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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 17, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Multiple mechanics have told me it’s spark plugs and piston ring and issues. I constantly get my oils changed when I’m at 10% and never let it run out of gas. Constantly babied this thing. It only has 145k miles on it. Had 111k when I bought it in 2022! I barely put miles on this and the fuel consumption and engine are now c…

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Multiple mechanics have told me it’s spark plugs and piston ring and issues. I constantly get my oils changed when I’m at 10% and never let it run out of gas. Constantly babied this thing. It only has 145k miles on it. Had 111k when I bought it in 2022! I barely put miles on this and the fuel consumption and engine are now causing issues. Even been told possible catalytic converter issues. Multiple Honda has told me different things. This is so frustrating because the allowed some vin specific models with my year. But not mine?! Helllllllp

NHTSA ODI #11738403

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

The lights(traction control light, check engine,) in the dash come on and go off intermittently and vehicle display reads check emissions system and check VSA (vehicle stability assist) I got the vehicle scanned for the codes it throws and the print out was for the power train control module the piston rings all of them failed e…

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The lights(traction control light, check engine,) in the dash come on and go off intermittently and vehicle display reads check emissions system and check VSA (vehicle stability assist) I got the vehicle scanned for the codes it throws and the print out was for the power train control module the piston rings all of them failed emission test! The dash lights come on for two to three weeks at a time and than just go off while the lights are illuminated I have no traction control no eco mode and the car doesn’t get the correct power while accelerating speed sometimes it gets too much power and accelerates too high causing the vehicle to take off and without any kind of traction

NHTSA ODI #11625394

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

During my commute home from work my vehicle began shaking as if it was going to stall. The orange check engine light began to flash. I used my scanner and it read the code P0303. I took it to a mechanic the following day and they stated the engine is burning excessive oil and misfiring due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management…

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During my commute home from work my vehicle began shaking as if it was going to stall. The orange check engine light began to flash. I used my scanner and it read the code P0303. I took it to a mechanic the following day and they stated the engine is burning excessive oil and misfiring due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system. The oil is soaking the rear three spark plugs from continuously turning on/off while driving causing the engine cylinders to misfire. They stated it is not safe to drive due to possible shut off, power loss, acceleration loss, and damage to the other car systems. I have regular maintenance done to the vehicle but due to the VCM system it will continue to have the same issues. I paid a lot of money for a “reliable” car but the mechanic is saying I need a new motor.

NHTSA ODI #11489335

125,000 miles · Sep 19, 2020
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion System

CHECK FUEL CAP MESSAGE COMES ON SOMETIMES EVEN AFTER I TIGHTEN THE FUEL CAP. SOMETIMES THE MESSAGE STOPS ON ITS OWN. DON'T KNOW WHY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES AND GOES OFF ON ITS OWN. DON'T KNOW WHY. I NOTICED THESE ALERTS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR SITTING AT AN IDLE. CITY DRIVING WITH VERY LITTLE HIGHWAY DRIVING. I …

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CHECK FUEL CAP MESSAGE COMES ON SOMETIMES EVEN AFTER I TIGHTEN THE FUEL CAP. SOMETIMES THE MESSAGE STOPS ON ITS OWN. DON'T KNOW WHY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES AND GOES OFF ON ITS OWN. DON'T KNOW WHY. I NOTICED THESE ALERTS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR SITTING AT AN IDLE. CITY DRIVING WITH VERY LITTLE HIGHWAY DRIVING. I CHECKED HONDA WEBSITE TODAY FOR A LIST OF RECALLS ON MY VIN, BUT THE WEBSITE SAID THAT THERE WERE NOT OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I WONDER ABOUT THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11359996

56,000 miles · Aug 26, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

MY CAR IS INCREASINGLY SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE AND EXHAUST. OUR GARAGE SMELLS STRONGLY OF GASOLINE. WHEN I USE A/C THE CABIN SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST. I JUST MADE A 5 MINUTE TRIP TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER AND IT MADE ME FEEL DIZZY. WE HAVE NEVER SKIPPED ANY MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING IS UP TO DATE. THE ODDLY GASOLINE-Y SMELL …

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MY CAR IS INCREASINGLY SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE AND EXHAUST. OUR GARAGE SMELLS STRONGLY OF GASOLINE. WHEN I USE A/C THE CABIN SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST. I JUST MADE A 5 MINUTE TRIP TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER AND IT MADE ME FEEL DIZZY. WE HAVE NEVER SKIPPED ANY MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING IS UP TO DATE. THE ODDLY GASOLINE-Y SMELL IN OUR GARAGE HAS JUST SUDDENLY GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I REALIZE IT IS COMING FROM MY HONDA PILOT - I CAN FOLLOW THE SCENT DIRECTLY TO THE CAR EVEN WITH THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN. THE INTERIOR OF OUR CAR IS NOW BEING AFFECTED AND THE SMELL IS MUCH STRONGER WHEN A/C RUNS. HAD TO TURN IT OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11122403

51,970 miles · Feb 20, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

ON 7/5/2016, I SET OUT TO DRIVE MY PARENTS TO AN APPOINTMENT. I AM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREGIVER. MY FATHER HAS DEMENTIA & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND MY MOTHER HAS ALZHEIMER'S. MY 9 YR OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER WAS ALSO IN THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED STARTING THE CAR, IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN OVER. BUT AFTER A FEW TRIES, IT STARTED. NO INDICATOR L…

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ON 7/5/2016, I SET OUT TO DRIVE MY PARENTS TO AN APPOINTMENT. I AM THEIR FULL-TIME CAREGIVER. MY FATHER HAS DEMENTIA & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND MY MOTHER HAS ALZHEIMER'S. MY 9 YR OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER WAS ALSO IN THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED STARTING THE CAR, IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN OVER. BUT AFTER A FEW TRIES, IT STARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, SO I FIGURED IT WAS A FLUKE. I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, BEGAN DRIVING (NEIGHBORHOOD - 25MPH SPEED LIM) AND SHORTLY BEGAN HEARING KNOCKING NOISES. AFTER LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE (CROSSING SUBURBAN MAIN ROAD 35MPH SPEED LIM), THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL. I TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS, AND I PROMPTLY TURNED AROUND AND HEADED BACK HOME. IT CONTINUED TO KNOCK AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. STILL, NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. I ALSO CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND OIL GAUGES AND THEY WERE ALSO GIVING NORMAL READINGS. WE FAILED TO MAKE IT THE QUARTER-MILE BACK HOME. SHORTLY AFTER I TURNED THE CORNER ONE STREET AWAY FROM OUR HOUSE, THERE WAS A SUDDEN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. LESS THAN A SPLIT SECOND BEFORE THE EXPLOSION, THE CHECK OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. IT DIDN'T EVEN GIVE ME ENOUGH TIME TO GET MY FINGER ON THE KEY BEFORE IT SET ABLAZE. MY FATHER CAN'T WALK WELL AND USES A SCOOTER. BOTH MY PARENTS ARE DIMINISHED MENTALLY AND COULD NOT UNLOCK THEIR DOORS WHICH DID NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. IF I HADN'T ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS, & IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE MAIN ROAD INSTEAD OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE PEOPLE CAME TO HELP, I COULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN EVERYONE OUT IN TIME. INSURANCE CO TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON ENGINE PISTON WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF - #13V382000. NEITHER DEALERSHIP-HERITAGE HONDA WESTMINSTER MD-NOR LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDER SHOCKLEY HONDA KNEW ABOUT IT EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #10955685

30,000 miles · May 18, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

"CHECK GAS CAP" LIGHT REPEATEDLY ILLUMINATES. DEALERS AND MECHANICS SAY "TIGHTEN GAS CAP" OR REPLACE. DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. PROBLEM IS FUEL PUMP CREATES HIGH PRESSURE AND WHEN EXCESS FUEL GOES THROUGH PRESSURE REGULATOR, FUEL FLASHES TO VAPOR; TANK LOSES VACUUM AND WARNING ILLUMINATES, DRIVER STOPS CAR IN TRAFFIC TO CHECK, CAU…

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"CHECK GAS CAP" LIGHT REPEATEDLY ILLUMINATES. DEALERS AND MECHANICS SAY "TIGHTEN GAS CAP" OR REPLACE. DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. PROBLEM IS FUEL PUMP CREATES HIGH PRESSURE AND WHEN EXCESS FUEL GOES THROUGH PRESSURE REGULATOR, FUEL FLASHES TO VAPOR; TANK LOSES VACUUM AND WARNING ILLUMINATES, DRIVER STOPS CAR IN TRAFFIC TO CHECK, CAUSING SAFETY PROBLEM. HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET. HONDA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10865558

17,500 miles · Aug 2, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING UP THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK CAUSING THE SUV TO CRASH THRU A CONCRETE FENCE AND DOWN A 40 FEET CLIFF.

NHTSA ODI #10745608

1,000 miles · Sep 8, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT LOW SPEEDS...NO RESPONSE FOR 1 TO 2 SECONDS...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO TURN OR PULL INTO MOVING TRAFFIC...PROBLEM IS SPORADIC BUT FREQUENT(2-3 TIMES PER WEEK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631504

100 miles · Nov 15, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I HAVE A 2013 HONDA PILOT, LESS THAN 1 MONTH SINCE PURCHASE. AT SPEEDS FROM 20 MPH TO 70 MPH MY ENGINE AND CAR WILL, VIBRATE, SHUDDER. THERE IS ALSO A LOW FREQUENCY NOISE THAT SEEMS TO VIBRATE IN MY EAR WHICH IS ALSO QUITE A DISTRACTION. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOST WHEN I AM ON A FLAT OR SLIGHT INCLINE. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STO…

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I HAVE A 2013 HONDA PILOT, LESS THAN 1 MONTH SINCE PURCHASE. AT SPEEDS FROM 20 MPH TO 70 MPH MY ENGINE AND CAR WILL, VIBRATE, SHUDDER. THERE IS ALSO A LOW FREQUENCY NOISE THAT SEEMS TO VIBRATE IN MY EAR WHICH IS ALSO QUITE A DISTRACTION. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOST WHEN I AM ON A FLAT OR SLIGHT INCLINE. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STOP IS TO EITHER SPEED UP OR LET OFF THE GAS. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND VERY FRUSTRATING SINCE IT IS A NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY FEEL THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAID THAT AMERICAN HONDA STATES THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD BE NORMAL. A ROUGH FEELING, VIBRATING CABIN AND SHUDDERING ENGINE IS NOT A NORMAL OPERATING CAR. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING WILL BREAK OR COME LOOSE, WHICH MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS AS MY CHILDREN COMMUTE WITH ME EVERY DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552518

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.