NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 148 owner complaints for the 2023 Honda Pilot. Most complaints involve seat belts (36) and electrical system (28). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Pilot model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 746 |
| 2004 | 544 |
| 2005 | 679 |
| 2006 | 268 |
| 2007 | 211 |
| 2008 | 133 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2011 | 293 |
| 2012 | 172 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 116 |
| 2015 | 109 |
| 2016 | 1,725 |
| 2017 | 937 |
| 2018 | 442 |
| 2019 | 927 |
| 2020 | 493 |
| 2021 | 452 |
| 2022 | 172 |
| 2023 | 148 |
| 2024 | 117 |
| 2025 | 216 |
| 2026 | 29 |
“The rear 2nd row passenger seatbelt alarm continues to go on when the seat belt is plugged in. I don’t feel safe having my children sit in that seat. I did go to the Honda dealership that I bought the car and they told me that I would have to pay for that part because it’s not recalled I am not paying for the part when I just bought the car brand new off the lot and we had nothing to do with the seatbelt going wrong.”
“I own a 2023 Honda Pilot. On two separate occasions while the vehicle was being driven, the vehicle experienced multiple system warnings and a significant loss of steering assistance. The first incident occurred before July 16, 2026, at approximately 40,605 miles. While my wife was driving, multiple warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel suddenly became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, although the engine remained running. She was able to pull over, turn the vehicle off, and restart it. After the restart, the warning lights disappeared and the steering returned to normal. I brought the vehicle to John Eagle Honda of Dallas on July 16, 2026. The dealer's repair order documents: “CUSTOMER STATES MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY STIFF BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING.” The dealer reported that it performed a battery check and charging-system test, found no stored diagnostic trouble codes, could not duplicate the condition during a test drive, and performed no repair. The problem occurred again on September 8, 2026, at approximately 42,511 miles while my wife was driving. Once again, the steering became extremely…”
“I have this car for more than 3 years now and ever since this sensor problem keeps bugging me out. The brake system hold error keeps on displaying specially on a rainy days, winter season and not only that, the car suddenly stopped in the middle of thw highway while displaying collision error message although there is no collision. This is very dangerous and knowing that it can happen anytime while your are driving on a highway. I am very frustrated and this type of cars is not cheap and they gave as a junk, not safe for driving cars. And jus today, my honda pilot is not starting at all. The engine keeps cranking while showing brake system hold error, collision error messages and a lot more. I was able to use it last night and suddenly for no reason it stops working because of some errors that I do not have any idea what's going on. Please, I need this to be fix by them (Honda). This is not a safe care at all.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot FWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 402 |
| Pilot AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 415 |
| Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 422 |
| Pilot AWD TrailSport Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 442 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 2, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seat belts (36), electrical system (28), forward collision avoidance (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Honda Pilot at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Honda Pilot 5 out of 5 stars overall.