VinCanary

Reliability report · 2023 Honda Pilot · Updated July 2026

A clean-sheet redesign with a fresh-launch recall sheet — low complaint volume, but verify every campaign.

2023 is a complete redesign — the fourth-generation Pilot, on a new body with a new 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 and a 10-speed automatic (shared with the current Accord, Odyssey and Acura's TLX/MDX Type-S, and generally well-regarded). Complaint volume is low at 113. But like any launch year, it carries the redesign's teething recalls, and two of them have real safety weight: a steering-rack defect (23V-735) where a loose ball bearing can cause loss of steering control or lock-up, and a fuel-filler-neck recall (24V-900) where the pipe can separate and leak fuel.

There's also a software stall recall (25V-031) — a fuel-injection control error that can cause an engine stall or loss of power, matching owner reports of warning cascades and hesitation — plus a driver's-seat-frame recall (24V-859) and a brake-pedal-pin recall (25V-391). All are free by VIN. Beyond the recalls, first-year owners report water leaks from the roof and windshield, loose or missing front-window-regulator bolts, and a cylinder-head-cover oil-leak bulletin (codes P2096/P2270). None of those is expensive, but on a redesign year the message is simple: the numbers are quiet, so make the recalls and the bulletins your checklist.

Evidence: 113 NHTSA complaints · 5 recall campaigns · 6 mechanic & forum sources

Canary status

Chirping

What that means: 113 federal complaints — a low number, but this is an all-new fourth-generation Pilot with a new engine and 10-speed transmission, and first-year cars carry a launch recall sheet: a steering-rack defect, a fuel-leak campaign, a software stall recall, and a brake-pedal recall. The volume is small; the recalls are the real work.

CalmChirpingSquawkingFainted

This status assumes the riskiest common powertrain — see the Pilot engine guide.

113

Federal complaints

5

Recalls

$0

Recall steering-rack replacement

Known issues

Ranked by the cost of ignoring them. Every claim carries its source.

Steering-rack ball bearing — recall 23V-735

major

The fourth generation's launch safety headline. A manufacturing error can leave a loose ball bearing in the steering gearbox assembly, which can cause a loss of steering control or steering lock-up. Recall 23V-735 covers 2023–2024 Pilots; dealers replace the electric power-steering rack free (Honda code FFX). This is a steering-control recall, not a nuisance — confirm 23V-735 shows completed by VIN and pay attention to any notchiness, clunk or catch in the steering on the test drive.

What to check

Pink and cleanServiced. Proceed.

Dark brownDamage underway.

Recall steering-rack replacement

$0

Sources: NHTSA complaint and recall database, 2023 Pilot

Fuel-filler-neck leak and FI-ECU stall — 24V-900, 25V-031major

Two more redesign recalls with real consequences. Recall 24V-900 covers 2023–2025 Pilots where the fuel-filler neck tube and pipe may separate and let fuel leak — a fire risk near an ignition source — repaired free. Recall 25V-031 covers 2023–2025 Pilots (with Acura MDX and TLX Type-S) for a fuel-injection electronic-control-unit (FI-ECU — the computer that runs the engine's fuel system) software error that can cause an engine stall or loss of power; the fix is a free software reprogram. The stall recall lines up with owner complaints of dashboard warning cascades and sudden loss of power. Confirm both are closed by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint and recall database, 2023 Pilot

$0

Recall fuel-neck and FI-ECU repairs

Driver's-seat-frame and brake-pedal recalls — 24V-859, 25V-391moderate

Two more free launch-year campaigns. Recall 24V-859 (with the 2023–2024 Accord, Civic, HR-V and Acura Integra) covers a driver's-seat cushion frame that may not have been tightened properly, leaving the seat unsecured in a crash (FMVSS 207). Recall 25V-391 (2023–2025 Pilot with Acura MDX/TLX) covers a brake-pedal pivot pin that wasn't secured, which can let the pedal shift out of position and prevent braking as intended (FMVSS 108/135). Both are free by VIN — confirm each shows completed.

Sources: NHTSA complaint and recall database, 2023 Pilot

$0

Recall seat-frame and brake-pedal repairs

First-year fit-and-finish: leaks, window bolts, oil-leak bulletinminor

The redesign's non-recall teething items, all inexpensive and all covered by warranty on a car this new. Owners and dealers report water leaks from the panoramic/sunroof and windshield (easily sealed), a pattern of loose or missing front-window-regulator bolts on both front doors (one car had the bolts sitting loose inside the door panel), occasional door-lock-actuator and center-display faults, and a cylinder-head-cover oil-leak bulletin — a burning-oil smell or a check-engine light with codes P2096 and/or P2270, traced to porosity in a head-cover bolt hole. The new engine drops the old valve-adjustment maintenance. Inspect for leaks, cycle both front windows, and ask whether the head-cover bulletin applies to the VIN.

Sources: Independent mechanic/owner channel transcripts (4th-gen Pilot) and Honda manufacturer-communication bulletins

Due to a manufacturing error, the gearbox assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
6 mechanic & owner sources

Shopping this year?

Get the printable pre-purchase checklist and an alert if this year’s recall sheet changes.

Form not loading? Open it directly →

Open recalls

Free fixes at any Honda dealer. Run the VIN — “completed” isn’t always completed.

  1. 23V-7352023–2024 Pilot: steering gearbox assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, risking loss of steering control or steering lock-up. Free electric-power-steering-rack replacement. Honda code FFX.open
  2. 24V-9002023–2025 Pilot (with 2023–2024 Passport): fuel-filler neck tube and pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak and increasing fire risk. Free inspection/repair of the filler neck and pipe. Honda code OKM.open
  3. 25V-0312023–2025 Pilot (with Acura MDX Type-S and TLX Type-S): FI-ECU software error may cause an engine stall or loss of power. Free FI-ECU software reprogram. Honda codes EL1/AL0.open
  4. 24V-8592023–2024 Pilot (with Accord, Civic Sedan/Hatchback, 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra): driver's-seat cushion frame may not be tightened properly, leaving the seat unsecured (FMVSS 207). Free driver's-seat-cushion-frame replacement.open
  5. 25V-3912023–2025 Pilot (with Acura MDX and TLX): brake-pedal pivot pin not secured properly, which can let the pedal shift out of position and prevent braking (FMVSS 108/135). Free inspection and brake-pedal-assembly replacement as needed. Honda codes FLX/XLY.open

Have a specific one in your sights?

The VIN is on the listing. We’ll check this exact car — build, open recalls, and whether the “completed” repairs stayed fixed.

Form not loading? Open it directly →