2023 Honda Pilot Reliability Score & Common Problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.