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2013 Honda Pilot

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilot do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 239.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

201 reports with mileage · 70 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

16 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Since purchasing new in 2013, experienced ongoing issues with VCM. Noticable vibration/shudder at all speeds except during heavy acceleration. Taken to dealer mant times. They are able to reproduce but state no fix available. It's how the car was made. In addition to vibration, engine makes a chirping noise when accelerating th…

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Since purchasing new in 2013, experienced ongoing issues with VCM. Noticable vibration/shudder at all speeds except during heavy acceleration. Taken to dealer mant times. They are able to reproduce but state no fix available. It's how the car was made. In addition to vibration, engine makes a chirping noise when accelerating through vibration. I believe they are related although neither have been able to be fixed. No warning lights illuminate. I purchased this car for the 4wd as I live in snow/ice climate. However, excessive vibration/shudder makes driving in these conditions (any conditions) unsafe due to constant need to fluctuate acceleration/ deceleration to help minimize vibration/shudder to regain sense of control. If you maintain speed while vibrating on snow/ice you feel like you are losing control. This vibration HAS to have a long-term effect on engine/car integrity. It's strong enough that some day I imagine I'll come to a stop and at that very moment, every screw will have come loose/undone from years of vibrating and I'll be left sitting in the seat holding just the steering wheel with the car in parts all around me.

NHTSA ODI #11439632

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2020
EngineVehicle Speed Control

THE ENGINE IS MAKING AN IDLING NOISE ONLY WHEN THE CAR STARTS IN THE MORNING. TAKES TIME FOR CAR TO INCREASE SPEED

NHTSA ODI #11349326

2 miles · Mar 30, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35MPH IN A CITY STREET AND SLOWLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. OUT OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND RUNNING OFF THE ROAD. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI #11192590

100 miles · Mar 26, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control

SIMILAR TO NHTSA # 10819872 (ATTACHED PDF). VEHICLE GAS PEDAL/ACCLERATION BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF GAS AND MANEUVERING LEFT/RIGHT OR AROUND A CURVE. TRYING TO RE-ENGAGE WILL TAKE 3 SECONDS OR NOT AT ALL. REMEDY IS TO TAKE FOOT OFF GAS AND PUMP THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. I HAVE LEARNED T…

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SIMILAR TO NHTSA # 10819872 (ATTACHED PDF). VEHICLE GAS PEDAL/ACCLERATION BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF GAS AND MANEUVERING LEFT/RIGHT OR AROUND A CURVE. TRYING TO RE-ENGAGE WILL TAKE 3 SECONDS OR NOT AT ALL. REMEDY IS TO TAKE FOOT OFF GAS AND PUMP THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. I HAVE LEARNED TO BRAKE TORQUE TO REGAIN GAS PEDAL CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE 9/2013 AND IT IS NOW 3/2016. ALSO SPEED VARIES 10-20 MPH AND MILEAGE IS NOW 13000. ALMOST ACCIDENTS UNTIL I GOT USED TO IT.

NHTSA ODI #10851766

1,500 miles · Feb 26, 2015
EngineVehicle Speed Control

ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND THERE IS NO RESPONSE FROM THE MOTOR FOR ALMOST 2 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND ALSO WHEN SLOWING DOWN ON THE FREEWAY ( SLOW DRIVER AHEAD ) THEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO PASS AND AGAIN, NO RESPONSE FROM THE MOTOR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS VERY INTERMITTENT A…

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ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND THERE IS NO RESPONSE FROM THE MOTOR FOR ALMOST 2 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND ALSO WHEN SLOWING DOWN ON THE FREEWAY ( SLOW DRIVER AHEAD ) THEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO PASS AND AGAIN, NO RESPONSE FROM THE MOTOR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT ON DEMAND. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. IT CAN BE A BIT SCARY.

NHTSA ODI #10690986

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES: CAR IS A STOPPED OR SLOWLY ROLLING AND YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO GET INTO TRAFFIC FLOOR TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE. THE NEWEST INCIDENT TODAY IS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN IT COMPLETELY DIED. ALL POWER LOST, COULD NOT STEER AND HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE SEVERAL TI…

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THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES: CAR IS A STOPPED OR SLOWLY ROLLING AND YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO GET INTO TRAFFIC FLOOR TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE. THE NEWEST INCIDENT TODAY IS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN IT COMPLETELY DIED. ALL POWER LOST, COULD NOT STEER AND HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO STOP. DEALERSHIP SAYS VERBALLY OVER PHONE NO OPEN RECALLS ON CAR AND UNLESS THEY CAN RECREATE, THEY PROBABLY CAN'T FIX ANYTHING. I AM GOING TO GET KILLED WITH MY BABY IN THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653422

100 miles · Oct 27, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT LOW SPEEDS OR FROM A STOP, THERE IS A 2-5 SECOND HESITATION AND THEN A SURGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE SCARIEST PART IS THAT IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. IT IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING BUSY TRAFFIC, WHICH WE HAVE A LOT OF. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE…

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WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT LOW SPEEDS OR FROM A STOP, THERE IS A 2-5 SECOND HESITATION AND THEN A SURGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE SCARIEST PART IS THAT IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. IT IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING BUSY TRAFFIC, WHICH WE HAVE A LOT OF. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER EVERY TIME WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. OF COURSE THEY SAY THEY CAN'T MAKE IT FAIL WHEN THEY TEST DRIVE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650547

4,500 miles · Aug 14, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING OUT AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE WILL HESITATE AND BOG DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE IT "KICKS IN" AND THEN THERE IS A "SURGE OF POWER". THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AT THE LEAST AND ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AS ONE COULD EASILY GET REARENDED OR WORS…

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SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING OUT AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE WILL HESITATE AND BOG DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE IT "KICKS IN" AND THEN THERE IS A "SURGE OF POWER". THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AT THE LEAST AND ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AS ONE COULD EASILY GET REARENDED OR WORSE YET GET CAUGHT IN THE INTERSECTION IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622383

5,000 miles · Feb 10, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE SHUTTERS TERRIBLE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS/RPM. HAVE TO ADJUST ACCELERATION TO GET IT TO STOP. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. NOT NORMAL OPERATION FOR A NEW VEHICLE. IT'S CRIMINAL THAT HONDA CLAIMS ITS NORMAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563777

2,713 miles · Jan 10, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

EVERYTIME I REACHED A CERTAIN SPEED THEN TRY TO MAINTAIN IT BY SLIGHTLY PRESSING ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE STARTS TO SHUDDER/VIBRATE. IT IS REALLY ANNOYING AND IT CONCERN ME A LOT. THE ISSUE HAPPENS IN DIFFERENT SPEED. I BROUGHT THIS COMPLAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING NORMAL WITH THE CAR. SO, I JUST…

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EVERYTIME I REACHED A CERTAIN SPEED THEN TRY TO MAINTAIN IT BY SLIGHTLY PRESSING ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE STARTS TO SHUDDER/VIBRATE. IT IS REALLY ANNOYING AND IT CONCERN ME A LOT. THE ISSUE HAPPENS IN DIFFERENT SPEED. I BROUGHT THIS COMPLAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING NORMAL WITH THE CAR. SO, I JUST GET A LONG WITH IT. THEN AFTER A FEW MORE MONTHS, THE VIBRATION IS GETTING WORSE AND IT IS GETTING IN MY NERVES. I BROUGHT IT BACK YO THEM BUT THE SAME THEY ONLY GAVE ME THE SAME REASON. MY SISTER AND SOME FRIENDS HAVE HONDA CARS WITH ECO MODE ALSO. HOW COME THAT THEY DON'T EXPERIENCE THE SAME THING WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I AGREE WITH SOME COMPLAINANTS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IT BOTHERS THE DRIVER WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE THAT VIBRATION FROM THE ENGINE. IS HONDA JUST WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE FROM A CAR CRASH WITH THE PILOT BEFORE THEY MAKE A MOVE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. I JUST HOPE THAT THEY BRING THIS ISSUE TO THE HIGHER OP OF HONDA BEFORE SOMEONE'S LIFE WILL BE TAKEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10559429

Official recalls

6

19V502000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 27, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

19V378000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 16, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

18V661000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Sep 27, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.

18V042000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

13V382000 · Engine

Aug 27, 2013

Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles and certain model year 2013 Odyssey vehicles. During manufacturing of the engine piston, it is possible that the heat treatment process was not properly applied, resulting in the piston having an insufficient hardness level, making it more susceptible to premature wear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JB4 (Honda Odyssey) and JB5 (Honda Pilot).

13V016000 · Air Bags

Jan 18, 2013

Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.