One of the better Pilot years
Owners filed about 39% fewer complaints than a typical Pilot year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 5,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pilot years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Honda Pilot. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (85, 31% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the body, doors and structure. That ranks 7th of 13 Pilot years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 6 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2013 Honda Pilot before you buy.
Engine and cooling
85 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 5,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am submitting this formal written complaint concerning Honda's refusal to reimburse me for a piston-ring-related engine failure in my 2013 Honda Pilot. I purchased the vehicle used from a Honda dealership in August 2016. In August 2026, at approximately 155,000 miles, the original engine failed. The authorized Honda dealership…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Diagnosed by CMA Honda dealership - need piston ring replacement due to the ongoing issue and Service Bulletin SB-10099310-9340. This was under 8 year warranty from date of purchase, but this just started happening at 155k miles and in 2026. I purchased this in 2016. Although it is out of the extended warranty timeframe, it is still an…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 3,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
I had a check engine light on the dashboard and brought the car to the dealership for service. They diagnosed the car and stated that there is something wrong with the torque converter. I have read a number of reports regarding issues with the torque converter of the honda pilot. Significantly, report states that there is shuddering and…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 95,000 miles
While driving in the freeway with my family, the radiator blew up and spilled the fluids inside the engine compartment or hood there was smoke coming out of the compartment a message popped up on the dashboard saying engine is over heating and it stopped. This car only has around 46000 miles on the car. It seems like honda issued recall…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 46,440 miles
Body, doors and structure
49 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (42).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The factory clear coat and paint on the roof of this 2013 Honda Pilot are delaminating and peeling away from the metal. The failure began about 1.5 years ago and continues to spread; in places it has now progressed through the paint to bare metal that is corroding and rusting. The vertical body panels remain glossy and intact while the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Paint has peeled completely off of areas of the body--including the roof above the windshield and others. This peeling has occurred without any physical damage to the body itselfOwner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
43 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 27,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The VSA/ABS lights came on and I took it to the repair shop. The mechanic told me that the VSA/ABS module is bad and needs to be replaced. He said this is a very common problem in my vehicle type. He said the anti-lock brakes won't work which can be dangerous. He said the parts are always backordered and can take months to come in and…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, the brake warning light, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the pressure sensor had malfunctioned and the VSA module…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 74,000 miles
Air bags
19 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 89,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was reversing out of a parking spot and all of my passenger side curtain air bags went off with no collision, no dashboard lights, no flat tire, didn’t almost hit anything, nothing.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Had a car accident and hit a sand barrel at about 40 miles an hour without the airbags didn’t deploy. The grill and bumper were damaged with impact.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Cruise control and acceleration
16 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 0 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 100 miles
Vcm (vehicle cylinder management) issue: I purchased a 2013 honda pilot from zimbrick honda (madison wi) in november 2013. Since the first day I bought the vehicle I have been very disappointed and have grave concern regarding the safety of my children when in the vehicle. Driving the new vehicle home I noticed a rumbling and shuttering…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 100 miles
Fuel system
13 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 24,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 56,000 miles
"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…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 30,000 miles
Suspension
13 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 9,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Honda customer service in torrance, ca gave us case # but unhelpful.2013 pilot's part of front suspension rear lower arm bushing warranty extension: 7yrs100k miles.this summer local dealer service depts didn't always answer their phones & couldn't always book due to covid/issues.in june the hondacare website + other media including…Owner complaint, filed 2020
Was told by honda dealer compliance bushings leaking. They would be happy to replace for a fee. However, I found an sb. Sb 15-045. I think it applies.Owner complaint, filed 2018
Steering
12 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 55,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the fog lights and exterior lights became inoperable. The contact noticed there was rust underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also needed to add additional power steering fluid three times per week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 177,000 miles
I changed tire ,bushing stabilizer,wheel balance alignment, changed the tie rod and cv axle but the car still shaking between the speed of 60mph-70mph..I don't remember when my honda pilot 2013 misfired then they fixed it but my timing belt everything was making sound , I spent to my mechanic friend coz the dealer charge me a price of…Owner complaint, filed 2019
Electrical system
9 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle was parked and rear latch was unable to open from button on hatch or key. This is a safety hazard not being able to open rear latch. I could not find any way to open the rear latch even from inside with an escape button.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 60,000 miles
The locks work intermittently and the tailgate locks at inopportune times. The dash camera works off and on as well as the locks in the car. It is unsafe for my children because they can get locked in the car.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 80,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
9 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 3,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when he exited the vehicle, he heard a cracking sound coming from underneath the driver’s seat. The contact stated he looked around the driver’s seat and noticed that the bottom of the driver’s seat frame was fractured in three locations. The contact inspected the frame of the…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The NHTSA headrest standards are [xxx]. Seriously, did any of you even [xxx] drive a car with a headrest in the position you mandate? You are incompetent at your job. Fail! Quit your tax payer funded job and go work for a paycheck. Go ruin your own life instead of ruining everyone else's for a change!! Information redacted pursuant to…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 1 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
7 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Wires burnt to headlights as a result of overheating wires; resulted in both low beam headlights going out while driving. It seems like Honda has had this problem previously in older Pilot models. Unsure of why they are making newer vehicles with the same issues.Owner complaint, filed 2023
The low beam headlight on the passenger side stopped working. I replacing the bulb, but it still wouldn't work. Six to eight weeks later the drivers' side low beam stopped working. When looking it up online, I found many people have had the same issue as far back as 2005 honda models and not only with the pilots but several other models.…Owner complaint, filed 2019
Wheels and tires
5 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
I have noticed for some time that the front driver side seems to shake a little when driving. It appears that there is a leak in the wheel bearing. However, this is not the first time I've had an issue with the wheel bearing in the vehicle. A year ago, when I drove on the highway, I could not turn the wheel. I had to pull over, re-start…Owner complaint, filed 2018
Premature tire wear.purchased car april 2013. Brought to dealer 09/24/2015 37,453 miles. Vehicle scan summary indicated three tires with marginal tread depth and one with tread depth less than recommended minimum. Delaer moved one rear tire to the front and recommended I drive 5-10 thousand miles more to get more value on the prorating…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 37,453 miles
Honda Pilot complaints by year
Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2013 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | About average | 3 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | Worse than most years | 12 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Traverse | One of the better years | 4 |
2013 Honda Pilot recalls
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine
- Risk
- A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- Risk
- The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer.
Full recall summary
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.
2013 Honda Pilot questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Honda Pilot?
The most reported problem areas on the 2013 Honda Pilot are the engine and cooling (85 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (54 complaints) and the body, doors and structure (49 complaints).
Is the 2013 Honda Pilot a good year to buy?
One of the better Pilot years. Owners filed about 39% fewer complaints than a typical Pilot year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 5,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pilot years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2013 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Honda Pilot. The most recent, from Jun 2019, covers the inflator module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2013 Honda Pilot problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 5,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 3,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?
The Pilot years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016, 2017 and 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2013 Honda Pilot?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model