2013 Honda Pilot Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 78 1 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED A QUART OF OIL EVERY 20 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE OF 20 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPART, AS WHEEL AS THE POWER BRAKE ASSIST FAILS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE TO BASNEY HONDA (3820 GRAPE RD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A PISTON RING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11319225, 2020 · fire

“ON 7/5/2016, I SET OUT TO DRIVE MY PARENTS TO AN APPOINTMENT. I AM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREGIVER. MY FATHER HAS DEMENTIA & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND MY MOTHER HAS ALZHEIMER'S. MY 9 YR OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER WAS ALSO IN THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED STARTING THE CAR, IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN OVER. BUT AFTER A FEW TRIES, IT STARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, SO I FIGURED IT WAS A FLUKE. I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, BEGAN DRIVING (NEIGHBORHOOD - 25MPH SPEED LIM) AND SHORTLY BEGAN HEARING KNOCKING NOISES. AFTER LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE (CROSSING SUBURBAN MAIN ROAD 35MPH SPEED LIM), THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPO…”
NHTSA complaint #10955685, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING GARAGE, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567653, 2014 · crash

Power Train 54 3 crash 7 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35MPH IN A CITY STREET AND SLOWLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. OUT OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND RUNNING OFF THE ROAD. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11192590, 2019 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“PARKED ON LEVEL PAVED SHOULDER OF SMALL-TOWN 2-LANE ROAD IN UPSTATE NY. PLACED TRUCK IN PARK, AND VERIFIED TRUCK SHIFTER IN PARK. LEFT TRUCK IDLING IN PARK TO KEEP A/C GOING DURING BRIEF STOP TO WALK TO REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO HAND ITEM FROM REAR FLOOR BACK TO TODDLER. AS I APPROACED REAR DOOR, TRUCK (WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED/BUMPED) ENGAGED AND BEGAN DRIVING AWAY UNDER POWER, NOT ROLLING. CHASED TRUCK AND PARTIALLY JUMPED IN (SHORT LEGS). ATTEMPTED TO PUT TRUCK IN PARK TO STOP IT, BUT SHIFTER IN PARK ALREADY, REFOCUSED ON TRYING TO TURN OFF KEYS. TRUCK HAD ENOUGH TORQUE TO DRIVE ACROSS 2-LANE ROA…”
NHTSA complaint #10746121, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY DAUGHTER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO A SLOPED DRIVEWAY, APPLIED THE BRAKE, SHIFTED INTO PARK GEAR SELECTOR, EXITED AUTO TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM GARAGE. NOTICED THE CAR ROLLING , ATTEMPTED TO GET IN THE CAR, AS HER TWO CHILDREN WERE IN THE REAR (AGES 6 &9).CAR ROLLED OVER HER LEG, RESULTING IN MAJOR COMPOUND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE SURGERY, METAL ROD AND SCREWS IN HER LEG. CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS CROSSING STREET INTO DITCH. POLICE REPORT INDICATES ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING WITH GEAR IN REVERSE . HONDA CASE #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA…”
NHTSA complaint #10585247, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 47

“The factory clear coat and paint on the roof of this 2013 Honda Pilot are delaminating and peeling away from the metal. The failure began about 1.5 years ago and continues to spread; in places it has now progressed through the paint to bare metal that is corroding and rusting. The vertical body panels remain glossy and intact while the entire horizontal roof has failed - a top-down failure pattern consistent with a defective factory finish rather than wear or environmental exposure. This matches a well-documented paint-adhesion defect in Honda vehicles of this generation: Honda issued warranty…”
NHTSA complaint #11745465, 2024

“I purchased the vehicle and in May 2023 I noticed a small bubble on the paint on the roof of the car near the windshield on the left, above the driver's side. I went to the closest Honda Dealer and the gentleman at the shop dismissed me saying the car's warranty was expired. A few months later, the bubble popped and a part of the paint peeled off. I called the dealer Arlington Honda and was told by a manager Jeremy Hardman to take my car to one of 2 Autobody shops he provided me with for inspection. I went to Schaumburg Autobody who inspected the vehicle and found more affected areas behind t…”
NHTSA complaint #11631923, 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the fog lights and exterior lights became inoperable. The contact noticed there was rust underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also needed to add additional power steering fluid three times per week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear box, power steering lines, water lines and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the power steering reservoir, power steer…”
NHTSA complaint #11503381, 2022

Service Brakes 42 3 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“Brake failure at stop sign. Driver crashed into a pole, suffered severe injuries including bleeding in the brain and broken ribs.”
NHTSA complaint #11473506, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY DAUGHTER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO A SLOPED DRIVEWAY, APPLIED THE BRAKE, SHIFTED INTO PARK GEAR SELECTOR, EXITED AUTO TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM GARAGE. NOTICED THE CAR ROLLING , ATTEMPTED TO GET IN THE CAR, AS HER TWO CHILDREN WERE IN THE REAR (AGES 6 &9).CAR ROLLED OVER HER LEG, RESULTING IN MAJOR COMPOUND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE SURGERY, METAL ROD AND SCREWS IN HER LEG. CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS CROSSING STREET INTO DITCH. POLICE REPORT INDICATES ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING WITH GEAR IN REVERSE . HONDA CASE #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA…”
NHTSA complaint #10585247, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED A QUART OF OIL EVERY 20 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE OF 20 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPART, AS WHEEL AS THE POWER BRAKE ASSIST FAILS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE TO BASNEY HONDA (3820 GRAPE RD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A PISTON RING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11319225, 2020 · fire

Unknown Or Other 35 1 crash 1 fire

“I DROVE TO WORK FIRST THING IN THE MORNING (10 MILES) AND PARKED. I NOTICED 10 MINUTES LATER THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE? FROM MY LOCATION, I COULD SEE THE FIRE COMING OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE CLOSER TO MY FRONT TIRE. THE FIRE MELTED MY WHOLE DASH AND ENGINE. FRONT TIRES SEEM TO BE PARTLY INTACT FROM FIRE. THE CAR DROVE FINE WITH NO TROUBLES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED???”
NHTSA complaint #11365646, 2020 · fire

“IT WAS A SUNNY AND VERY HOT DAY, TEMPERATURES ABOVE 90 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS PROCEEDING WEST ON A 2 LANE IN TOWN STREET, WITH NO CURBS, WITH ONE VEHICLE IN FRONT, STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION TO A 2 LANE HIGHWAY. AS THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING THE RAILROAD TRACKS, WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR THE STOP SIGN AFTER THE RAILROAD TRACKS. AS THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACCELERATED TOWARDS THE HIGHWAY. AT THIS POINT, THE DRIVER SAID, 'IT'S NOT STOPPING'IT'S NOT STOPPING.' TO THE OVER 2 PASSENGERS OF THE CAR. THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF THE CAR, WAITING TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11010302, 2017 · crash

“Vcm2 light appearing causing bank 2 to stop working, vibration and rpm not being able to go above 3000 or 5000”
NHTSA complaint #11672818, 2024

Air Bags 18 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE CONTACT DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A REST AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH WHIPLASH AND A CONCUSSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMP…”
NHTSA complaint #11301366, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL. DO I JUST TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST HONDA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE REPAIRED? WILL THERE BE ANY OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS, AND IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WE'LL BE REIMBURSED FOR IN THE FORM OF A RENTAL CAR UNTIL IT'S FIXED? WE ALSO LEASE A 2015 NISSAN LEAF. VIN: [XXX]. WE RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FOR THIS CAR AS WELL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11053414, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40-50 MPH, there was an accident ahead where a trailer crashed into a deer causing the deer to impact the front driver's side of the vehicle. The front passenger-side air bag was the only air bag that was deployed. The front driver-side air bag failed to deploy. After the front passenger air bag deployed the vehicle heated up rapidly and failed to shut off. There were two children seated in the rear of the vehicle. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The manufacturer was not noti…”
NHTSA complaint #11493592, 2022 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 16 1 crash 5 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35MPH IN A CITY STREET AND SLOWLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. OUT OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND RUNNING OFF THE ROAD. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11192590, 2019 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“Since purchasing new in 2013, experienced ongoing issues with VCM. Noticable vibration/shudder at all speeds except during heavy acceleration. Taken to dealer mant times. They are able to reproduce but state no fix available. It's how the car was made. In addition to vibration, engine makes a chirping noise when accelerating through vibration. I believe they are related although neither have been able to be fixed. No warning lights illuminate. I purchased this car for the 4wd as I live in snow/ice climate. However, excessive vibration/shudder makes driving in these conditions (any conditions)…”
NHTSA complaint #11439632, 2021

“THE ENGINE IS MAKING AN IDLING NOISE ONLY WHEN THE CAR STARTS IN THE MORNING. TAKES TIME FOR CAR TO INCREASE SPEED”
NHTSA complaint #11349326, 2020

Suspension 13

“Excessive vibration, speeds above 50mph vibrates the entire vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11511430, 2023

“HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE IN TORRANCE, CA GAVE US CASE # BUT UNHELPFUL.2013 PILOT'S PART OF FRONT SUSPENSION REAR LOWER ARM BUSHING WARRANTY EXTENSION: 7YRS100K MILES.THIS SUMMER LOCAL DEALER SERVICE DEPTS DIDN'T ALWAYS ANSWER THEIR PHONES & COULDN'T ALWAYS BOOK DUE TO COVID/ISSUES.IN JUNE THE HONDACARE WEBSITE + OTHER MEDIA INCLUDING HONDA'S TWITTER WERE DOWN FOR DAYS.AS LOYAL HONDA OWNERS WE WERE PATIENT AS WE'VE ALSO BEEN AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC.WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO HAVE THE SUSPENSION CHECKED DUE TO ROUGH HANDLING/POOR PERFORMANCE/NOISE.DEALER NOTED THAT THE BUSHINGS WERE INDEED CRACKED A…”
NHTSA complaint #11372579, 2020

“WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE FRONT END STARTS TO VIBRATE AS THE CAR IS MOVING ON STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. NOT DURING A TURN, YET. JUST MOVING FORWARD. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT AS OF YET BUT, I AM FEARFUL THAT THE VIBRATION WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO STOP IN TIME TO SAVE MY LIFE AS WELL AS WHO EVER I HIT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE PILOT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING. THEY CALLED WITH A BILL FOR 1,052.00 FOR COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS. THIS CAR IS SIX YEARS OLD WITH 61,026 MILES, WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE COSTING ME THAT MUCH MONEY FOR A 'FR…”
NHTSA complaint #11233488, 2019

Steering 12

“Excessive vibration, speeds above 50mph vibrates the entire vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11511430, 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the fog lights and exterior lights became inoperable. The contact noticed there was rust underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also needed to add additional power steering fluid three times per week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear box, power steering lines, water lines and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the power steering reservoir, power steer…”
NHTSA complaint #11503381, 2022

“I CHANGED TIRE ,BUSHING STABILIZER,WHEEL BALANCE ALIGNMENT, CHANGED THE TIE ROD AND CV AXLE BUT THE CAR STILL SHAKING BETWEEN THE SPEED OF 60MPH-70MPH..I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN MY HONDA PILOT 2013 MISFIRED THEN THEY FIXED IT BUT MY TIMING BELT EVERYTHING WAS MAKING SOUND , I SPENT TO MY MECHANIC FRIEND COZ THE DEALER CHARGE ME A PRICE OF 950$ TO DO TIMING BELT SERVICE.”
NHTSA complaint #11281056, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 11 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“WHILE DRIVING UP THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK CAUSING THE SUV TO CRASH THRU A CONCRETE FENCE AND DOWN A 40 FEET CLIFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10745608, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 7/5/2016, I SET OUT TO DRIVE MY PARENTS TO AN APPOINTMENT. I AM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREGIVER. MY FATHER HAS DEMENTIA & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND MY MOTHER HAS ALZHEIMER'S. MY 9 YR OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER WAS ALSO IN THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED STARTING THE CAR, IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN OVER. BUT AFTER A FEW TRIES, IT STARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, SO I FIGURED IT WAS A FLUKE. I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, BEGAN DRIVING (NEIGHBORHOOD - 25MPH SPEED LIM) AND SHORTLY BEGAN HEARING KNOCKING NOISES. AFTER LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE (CROSSING SUBURBAN MAIN ROAD 35MPH SPEED LIM), THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPO…”
NHTSA complaint #10955685, 2016 · fire

“Multiple mechanics have told me it’s spark plugs and piston ring and issues. I constantly get my oils changed when I’m at 10% and never let it run out of gas. Constantly babied this thing. It only has 145k miles on it. Had 111k when I bought it in 2022! I barely put miles on this and the fuel consumption and engine are now causing issues. Even been told possible catalytic converter issues. Multiple Honda has told me different things. This is so frustrating because the allowed some vin specific models with my year. But not mine?! Helllllllp”
NHTSA complaint #11738403, 2025

Electrical System 9 1 crash 1 injury

“AT ABOUT 12:05 PM, ON DECEMBER 7TH (WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH) ON A FLAT SURFACE STREET WITH MY WIFE IN THE FRONT SEAT AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT, WE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM BENEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. SECONDS LATER, MY WIFE GRABS HER FOOT AND SCREAMS IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN. I PULL OVER AND SAW A .25 INCH? THICK BY 5 INCH LONG ABRASION THAT RAN ACROSS THE ARC OF HER RIGHT FOOT THAT TORE THE TOP LAYERS OF HER SKIN. AFTER WE STOPPED BY A LOCAL TARGET TO BUY GAUZE AND BANDAGES AND DROPPED OFF OUR CHILDREN AT A LOCAL FRIEND'S HOUSE I CHECKED MY WIFE INTO UR…”
NHTSA complaint #10669195, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND THE TAILGATE LOCKS AT INOPPORTUNE TIMES. THE DASH CAMERA WORKS OFF AND ON AS WELL AS THE LOCKS IN THE CAR. IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY CAN GET LOCKED IN THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11046227, 2017 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND REAR LATCH WAS UNABLE TO OPEN FROM BUTTON ON HATCH OR KEY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN REAR LATCH. I COULD NOT FIND ANY WAY TO OPEN THE REAR LATCH EVEN FROM INSIDE WITH AN ESCAPE BUTTON.”
NHTSA complaint #11217618, 2019

Seats 7

“The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when he exited the vehicle, he heard a cracking sound coming from underneath the driver’s seat. The contact stated he looked around the driver’s seat and noticed that the bottom of the driver’s seat frame was fractured in three locations. The contact inspected the frame of the front passenger’s seat and noticed one crack. The contact stated he called the local dealer and they informed him that there was no recall associated with the VIN and suggested he contact the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa…”
NHTSA complaint #11484282, 2022

“THE CAR HAS ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHTS ARE ON. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CODES TO MATCH A RECALL WHICH MY VIN IS EXCLUDED EVEN THOUGHT I AM FACING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. PISTON MISFIRING AND THE ENGINE CAN LOCK AT ANY TIME CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CODES GIVE TO ME BY MECHANIC THAT SAID THAT HONDA SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE: DTC - P0301 AND P0304. BULLETIN -13-082. DTC 83-11 AND DTC - 83-12. DEALERSHIP NEVER MENTIONED THIS TO ME I HAD TO GO TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. INFO: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2013/SB-10053786-6271.PDF SUMMARY: "THE PISTON RINGS ON CERTAIN CYLINDE…”
NHTSA complaint #11331364, 2020

“THE NHTSA HEADREST STANDARDS ARE [XXX]. SERIOUSLY, DID ANY OF YOU EVEN [XXX] DRIVE A CAR WITH A HEADREST IN THE POSITION YOU MANDATE? YOU ARE INCOMPETENT AT YOUR JOB. FAIL! QUIT YOUR TAX PAYER FUNDED JOB AND GO WORK FOR A PAYCHECK. GO RUIN YOUR OWN LIFE INSTEAD OF RUINING EVERYONE ELSE'S FOR A CHANGE!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10865908, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“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. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10521162, 2013

“2013 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN ECO DRIVE ENGAGES. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM, AS IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC.”
NHTSA complaint #10520295, 2013

“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. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT VERY FORTHCOMING WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NO SOLUTION OR ANY HO…”
NHTSA complaint #10508966, 2013

Wheels 5

“I HAVE NOTICED FOR SOME TIME THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEEMS TO SHAKE A LITTLE WHEN DRIVING. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE WHEEL BEARING. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARING IN THE VEHICLE. A YEAR AGO, WHEN I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY, I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. I HAD TO PULL OVER, RE-START THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE WORN DOWN AT THAT TIME. IT WAS REPLACED THEN AND NOW, ABOUT A YEAR LATER, I HAVE A LEAK.”
NHTSA complaint #11065396, 2018

“2013 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ALLOY WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS. *SMD *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10745329, 2015

“PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.PURCHASED CAR APRIL 2013. BROUGHT TO DEALER 09/24/2015 37,453 MILES. VEHICLE SCAN SUMMARY INDICATED THREE TIRES WITH MARGINAL TREAD DEPTH AND ONE WITH TREAD DEPTH LESS THAN RECOMMENDED MINIMUM. DELAER MOVED ONE REAR TIRE TO THE FRONT AND RECOMMENDED I DRIVE 5-10 THOUSAND MILES MORE TO GET MORE VALUE ON THE PRORATING OF THE TIRES. WHEN I RETURNED ON 12/28/2015 WITH 39,915 MILES I WAS TOLD THAT NO PRORATING WOULD BE GIVEN UNLESS I HAD WRITTEN PROOF OF TIRE ROTATION DONE EVERY 5,000 MILES. I DO NOT...WHO DOES? THE SUGGESTION WAS ERRONEOUS MISLEADING AND DANGEROUS BECAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10816624, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 4

“WHEN IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CEILING, SEAT, AND FLOOR WOULD BE WET.”
NHTSA complaint #11180899, 2019

“DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. ONE TIME WHEN I PULLED DOWN GENTLY TO BLOCK THE SUN IT BECAME LOOSE AND NEVER WOULD STAY UP AGAIN. IN READING ON CAR FORUMS THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MANY MODELS OF HONDA CARS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY RECALL FOR REPAIRS.”
NHTSA complaint #11115511, 2018

“CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. FOUND FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED NEXT DAY. CRACK IS IMPAIRING LINE OF SIGHT. I FEEL THAT WINDSHIELD SHOULD NOT HAVE CRACKED. HAVE READ OF MANY OTHER HONDA PILOTS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10721772, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, the brake warning light, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the pressure sensor had malfunctioned and the VSA module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part unavailable and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11541120, 2022

“WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE FRONT END STARTS TO VIBRATE AS THE CAR IS MOVING ON STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. NOT DURING A TURN, YET. JUST MOVING FORWARD. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT AS OF YET BUT, I AM FEARFUL THAT THE VIBRATION WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO STOP IN TIME TO SAVE MY LIFE AS WELL AS WHO EVER I HIT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE PILOT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING. THEY CALLED WITH A BILL FOR 1,052.00 FOR COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS. THIS CAR IS SIX YEARS OLD WITH 61,026 MILES, WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE COSTING ME THAT MUCH MONEY FOR A 'FR…”
NHTSA complaint #11233488, 2019

“ENGINE/PISTON/RING ISSUE. RINGS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY IN ONE OF PISTONS ( FACTORY/ASSEMBLY ERROR) RESULTED IN OIL LEAKING AND THROWN ON ENGINE , CAUSED 2 SPARK PLUGS TO FAIL, THIS CAUSED ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THEN THE VSA AND VTM-4 CAME ON AND THE ECO LIGHT STOPPED WORKING...WE WERE TRAVELLING 70 MILES AN HOUR ON HIGHWAY. WE WERE REALLY AFRAID WHEN THE VTM-4 LIGHT CAME ON! WE HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD, FOR FEAR OF RUINING THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING.. WE COULDN'T GET THE LIGHTS TO GO OFF, FINALLY VTM-4 LIGHT WENT OFF AND ON THE OTHER LIGHTS STAYED ON...IT WAS C…”
NHTSA complaint #10902999, 2016

Exterior Lighting 3

“Brake lights did not appear to be working while car suddenly slowed.”
NHTSA complaint #11735278, 2026

“Wires burnt to headlights as a result of overheating wires; resulted in both low beam headlights going out while driving. It seems like Honda has had this problem previously in older Pilot models. Unsure of why they are making newer vehicles with the same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11554087, 2023

“THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACING THE BULB, BUT IT STILL WOULDN'T WORK. SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS LATER THE DRIVERS' SIDE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. WHEN LOOKING IT UP ONLINE, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS FAR BACK AS 2005 HONDA MODELS AND NOT ONLY WITH THE PILOTS BUT SEVERAL OTHER MODELS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 5/30/19 AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND WILL GET AN ESTIMATE ON THE COST FOR FIXING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. AT WHAT POINT DOES HONDA NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11209368, 2019

Fuel System 2

“ON 2013 PILOT ANY ONE HAS NOISE LIKE LIQUID ONLY WHEN YOU STOP LIKE BOUNCING SLUSHY FROM BACK OF VEHICLE CAR HA ONLY 7K ON WAS STARTED AFTER FIRST OIL CHANGE I TAKE TO CROWN HONDA ST PETERSBURG FL .I TEST THE CAR WITH THE TECH VERIFY THE NOISE BUT AFTER I LEAVE THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSED THE SAY CAN NOT DUPLICATE 3 TIMES I TOOK TO SERVICE LAST TIME IS 01/08/2014 I TEST DRIVE WITH SERVICE MANAGER HI VERIFY THE NOISE BUT SAME STORY AGAIN SAY THAT IS NORMAL AFTER HI TELL ME 40 YEARS I THINK IS FUEL TANK BUT IF YOU KNOW IS FUEL THANK FIX I PAY 35000 NORTH AMERICA HONDA NOT WILL PAY THAT…”
NHTSA complaint #10559103, 2014

“LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING HONDA'S 2013 PILOT RECALL (NHTSA RECALL 13V-382/CAMPAIGN#JB5/SERVICE BULLETIN #13-075); HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FROM AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. OR UNIVERSITY MOTORS; REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM NHTSA. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE LONG BLOCK AND SHORT BLOCK REPLACED. HE STATED HE TALKED TO THREE DIFFERENT AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS, AND IT WAS IN THEIR OPINION THAT REPLACING ONLY THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINE WAS NOT A TRUSTWORTHY FIX. THE SHORT BLOCK REPAIR PERFORMED UNDER NON-FACTORY CONDITIONS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO CONTAMINATIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10552366, 2013

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2 1 fire

“TEN MINUTES AFTER LOCKING THE PILOT WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR POWER LOCK, WE HEARD TWO BOOMS AND FOUND THE CAR WITH FIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND HAD ENGULFED THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES BY THE TIME THE FIRE COMPANY COULD USE FOAM ON THE CAR. WE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 7 HOURS PRIOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10626108, 2014 · fire

“DOORS CONTINUE TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE KEYS ARE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IF YOU OPEN A DOOR AND SET YOUR PURSE INSIDE, AND SHUT THAT DOOR TO OPEN ANOTHER...IE PUTTING CHILD IN CAR SEAT, OR LOADING EQUIPMENT IN BACK. CAR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY. CHILDREN OR PETS COULD BE ENDANGERED BY THIS. PEOPLE COULD BE LEFT IN DARK PARKING LOT WITHOUT PHONE, OR IN DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE OF THIS. IT IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10532232, 2013

Seat Belts 2

“I THOUGHT FINALLY I COULD START ENJOYING THE LUXURY IN A CAR BUT HONDA COMPANY PAINTED MY FACE SHAME BY MAKING ME FEEL DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR PRODUCT. MY CAR STEERING IS SO HARD FOR ME A WOMAN, THE AIR CONDITIONING WILL NOT BLOW TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION EVEN WHEN I SET THE MODE, THE BELT IS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROOF PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LESS THAN A YEAR I BOUGHT IT, THIS IS 2013 VEHICLE , THIS REALLY BROKE MY HEART AS A SINGLE MOTHER, I HAVE A LOT ON MY PLATE ALREADY, NOW ADD ALL THESE. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME, I'M LOOSING IT , PLEASE HELP ME😭😭😭😭 *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324519, 2020

“THE SRS MODUAL IS DEFECTIVE SO I HAVE NON WORKING AIR BAGS AND THE LEFT SEAT BELT IS DEFECTIVE. HONDA SAYS THE WILL FIX THE SEAT BELT BOT NOT THE SRS MODUAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11084856, 2018