Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 Honda Pilot
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2023 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

The 2023 Honda Pilot scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 93 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

5

Complaints

93

Complaint Rate

8.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$542

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,700–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)
  • STEERING (15)
  • SEAT BELTS (9)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2023 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2026.
  • 4th generation Pilot (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2023 pricing and recall counts against 2024+ before deciding.

2023: Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2026: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Pilot?

At 72/100, the 2023 Honda Pilot lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Owners log 93 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (19). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2024 Honda Pilot, which scored the same. See also the 2022 Honda Pilot for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (19 complaints)
  • STEERING issues reported (15 complaints)

Compare 2023 Honda Pilot With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)
  • STEERING (15)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

5

recalls on record

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2023 Honda Pilot. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 12.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

1

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Honda Pilot Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Honda Pilot. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V3910002025-06-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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."

Consequence

A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.

25V0310002025-01-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.

24V9000002024-11-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Honda Pilot? Check its history first

Every 2023 Honda Pilot has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 Honda Pilot NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda PilotRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$542

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Pilot
$542
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

20–22 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$3,550/yr

Fuel + repair

18–19 city / 23–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Pilot FWD 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192722$2,700
Pilot AWD 3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192521$2,850
Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black 3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192521$2,850
Pilot AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)182320$3,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Honda Pilot.

  • Test steering for knocking or clicking noises at low speeds

  • Inspect for false seat belt warnings in second and third rows

  • Check for unexpected braking from the collision mitigation system

  • Verify all electrical systems and sensors are functioning properly

  • Inspect sunroof and moonroof for signs of stress or damage

  • Test transmission for smooth shifting and acceleration response

2023 Honda Pilot Common Problems by Component

93 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

19
15
21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)STEERING (15)SEAT BELTS (9)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)POWER TRAIN (7)VISIBILITY (5)ENGINE (4)STRUCTURE (4)Other (21)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, with frequent mentions of malfunctioning sensors, wiring problems, and electronic system failures. Typical symptoms include warning lights for systems like ABS, traction control, and power steering, as well as issues with the rear liftgate and dashboard alerts for various system failures. Complaints often arise at low mileages, with some issues reported as early as 850 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one crash where unintended acceleration was involved, and several instances where vehicles became difficult to control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for buyers considering a used 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly those related to the vehicle's electronic safety features and overall reliability.

19 complaints total1 crash

STEERING

15 complaints

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, most commonly involving knocking or clicking noises in the steering column, often attributed to the steering rack. These noises are frequently heard at low speeds or while turning, and some owners have experienced multiple replacements of the steering rack with recurring issues. Additionally, some complaints highlight a loss of power steering functionality, sometimes accompanied by grinding sounds and multiple dashboard warning lights. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 332 miles and others at approximately 8,468 miles. Safety concerns are expressed by owners, particularly regarding the potential for steering failure while driving, which could lead to loss of vehicle control.

15 complaints total

SEAT BELTS

9 complaints

Owners report persistent issues with false seat belt warnings in the 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly affecting the second and third rows. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belt alarm activates even when passengers are properly buckled, with some noting the problem occurs intermittently or when passengers shift in their seats. These issues are often reported to begin shortly after purchase or around 38,000 miles, and some owners experience them immediately post-warranty. The false alarms are described as distracting and potentially dangerous, as they may lead drivers to ignore real seat belt warnings. This pattern suggests potential defects in seat occupancy sensors or related components, which could be a consideration for prospective buyers.

9 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

Owners report several power train issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot, primarily involving hesitation and improper shifting. Complaints frequently mention hesitation during acceleration, especially from a stop, and difficulty maintaining power, which can be particularly concerning when merging or entering traffic. Some owners describe sporadic loss of power, with the vehicle failing to respond to throttle input, while others note the transmission does not shift smoothly between gears. These issues are reported to occur with new vehicles and can present safety implications, such as potential collisions due to delayed acceleration. Buyers considering a used 2023 Honda Pilot should be aware of these recurring power train problems, as they may impact driving safety and vehicle reliability.

7 complaints total
VISIBILITY (5 complaints)

VISIBILITY

5 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the sunroof and moonroof, including spontaneous shattering and structural failures. Complaints describe loud noises followed by glass shattering, with some incidents resulting in glass falling into the cabin and causing minor injuries. These failures are noted at varying mileages, with reports at approximately 600 to 25,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of side mirrors not returning to their original position after reversing due to a software malfunction. The sunroof issues pose safety implications, particularly when glass falls into the vehicle while driving.

5 complaints total1 injury
ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to engine performance and transmission functionality. Common symptoms include rough idling, gear shifting struggles, and delayed acceleration, particularly noticeable at lower temperatures or from a complete stop. Some owners mention emissions system malfunctions, with warning lights appearing and recurring over months, while others describe severe engine and transmission failures leading to reduced speed and burning smells. These issues often occur despite regular maintenance, with some complaints emerging as early as a few months after purchase. Safety implications are noted in scenarios where acceleration delays or transmission failures occur, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions.

4 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 complaints

Owners report that the 2023 Honda Pilot's forward collision avoidance system occasionally engages the brakes unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle suddenly braking without any apparent obstacles, often while driving at highway speeds or near large vehicles like tractor trailers. One owner notes multiple system failures during a snowstorm, affecting braking and other driving assistance features, with photographic evidence of dashboard alerts. The unexpected braking has reportedly occurred multiple times, leading to concerns about potential rear-end collisions. These issues appear to be intermittent, with no specific mileage range consistently mentioned.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the airbag systems of the 2023 Honda Pilot, specifically noting error messages related to the "Secondary Restraint System Failure" and "Supplemental restraint system problem." These issues appear at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing the problem at 80,100 miles. Complaints frequently mention that these errors prompt a recommendation to visit a dealer, but the underlying causes are not detailed. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the presence of these warnings suggests potential airbag deployment concerns. Used car buyers might consider verifying if these issues have been addressed, particularly if purchasing a vehicle with similar mileage.

3 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners report that the 2023 Honda Pilot experiences sudden and unexpected braking without any apparent reason or obstruction. Complaints frequently mention that the Collision Mitigation Braking System or driver-assist sensors may be misinterpreting conditions, causing the vehicle to brake abruptly. Symptoms include violent shaking and forceful stops, even when no vehicles or obstacles are nearby, occurring multiple times since purchase. These incidents pose safety risks, as they can lead to potential rear-end collisions and create panic among drivers and passengers. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they involve significant safety implications.

3 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot report issues with the automatic engine shutoff feature and acceleration behavior. One complaint describes the engine shutting off after approximately 30 minutes while parked with the air conditioning running, which disabled the cooling system and led to overheating inside the vehicle, posing a risk to occupants. Another owner notes a hesitation of 2 to 3 seconds followed by a sudden surge when entering traffic, which occurs without warning lights or messages and affects vehicle control. These issues are reported to occur under specific conditions, such as extended idling or during traffic entry, but no consistent mileage range is noted. Safety implications include potential heat-related injury and loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.

2 complaints total1 injury

When Do 2023 Honda Pilot Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

500–1,000 milesElectrical system failures
2,000–8,500 milesSteering issues
38,000 milesSeat belt sensor malfunctions

Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Honda Pilot Years to Buy

The best Honda Pilot year is 2024 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (72/100) and 2022 (72/100).

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

The worst Honda Pilot year is 2019 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to electrical system (223) issues.

Honda Pilot Reliability Score Trend

Honda Pilot reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda Pilot reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201863/100Good
201956/100Mixed
202060/100Good
202163/100Good
202272/100Good
202372/100Good
202472/100Good
202571/100Good

Honda Pilot Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202672/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202571/100-1Good4111
202472/1000Good682
2023(selected)72/1000Good593
202272/100+9Good3105
202163/100+3Good8358
202060/100+4Good9431
201956/100-7Mixed11794
201863/100Good5408

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Honda Pilot reliable?
The 2023 Honda Pilot has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 93 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda Pilot?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Honda Pilot include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19 complaints), STEERING (15 complaints), SEAT BELTS (9 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
The 2023 Honda Pilot has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
The 2023 Honda Pilot has estimated annual repair costs of $542/year, which is $31 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2023 Honda Pilot without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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