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.
The worst 2013 Honda Pilot problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine85
- Transmission54
- Body47
- Brakes42
- Airbags19
- Acceleration16
- Fuel system13
- Suspension13
- Steering12
- Electrical9
- Seats7
- Wheels5
- Visibility4
- Driver assistance3
- Lights3
- Locks2
- Seat belts2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Honda Pilot
Check engine light 26Shudder 24Hesitation 14Misfire 13Stalling 10Jerking 8Brake failure 7Engine failure 7ABS 5Grinding brakes 5Oil consumption 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2013 Honda Pilot mention
P0301 2P0304 2
Recalls 6
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V502000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 19V378000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 18V661000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 18V042000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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).
Recall number 13V382000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 13V016000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Honda Pilot 89
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
2013 Honda Pilot fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
What 2013 Honda Pilot owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 confirmed that the failure was related to the piston-ring problem. I contacted Honda corporate and was denied coverage because the warranty had expired. As a result, I paid approximately $3,500 for a used replacement engine and installation ($1000 for engine and $2500 labor – 25 hours @ $100/per hour). I requested a written explanation of Honda's decision. The representative refused to provide a letter or email, stating that I could call and reference my case number instead. I am requesting that Honda reconsider its decision and provide a substantive written response addressing the diagnosis, the applicable service bulletins and warranty extensions, and the reason reimbursement was denied. Technical Service Bulletin 13-082 issued in 2012 and newer TSB 25-060 issued 06/17/2025 extending warranty to 1/31/2026 due to this issue. This was not long enough for the customer’s affected after this date, so I am asking for reconsideration from Honda. The original extended warranty due to the TSB was up to 150,000 miles and 10 years from date of purchase. My issue began exactly 10 years after my date of purchase and at 155,000 miles, just outside of the extended warranty limits. Since it was extended once, I feel there may be a need to extend once again for the people who do not drive their vehicles enough to reach the 150k mile limitation within the 10 year period. Please associate this letter with my existing customer-relations case: Honda case number: 16674657- denied by Honda due to being outside of the extended warranty parameters in TSB 25-060
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 ongoing issue with these models and should be covered. Cost estimated for repair is $5700 and a new engine isn't an option since they all of the same issues.
Recalls without notification; 1) Engine- recurring problem piston seal leak - continual replacement of coils & spark plugs. Engine light on VTM-4, traction bar symbol on, engine missing. [XXX] 2025: [XXX] ][XXX] Oil change 7 days later wrench & engine light gone [XXX] * 2 days later it came on again. I let it sit for a 1½ days, and the sway light went off. 5-29-25. Glendale Service Center Chase checked - engine light on Misfire of #2 cylinder again. [XXX]. HONDA DEALER Brown Stafford Honda Body Shop Mike Gerdes. 410‑553‑8661 712 Crain Hwy N Glen Burnie, MD 21061 Diagnostic fee. $185 ..Total $220.33 Diagnosis: One day repair Piston rings $6987.70 tax & shop fee $51. 51 Sway bar. $ 418.58 Power steering 1511.37 Flush. $178.29 Estimate Total = $9147.45 (not done) 3-11-25. Glendale Service Center Chase checked - engine light on Misfire of #2 cylinder again. *Glendale Service David/ Chase Replacing all 6 plugs and 1 coil Plugs $25 each = $125 10-2-24 Honda - trying to cut off Engine light on, VTM, Swerve lines Dash panel by music dim Once trouble starting Cell phone charger - losing charge on phone while charging Engine - slow, missing, Noise, smell, dash radio light dimmed, phone charger weak, Radio needs code often, switches from cell phone Blue tooth to radio, sway bar noise. 4-23-24 Safford Brown Honda dealer Glen Burnie. Md. Mike Gerdes. 8:30 DONE open at 7:30. $185 diagnostic Service fee $51.51? Replaced O² sensor and spark plug #2 410‑553‑8661 Total paid $753.95 😡 not replaced! (local mechanic checked) Phil. - service, John Kim in charge Dan 4-21-24 Engine light, VTM-4, traction bars came on AFTER repair 4-16-24 Strange rasping sounds from blower. Destiny Auto Sales 3/07/22. Again. $220 2/8/22 Coil & spark plug $220 2) White Paint peeling 2021 7-2-21 White paint peeling around Sunroof. Rain storm. Soaked inside of car. Repair white paint on roof. Mold inside car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C
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 entire horizontal roof has failed - a top-down failure pattern consistent with a defective factory finish rather than wear or environmental exposure. This matches a well-documented paint-adhesion defect in Honda vehicles of this generation: Honda issued warranty-extension service bulletin 19-057 for 2013-16 Pilots in White Diamond Pearl after identical roof peeling, a companion bulletin covers other white finishes, and an active class-action lawsuit alleges the same peeling and delaminating paint defect across 2013-and-later Honda and Acura vehicles. As the paint separates, detached clear-coat material can lift off the moving vehicle, and the exposed roof metal is now corroding. The affected roof/body panel is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps applied; the defect is visible. The vehicle was not in a crash, and there was no fire and no injury. I am reporting this so it is documented as a manufacturing defect affecting colors beyond those the manufacturer has chosen to cover.
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.
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
Brake lights did not appear to be working while car suddenly slowed.
The car was inspected by the authorized dealer, but it is still on the list.
Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. The vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. It has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. In 2025 it happened in August, October and December despite repeated maintenance. Error codes that have popped up due to the issue primarily include cylinder 1 misfires a known and documented issue related to the faulty VCM system. The problem has repeatedly been identified by multiple mechanics. I use my vehicle primarily to transport my children to and from school. We have all been in the car during these misfires endangering their safety. At many of the times when the misfires have happened my children have been in the car and any engine failure while operating the vehicle puts them in danger. My children are ADHD/autistic and during the times the vehicle has broken down while driving it has caused them extreme distress. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. I have reached out to Honda repeatedly to have the issue resolved however despite repeated promises the vehicle would be fixed due to recalls and extended warranties Honda officials have repeatedly made erroneous claims and insist my vehicle's vin needs to be approved for any repairs. This is a well documented known issue for this make and model due to the faulty VCM system causing oil to get into the cylinders leading to the misfires and piston ring wear and corroded spark plugs. All I am requesting is for Honda to make the necessary repairs so my vehicle is safe to transport my children. I have kept up with the maintenance of the vehicle. The problems we have experienced are directly caused by the known VCM/MIL failures. Also we have consistently had codes come up for the ABS as well. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Honda is responsible for making the repairs.
Compare the 2013 Honda Pilot
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Other model years
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2013 Honda Pilot
Is the 2013 Honda Pilot reliable?
Owners have filed 273 complaints about the 2013 Honda Pilot, close to a typical Pilot model year.
What is the 2013 Honda Pilot year score?
The 2013 Honda Pilot scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Pilot: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Honda Pilot?
Engine and cooling, with 85 complaints, typically around 5,000 miles. Next is transmission (54).
How many recalls does the 2013 Honda Pilot have?
6 recalls, covering air bags and engine.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Honda Pilot engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 13V382000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Pilot have bad engine?
The Honda Pilot model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (826 complaints), 2017 (490 complaints) and 2019 (253 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Honda Pilot get?
Official estimates for the 2013 Honda Pilot range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.
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