsa,check engine light,power steering, brake lights.....all of them. Doors won't lock, and the raido stays on, even when the vehicle is completely turned off. Vehicle purchased on:12/02/2024. 3 miles on the odometer. Currently 14,000 miles.. honda corporation attempting not honor the warranty. $8400 dollars, to fix,and to contact my insurance company, and claim rodent damage; I, wouldn't have to pay, the insurance company will cover the cost.”

   NHTSA complaint #11751387, filed 2026-07
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission hesitation and jerking at low speed

   • 33 complaints (15%)
   • median 17,500 mi at 1.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2024–2026

   Complaints describe jerky shifting in the low gears, a delay when pressing the accelerator from a stop, and a feeling that the transmission is slow to respond when pulling into traffic. Some owners report the vehicle hesitating on an incline or briefly failing to pick up speed, and one complaint notes the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park at low speed. Owners describe dealers unable to duplicate the behavior or finding no fault. Mostly reported from a few thousand miles up to around 50,000 miles; several owners tie it to stop-and-go driving and rolling starts from a stop.

   What to check: Drive the vehicle from several standing starts, including on a slight incline, and note any delay or shudder when accelerating; ask whether any transmission software updates or repairs were done.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The transmission jerks at low speeds, especially in gears 1, 2, and 3. Starting from a stop is the worst. When you press the gas pedal there is a delayed response to accelerate the car. This is a safety issue. When you press the gas to pull out in front of traffic the vehicle is slow to respond, can get bogged down trying to shift gears, and may result in an accident. The jerkiness feels like the transmission is going to fall out. The vehicle does not accelerate smooth from 0-20 mph.”

   NHTSA complaint #11624402, filed 2024-11

   “The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while reversing, the automatic emergency brake unexpectedly engaged. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the transmission jerked while accelerating, the RPM failed to increase while accelerating. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11747345, filed 2026-06, 35,000 miles
5. 5
   Engine

   Engine stall or loss of power while driving

   • 37 complaints (17%)
   • median 16,000 mi at 1.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2024–2026

   Owners report the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, with emissions-system warnings displayed, occasionally requiring a tow and in one case a replacement engine at very low mileage. Others describe the auto idle-stop feature failing to restart the engine at a stop, particularly at high altitude or after a long climb, and the push-button start not bringing it back. Complaints also mention a check engine light with catalyst efficiency codes and a burning oil smell from under the hood. Reported from under 200 miles to about 50,000 miles, including stops at high elevation and after sustained inclines.

   Recall 25V0310004 related service bulletins

   What to check: Confirm the fuel-injection ECU recall (25V031000) was performed, ask whether any idle-stop restart complaints were addressed, and check for stored check-engine codes and any oil smell around the engine bay.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The message emission system problem, power may be reduced, see your dealer indicates a potential issue with your vehicle's emission control system, which may also be causing a reduction in engine power. I was told by the Honda Service Center, that i shouldn't drive it until it is serviced because the car might stall or engine damage may occur. The car only has 86 miles, I have had it less than a week. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11659579, filed 2025-05

   “Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system failed to restart engine after automatic shutdown at high elevation (~10,000 ft), following a long sustained incline. Vehicle had been driven through extreme heat (100°F+) in foothills prior to the climb, then ascended into cooler mountain air (~70°F). Coolant temperature gauge read normal (under half) at time of incident. At a stop, AIS shut off the engine as designed. Engine did not start when I released the brake pedal. I have tried to turn off the car completely and start it again. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11752932, filed 2026-07

Buying note. This model year carries several active recalls, so verify by VIN that all of them — including the brake pedal, rear seat belt, fuel filler, and fuel-injection ECU campaigns — have been completed. A long test drive covering highway cruise, low-speed maneuvers, and repeated stops is the most useful way to see whether the driver-assist, steering, and transmission behavior owners describe shows up on the specific vehicle.

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.