Photo: deathpallie325 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2023 Honda Pilot: common problems and reliability
An average Pilot year.
142 owner complaints, most about seat belts. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Pilot?The 2023 Honda Pilot has 142 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are seat belts and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-speed programming.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Honda Pilot vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Pilot years only. How we score it
Is 2023 a good year for the Pilot?
Across the 24 Pilot model years we track, complaint volume runs from 109 (2015) to 1,703 (2016). With 142 complaints, the 2023 Pilot sits below the model's median of 268.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2023 Pilot
steering:rack and pinion:rack
Campaign 23V735000Honda (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.
seats:critical fasteners
Campaign 24V859000Honda (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."
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Campaign 24V900000Honda (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.
fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system
Campaign 25V031000Honda (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.
Show 1 more recall
service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Campaign 25V391000Honda (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."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance.
- RecurrentTransmission problems (varies by generation)
2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-speed programming.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Pilot. See the full Pilot owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Pilot listings typically run $17,700–$29,885.
Other Pilot model years
Compare every Pilot year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Pilot against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy