The Lemon Index2023 Honda Pilot.
The 2023 Honda Pilot is so far about average by owner complaints: 146 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 112, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about seat belts, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 20 to 22 mpg combined. The best Honda Pilot year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 146 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda Pilot year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 43K miles on the car (17 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- brakes 2025
The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position.
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
Show all 5 recalls
- seats 2024
The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat.
- steering 2023
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Honda told dealers about
Honda sent dealers 90 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Warning message when a malfunction
- Service News - Rearview Mirror Mount Spring Replacement - The rearview mirror mount spring has…
- Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenNo restart after auto start/stop engages2025
- ClosedInaccurate rear passenger seat belt warning status2025–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda PILOT SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Honda PILOT SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Left middle row seat belt sensor is indicating unbuckeled when it is buckled. Dealer is asking over $500 to repair. I hae also read about other sensor alerts on 2023 and 2024 for left side as well.
2023 Honda Pilot owner · NHTSA complaint 11756418
More owner reports
The seat belt sensors are going off even when the rider is properly buckled in. Happening in the second row seats, primarily on the right passenger side of the second row.There may be an issue with the sensor.
NHTSA complaint 11739800
Seat belt on rear passenger side seems like it is clipped in but car dings with red warning sign that seat belt is not fastened. I am worried that the seat belt is not working properly.
NHTSA complaint 11743365
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Honda Pilot reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.1× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 112; 100 is average). The best Honda Pilot year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2023 Honda Pilot problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are seat belts (23%), electrical (19%) and automatic emergency braking (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
5 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Honda Pilot get?
20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Honda Pilot safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Honda Pilot have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Honda Pilot cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Honda Pilot year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2015 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works