This page covers 5 recalls, 267 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Honda Pilot.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2013 Honda Pilot, engine issues draw the most complaints, with owners frequently describing cylinder misfires, rough idle, and check engine lights that return repeatedly even after maintenance. Cylinder 1 misfires come up across multiple reports, often accompanied by engine shaking at idle. Structure-related complaints make up the second-largest group, though the specific symptoms vary across reports. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, with owners describing concerns tied to fuel consumption and drivetrain behavior. A handful of reports mention side curtain airbags deploying unexpectedly while driving, though these appear less frequently than the engine and structural complaints. The persistent misfire pattern is the most consistent thread, with some owners reporting the same cylinder misfiring multiple times across several years despite ongoing repairs.
267
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Honda Pilot has 5 recalls, all involving the airbag system, with the most serious being a Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
The inflator issue has been the subject of multiple recall campaigns, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem for all affected vehicles, which is why it appears across several filings. A separate but related concern involves the passenger-side inflator being incorrectly installed on certain vehicles, which can prevent the airbag from deploying properly in a crash, reducing the protection it is supposed to provide. Rounding out the airbag concerns, some Pilots may be missing one or more rivets that attach the driver's airbag module to its cover. If more than one rivet is absent, the module can shift or behave unpredictably during deployment, raising the risk of injury in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during a previous replacement, potentially affecting its ability to deploy properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inflator installation and replace the passenger front air bag module assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One or more rivets fastening the airbag module to its cover may be missing, potentially affecting airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Honda dealers will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
