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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

271 reports
90,000 miles · Nov 13, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

THE CAR IS MAKING THESE HORRIBLE NOISES. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS EVERYTHING WAS FIND WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO US. WE TOOK IT BACK A FEW DAYS LATER FOR THEM TO FIX IT AND THEY CLAIMED TO FIX IT BUT NEVER DID. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS AND THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS AFTER HAVE IT AT LEAST 3 OR 4 DAYS. IT'S LIKE A VI…

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THE CAR IS MAKING THESE HORRIBLE NOISES. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS EVERYTHING WAS FIND WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO US. WE TOOK IT BACK A FEW DAYS LATER FOR THEM TO FIX IT AND THEY CLAIMED TO FIX IT BUT NEVER DID. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS AND THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS AFTER HAVE IT AT LEAST 3 OR 4 DAYS. IT'S LIKE A VIBRATION/GRINDING NOISE. THE ALIGNMENT IS FINE BUT IT STILL PULLS AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF. IT ALWAYS MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND THE VIBRATION AND GRINDING STARTS WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND IT HITS A CONSTANT SPEED EVEN WHEN YOU DONT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI #11279733

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2019
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V661000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED KUNI HONDA ON ARAPAHOE (LOCATED AT 10750 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 8…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V661000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED KUNI HONDA ON ARAPAHOE (LOCATED AT 10750 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, 720-636-7000) WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT NEED THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11255961

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2019
Structure

EXTERIOR PAINT: TAFFETA WHITE VEHICLE PAINT FADING AFTER 4-5 YEARS FROM ROOF TOP, SIDES, BACK TRUNK AREA, AND HOOD.

NHTSA ODI #11255088

5,000 miles · Jul 31, 2019
Service Brakes

WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL ON HIGHWAYS AT 50+ MPH, (THE STEEPER THE DESCENT, THE SLOWER THE SPEED REQUIRED TO INITIATE BRAKE PROBLEMS) THE FRONT OF OUR 2013 PILOT STARTS TO SHUDDER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS SHUDDER IS SO EXTREME THAT WE SOMETIMES HAVE DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF OUR PILOT AND OF SLOWING DOWN IN TIME TO …

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WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL ON HIGHWAYS AT 50+ MPH, (THE STEEPER THE DESCENT, THE SLOWER THE SPEED REQUIRED TO INITIATE BRAKE PROBLEMS) THE FRONT OF OUR 2013 PILOT STARTS TO SHUDDER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS SHUDDER IS SO EXTREME THAT WE SOMETIMES HAVE DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF OUR PILOT AND OF SLOWING DOWN IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS, AS WELL AS STAYING IN OUR LANE WHEN TRAVERSING HIGHWAY CURVES. THIS SHUDDER BEGAN RIGHT AFTER WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE NEW SUV. VARIOUS MECHANICS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, EVEN AFTER WORKING ON OUR BRAKES, AND HAVE CAUTIONED US TO BRAKE GRADUALLY WHILE DRIVING MOUNTAIN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. WE FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD REACH OUT TO THOSE WITH THIS ISSUE AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA ODI #11240906

60,000 miles · Jul 19, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSuspension

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE FRONT END STARTS TO VIBRATE AS THE CAR IS MOVING ON STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. NOT DURING A TURN, YET. JUST MOVING FORWARD. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT AS OF YET BUT, I AM FEARFUL THAT THE VIBRATION WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO STOP IN TIME TO SAVE MY LIFE AS WELL AS WHO EVER…

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WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE FRONT END STARTS TO VIBRATE AS THE CAR IS MOVING ON STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. NOT DURING A TURN, YET. JUST MOVING FORWARD. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT AS OF YET BUT, I AM FEARFUL THAT THE VIBRATION WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO STOP IN TIME TO SAVE MY LIFE AS WELL AS WHO EVER I HIT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE PILOT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING. THEY CALLED WITH A BILL FOR 1,052.00 FOR COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS. THIS CAR IS SIX YEARS OLD WITH 61,026 MILES, WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE COSTING ME THAT MUCH MONEY FOR A 'FRONT / REAR STABILIZER', THAT SHOULD BE A PROBLEM AT MAYBE 200,000 MILES. WILL I EVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA? LET'S SEE!!!!! HMMMM. I'M THINKING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ODI #11233488

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2019
Structure

PAINT IS PEELING

NHTSA ODI #11229655

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER FLASHING NUMEROUS TIMES. BMW OF MURRIETA (41430 AUTO MALL PKWY, MURRIETA, CA 92562, (951) 200-5491) DID NOT MENTION IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V382000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER FLASHING NUMEROUS TIMES. BMW OF MURRIETA (41430 AUTO MALL PKWY, MURRIETA, CA 92562, (951) 200-5491) DID NOT MENTION IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V382000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY HAD A REDUCTION IN POWER WHEN NEEDING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11229527

110,000 miles · Jul 5, 2019
Unknown Or Other

PAINT BETWEEN THE SUNROOF AND FRONT WIND SHIELD PEELING OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11229521

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2019
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL WENT TO HONDA CITY OF BETHPAGE BECAUSE I RECEIVED AN EMAIL REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL. WAITED HOURS JUST TO LET ME KNOW AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED AND WILL NOT FIX IT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. DIDN'T EVEN BOTHERING ASKING ME I WANTED IT TO BE FIX OR NOT. SO I'M ASSUMING HONDA DOES NOT …

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TAKATA RECALL WENT TO HONDA CITY OF BETHPAGE BECAUSE I RECEIVED AN EMAIL REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL. WAITED HOURS JUST TO LET ME KNOW AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED AND WILL NOT FIX IT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. DIDN'T EVEN BOTHERING ASKING ME I WANTED IT TO BE FIX OR NOT. SO I'M ASSUMING HONDA DOES NOT FIX AIRBAGS.

NHTSA ODI #11229498

95,517 miles · Jun 22, 2019
Structure

COMPLAINTS INVOLVING PAINT PEEL FROM HONDA PILOT RECALL. VEHICLE PAINT IS PEELING AT ROOF LINE COMMON TO WHERE WINDSHIELD INSTALL AND SUNROOF INSTALL. QUALITY OF PAINT IS NOT ISSUE. MANUFACTURING PROCESS IS THE ISSUE. MOST LIKELY A RESULT OF POOR WORKMANSHIP DUE TO PREPARATION OF METAL PRIOR TO APPLICATION OF PAINT EITHER MANUAL…

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COMPLAINTS INVOLVING PAINT PEEL FROM HONDA PILOT RECALL. VEHICLE PAINT IS PEELING AT ROOF LINE COMMON TO WHERE WINDSHIELD INSTALL AND SUNROOF INSTALL. QUALITY OF PAINT IS NOT ISSUE. MANUFACTURING PROCESS IS THE ISSUE. MOST LIKELY A RESULT OF POOR WORKMANSHIP DUE TO PREPARATION OF METAL PRIOR TO APPLICATION OF PAINT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTROSTATIC APPLICATION. WILL REQUEST FULL REPAINT OF VEHICLE FROM DEALERSHIP AT MANUFACTURE EXPENSE. VEHICLE IS GARAGED IN 70-75 DEGREE ENVIRONMENT AND IS DRIVEN TYPICAL MILES FOR AGE OF VEHICLE. NO KNOWN EXTERNAL ISSUE SUCH AS CHEMICAL SPILL HAIL OR OTHER DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED ON AREA OF CONCERN OR ANY OTHER AREA. ORIGINAL OWNER OF VEHICLE. BOUGHT NEW FROM EXCELLENT DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS DONE 100% OF ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS INCLUDING TIRE REPLACEMENT, TUNE UPS, ETC.

NHTSA ODI #11221864

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.