This page covers 7 recalls, 103 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Honda Pilot.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
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. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2023 Honda Pilot centers on the forward collision avoidance system and general electrical behavior. Owners most frequently report the automatic emergency braking activating without an apparent hazard, causing sudden, unintended stops, several describe this happening in moving traffic with no warning lights beforehand. The electrical system draws the second-highest volume of complaints, with owners reporting a recurring false seatbelt-unbuckled alert in the second-row seating area and concerns about how that sensor behavior might interact with the airbag system. Steering is the third most-reported area, where owners describe a popping or clunking sensation felt through the steering wheel during turns, with at least some cases resulting in dealers recommending steering rack replacement. A separate thread involves the auto idle-stop feature failing to restart the engine after shutting it off, leaving the vehicle stalled at intersections and requiring a full manual restart to proceed.
103
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Honda Pilot has 7 recalls, the most serious being a steering gearbox defect where a loose ball bearing can cause the steering to lock up or fail entirely while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Two fuel system recalls cover the same underlying issue: the fuel filler pipe connection can separate, allowing fuel to leak near potential ignition sources and creating a fire risk. On the mechanical side, a brake pedal pivot pin that was not properly secured can allow the pedal to shift out of position, making it difficult or impossible to apply the brakes as intended. A software error in the fuel injection control unit can cause the engine to stall or lose power unexpectedly. There is also a concern with the driver's seat: the seat cushion frame bolt may not have been tightened properly, leaving the seat unsecured and potentially unable to hold the driver in place during a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot pin wasn't secured properly, allowing the pedal to shift out of position during use.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and replace it if needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
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
A software error in the fuel injection control unit may cause your engine to stall or lose power while driving.
What the fix does
Your dealer will reprogram the fuel injection control unit software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filler pipe may not be properly connected to the filler neck. If your vehicle crashes, this connection could separate and cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Honda will notify you by mail. Take your vehicle to a dealership, where technicians will inspect the connection and reposition the fuel filler pipe if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate from each other, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel filler neck tube and pipe, and repair or replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat cushion frame may not be properly fastened, causing the seat to shift or move during vehicle operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose ball bearing in the gearbox assembly may cause loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering gearbox may have been made incorrectly, which could cause the steering rack to lock up while you're driving.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership, where they'll replace the steering gearbox.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
