Complaint volume
116 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2023 Honda Pilot Complaints
116 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Honda Pilot, grouped by component category.
116 Total complaints
2 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are seat belts, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 2 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 15 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 23,926 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to seat belts, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2023 Honda Pilot?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2023 Honda Pilot
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Honda Pilot complaints?
2 Crash
0 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
0 Towed
0 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Honda Pilot complaint categories?
SEAT BELTS 17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13
STEERING 10
ENGINE 6
VISIBILITY 6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
SERVICE BRAKES 5
STRUCTURE 4
VISIBILITY/WIPER 4
116 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | Clicking and groaning noise when turning the steering wheel. Happens at any speed including when stopped. Randomly started happening one day. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | SEATS | Safety Concern: 2023 Honda Pilot – Persistent False Seat Belt Warnings (2nd & 3rd Row Seats) Issue Description: Repeated false seat belt warnings originating from: Second-row middle seat Third-row passenger-side seat The system triggers loud, repetitive auditory alerts and dashboard warnings even when seats are unoccupied or belts are properly buckled. Attempted fixes (unbuckling/rebuckling, restarting the vehicle, power cycles) fail to resolve the issue. Alerts recur intermittently, causing significant distraction. Safety Risks: Driver Distraction: Constant false alarms increase crash risk by diverting attention from the road. Alert Fatigue: Occupants may ignore all seat belt warnings due to repeated false positives, compromising safety. Sensor/System Failure: Indicates potential defects in seat occupancy sensors, wiring harnesses, or body control module (BCM) software affecting multiple seating zones. Expanded Scope: Affects critical seating positions (2nd row middle is common for child seats; 3rd row is high-traffic). Issue emerged IMMEDIATELY post-warranty (typically 3 years/36k miles). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | 1. Rear tailgate latch will not always release when pressing the dashboard button or remote fob button. The tailgate will attempt to rise, go about 1/2 inch, stop, beep 3 times and then close again. It can only be opened after this by manually pulling on the outside handle and giving it a sharp jerk upwards. 2. While trying to investigate a metallic tapping sound in the rear of the vehicle, I looked under the rear bumper and located a wiring bundle that had lost its support from a plastic clamp. The bundle was frayed, and there were exposed and frayed wires visible showing the copper inside the insulation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's seat was moving whenever the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Motor Werks of Barrington (1475 S Barrington Rd, Barrington, IL 60010); who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,468. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,468 |
| Apr 2025 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the support from the moon roof was torn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that without the supports, the moon roof would not be able to be covered. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with fractured supports, enabling the curtain to move. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I purchased a used Honda Pilot and in less than 30 days I'm having problems with some electrical wiring harness. The dealership wants me to pay for the repairs. The error message that showed up "auto idle stop ignition problem see your dealership" | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Transmission light came on and said: “Emissions system problem. Power may be reduced. See your dealer.” Spoke to dealer who said they are unsure how this could have occurred possibly wear. The vehicle has 41k miles and I’m the only owner. Also said the cam plate is leaking oil which caused the sensors to be damaged and causes the vehicle to lose power while driving | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The emissions system continues to malfunction despite multiple repair attempts, with the emission sensor reactivating as recently as February 2025. The VTC oil control valve also previously leaked but was replaced. The battery and seatbelt buckle issues were successfully resolved. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The emissions system malfunction may impair engine performance or emissions control, creating potential environmental and mechanical hazards. While the seatbelt and battery issues have since been resolved, they previously created safety risks—such as an unreliable restraint system warning and unexpected failure to start the vehicle. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealership (Winter Haven Honda) has confirmed the emissions system fault multiple times, including diagnostic sessions in December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected by the dealership in consultation with American Honda Motor Co. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have been reported. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The emissions warning light first appeared on December 9, 2024, and continued to reappear on December 12, 2024, January 7, 2025, and again in February 2025. These warning messages clearly indicate an unresolved system issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle stopped with no warning while waiting in traffic at a red light and it took a while to restart. Same thing happened while parked in a lot waiting. The former issue was dangerous as I was in traffic with numerous vehicles moving around me with my family in the car as I got out to check the problem under the hood. The latter issue happened while out of town which is scary and dangerous considering it was a remote area. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | While driving the pilot warning alerts popped up that none of the collision detection, lane assist, cruise control, and seemingly all radar related systems were working. Additionally, the headlights turned off. We have brought this to the Honda dealer on now three occasions, and there doesn’t seem to be any understanding of why this is happening. On the evening of March 11 this issue happened again after the dealership having the car for a week to “fix “this problem and the lights turned off on an unlit road almost causing an accident. The car is again back at the dealer, who apparently is working with Honda again. I have seen this type of problem reported for other 2023 Honda vehicles, including the pilot, passport, and CRV on various Internet forums. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | Slow acceleration at the speed between 0 to 30 mpg. Doesn’t shift smoothly and hesitate. Not enough power on the highway | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Automatic Braking System (ABS) automatically applied brakes when I was 2 car lengths behind a vehicle that was turning and the sensor detected the vehicles brake lights. There was enough space between my vehicle and the one in front of me that was turning for me to stop if needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the advanced driver assistance system was unintendedly activated, causing the vehicle to become difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Clear the Sensor" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,000 |
| Jan 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | If there is rain, snow, fog, moisture or salt from the roads builds up or collects on the emblem of my pilot, I get a warning saying something to the effect of “ Some Driver Assist Systems cannot operate clean area shown”. This is quite dangerous when you live in the Midwest snowbelt. You can’t always pull over and clean it. The system will repeat the message even after acknowledging the issue, if it clears itself or improves, which is equally alarming. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SEAT BELTS | ‘23 pilot will signal an alarm stating I have an unsecured passenger in my middle row (while my passenger is properly secured via the seatbelt). If my passenger pushes or jiggles the seatbelt at the clasp (where is latches together at the seat), it will turn off for a moment and then begin again. I’m not sure if this is a wiring issue, sensor issue or defective part, but this seems like a safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Door locks do not respond. I will use the driver unlock button on the driver door panel, or sometimes by key fob, and the driver door will unlock, but the passenger (with less frequency than rear) and rear doors will remain locked. Sometimes they will all work. Generallly it’s the rear doors. Very intermittent and hard to reproduce. They tend to stay locked until I power the vehicle off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I just had my Pilot serviced for the recall and during that service I had them check the windshield water solvent system since I ran out of washer fluid on Friday [XXX]. I was driving in heavy traffic on [XXX] in Michigan on my way home from work when I was trying to keep my windshield clear to see from all the salt spray from the truck in front of me when I ran out of fluid. I had to pull to the shoulder of the highway and put snow on my windshield to see again. I had the dealership (Honda of Grand Blanc) check to see if maybe I had a stuck float or something since I did not receive any warning of low fluid. After the tech at the dealer did a bunch of checking with Honda they found that my Pilot does not have this feature. This is also the top of the line Elite trim and it can not tell me when I am low on fluid.. This is a major safety issue. Here in Michigan in the winter all road commission and city Transportation departments use salt to help clear the snow and ice. How is it safe to drive in those conditions when I dont know if I am low on fluid. I have been driving since 1980 and every car or truck I have driven has had a low indicator warning somewhere on the dash. If my car has to have a rear back up camera, TPS etc. How can it not have low washer fluid notice. If you are wondering why I did not notice this before, I drive so many miles that at each oil change they fill it up. I did have them check it the last time it was in for oil in Nov. but they thought the float stuck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | I have a 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. I have noticed a few times that the driver assist system doesn't work as intended during driving in snow or just rain. I will get an error message on my dash, "some driver assist systems cannot operate, clean area shown." Honda wants the driver to pull over and clean the snow off of the H in front of the SUV. This also happens when it's raining and no snow. The driver assist sensors must be located there. What happens if I should get in an accident when this malfunction goes off and I get hurt or even kill someone? I see this complaint all over the internet from us owners on different forums. The dealerships are doing nothing. I paid a lot of money for this SUV. I expect it to work at all times, especially the safety features.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | While driving home from a church event, I got a “Internal control module torque calculation” error on my dash. I pulled over to the curb and as soon as I stopped, more error messages appeared. Failure Brake System, Failure Anti-lock Brake System, Failure Hill Start Assist, Failure Adaptive Failure Cruise Control, Failure Lane Keep Assist, Failure Collision Mitigation, Failure Breaking System, Failure Road Departure Mitigation System, Failure Low Speed Braking, Failure Auto High Beam, Failure Parking Sensor, the check engine light was on and no AWD only FWD. I shut the car off and restarted it only to have all of the error messages reappear. I used my scan tool to clear the codes and drove it home. The next day, while driving my daughter home from school, the car shifted into neutral on its own then when the vehicle came to a stop it shifted into park and stalled and there was a transmission error on the dash. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership which reported 2 pages of error codes. The dealership reported that there was an issue with the gear selector unit due to liquid intrusion. They changed out the gear selector unit which at the moment seems to have rectified the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING | Steering makes noise, safety concern. Steering rack replaced at 5,000 miles in July 2024 (10 months after purchase). Noise came back at approximately 7,500 in October 2024 (13 months after purchase). Was told initial Steering rack was defective and the replacement may have been defective too. Honda replaced the steering rack a second time on October 28-29, 2024. Not sure of this is a permanent fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The panoramic sunroof exploded while driving on the highway towards Tappahannock, VA | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate however, the messages "Brake system, Brake Hold Failure, Apply Brake while Stopped, See Your Dealer, Electric power steering Failure, Steering Assistance Reduced - See Dealer, VSA, and brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle started to decelerate, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel unlocked; however, the warning lights remained illuminated, and the vehicle accelerated slowly. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the system was reset, and the vehicle was returned to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 28,000 |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | No incident has occured at this time however it is highly likely to due to the loud wind noise coming from driver side door when traveling more than 60mph. Concern has been addressed multiple times with no solution. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This vehicle has a massive leak with both the winshield and sunroof. Brand new car and terrible leaks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | STEERING | Dealer is replacing power steering rack.Making noise when turning left an right. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |