2023 Honda Pilot Safety Report
2023 HONDA PILOT Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Honda Pilot
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Honda Pilot. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (95) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Honda Pilot with 84 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Honda Pilot before buying across this generation. |
Honda Pilot Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Honda Pilot years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 84 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Honda Pilot | 111 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Honda Pilot | 121 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | 369 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Honda Pilot | 444 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 810 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Honda Pilot Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Honda Pilot, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Honda onlySteering
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Honda onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Honda onlyVisibility
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Honda onlySeat Belts
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Honda onlyEngine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Honda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Honda Pilot
Reliability Score
The 2023 Honda Pilot receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Honda Pilot
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Honda Pilot
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Honda Pilot:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Issues with the rearview mirror console and seatbelt sensors have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Driver seat has come loose, and steering rack issues have been noted. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Fuel injection system and filler pipe/cap issues have been reported. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Fasteners Critical fasteners for seats have been recalled due to potential unsecuring. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Honda Pilot:
Issues with the rearview mirror console and seatbelt sensors are common.
Driver seat has come loose, and steering rack issues have been noted.
Fuel injection system and filler pipe/cap issues have been reported.
Critical fasteners for seats have been recalled due to potential unsecuring.
Recall Details for the 2023 Honda Pilot
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Honda Pilot by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
Consequence: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Honda Pilot
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Honda Pilot with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview mirror console located near the front windshield became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting the area, the rearview mirror console was extremely hot to the touch. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ...
The driver seat has come unsecured from the vehicle and has been loose and rocky like a rocking chair . Was at the dealer twice for repair
Seatbelt sensors for the passenger second row dinging off and on when seatbelt is buckled. Also the light coming on that says emergency brake unavailable.
3rd row seat headrest stays folded and won’t lock into place.
Car has been serviced at same dealership I purchased from. All service up to date, Gas type shell gas brand used 95% of the time. (Noticed November 2025)issue a month after recommended transmission flush and an engine oil change. Rough idling (especially when temp below 60⁰) and almost like a miss fire when driving. No check engine light, and dealership had vehicle for two days but claimed unable ...
The seat belt alarm keeps going off as if the seat belt is not buckled even though it is buckled. The first issue was when I had the car less than a yr. The middle row right side had this problem and the dealer replaced the seatbelt. Now at 38k miles, the middle row middle seat started to have the same issue. Also, the middle row on the right side would occasionally alarm as well but not as consta...
The driver seatbelt was soaking wet after a rainstorm. The vehicle does not have a sunroof. Upon further inspection the airbag and its electronics were also soaked in water. It has never been in an accident or had any work done to it. There is a factory installed roof rack(Sport model). I am concerned for the safety in the function of the airbag and seatbelt tensioner in the event of an accident...
The car is making a knocking sound while driving at low speeds (ex. Pulling into the garage, reversing into a parking spot) while turning the wheel. The 2023 Pilot is currently at the dealership being inspected. I have come across many other posts, with video, confirming this exact sound with the same assessment - all pointing to the steering rack (although some fixes only being temporary so the p...
Rear seat belt indicator and alarm go off continuously when the seat is occupied and when the passenger is buckled by the seat belt. While the passenger is buckled, anytime they shift it causes the indicator light to come on and the alarm to sound. This defeats the purpose of having the indicator.
The car seat snug lock feature in the forward facing position does NOT create a snug fit and becomes loose over time. BOTH of my turn2me seats do this. Purchased on the same day. We recently forward faced my daughter due to maxing out the rear facing limits. We have installed with the seat belt due to being over the limit for the latch. With the seat belt, when installed per the manual, it comes...
Rear/third-row seatbelt warning activates repeatedly even when passenger is properly buckled. Issue has been present shortly after vehicle purchase. Dealer refuses inspection without charging diagnostic fee. Safety system is unreliable and distracting while driving.
Multiple false "unbuckled seatbelt warning" regarding the rear seat belt being unbuckled when it was not. Alarm sounds and lights up warning on drivers display board. This alarmed the driver during movement on multiple occasions, causing unnecessary distraction. Driver sometimes ignores the signal because of the frequency of the false alarm and missed an actual moment where teenager was unbuc...
A few moments after I purchased my 2023 Honda Pilot I noticed that I began getting car sick while driving. I purchased the car at night and it was a long drive home, so I figured it was due to dehydration or something else. During the day however, I noticed it again. Upon careful inspection I noticed the entire windshield had a distortion, it appeared as if one was looking through a pair of eyegla...
El carro tiene fallas con el sistema eléctrico de frenos y no arranca.
While driving on U.S Highway 521 in South Carolina, the vehicle experienced SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED BRAKING AND VIOLENT SHAKING even though there were no cars or obstacles directly in front of me. The sensation was so strong it felt as if the car had been rear-ended, but there was no impact. The issue has happened MULTIPLE TIMES since I purchased the vehicle new in 2023. Each time, traffic was flowing ...
My 2023 Honda Pilot has had persistent issues with the steering system since it was purchased new. The problems manifest as knocking noises in the steering column, although no warning lights appear. The Honda dealer has replaced the steering rack three times. A rattling noise is now occurring in the steering column, and the dealer is advising replacement of the steering column. The dealer was in c...
When trying to drive my vehicle i noticed the steering wheel became hard to turn. I was able to get a tow truck to drop my vehicle off at the dealership to get it looked at. The dealership is telling me that it is due to a steering problem needing a rack and pinion part. This vehicle is a 2023 Honda Pilot which was just purchased by me in April. There hasnt been any issue until now.
While parked, I heard a pop. Later on there was a crack in the windshield around the camera. Nothing impacted the windshield this looks definitely like a stress fracture but the dealership was not helpful.
The back glass suddenly shattered. No cause was discovered. It was not vandalism. There was no prior damage to the back glass. We were seated in the front seats. Normally, we would have had our grandchildren in the back seats closest to the glass. I looked it up on the Internet and found out that this occurrence is fairly common among Honda makes. I took pictures of the damage and filed a claim wi...
For the middle row, right passenger seat, the seat belt alert (visual and audio alert) goes off even when the passenger is properly buckled in. It is intermittent. This is a safety issue as the alert keeps beeping throughout the journey. The beeping can be very distracting when driving due to the noise, and also as it raises concern of safety. My workaround is not to use that seat (an inconvenie...
Showing 20 of 95 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2023 Honda Pilot
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Seat Belts
Opened 2025-10-28
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 6 complaints, and multiple Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field reports alleging inaccurate rear seat belt warning status. These allegations concern both false positive and false negative statuses in model year (MY) 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured by American Honda Motor Co. (Honda). The complaints state that the rear passenger seat belt warning system is displaying inaccurate information to the driver for both second and third ro...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2025-03-26
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Honda Pilot
Has the 2023 HONDA PILOT been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 HONDA PILOT has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 HONDA PILOT have?
The 2023 HONDA PILOT has 95 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
The 2023 HONDA PILOT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 HONDA PILOT involve electrical system (8 complaints), steering (7 complaints), unknown or other (7 complaints). Other affected components include visibility, seat belts, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2023 HONDA PILOT have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2023 HONDA PILOT in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2023 HONDA PILOT have?
There are no fire reports for the 2023 HONDA PILOT in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 HONDA PILOT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 HONDA PILOT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 HONDA PILOT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 HONDA PILOT is acceptable with caveats. It has 95 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 HONDA PILOT are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), 2. STEERING (7 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY (6 complaints), 5. SEAT BELTS (5 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 HONDA PILOT?
Be aware of potential electrical system and steering issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems. The 2023 HONDA PILOT has 95 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
The 2023 HONDA PILOT receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 95 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Steering.
What are the known issues with the 2023 HONDA PILOT?
Known issues with the 2023 HONDA PILOT include: Electrical System, Steering, Fuel System, Seat Fasteners. These are based on patterns found across 95 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Honda Pilot?
Yes, recalls have been issued for electrical system, steering, fuel system, and seat fastener issues.
What are the most common issues reported?
Electrical system and steering problems are the most common, including issues with the rearview mirror console and driver seat unsecuring.
Can the car make unusual noises?
Yes, some owners have reported knocking sounds while driving at low speeds.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical system and steering issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Honda Pilot
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Honda Pilot. The data includes 95 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Honda Pilot an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16