2013 Honda Pilot brakes problems

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · OH

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.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Brakes · VA

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 they are extremely expensive. They range from $1200-$2400 for the part only. I researched the problem online and it seems to be a common problem across many Honda models and years. Many people have taken apart the modules themselves and have repaired them. They mention that the connective wires on the modules are extremely thin and not recommended for circuit boards. The thinness of the connective wires causes the failure.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 74,000 miles · NY

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 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part unavailable and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2022 · Brakes · IL · crash · 1 injury

Brake failure at stop sign. Driver crashed into a pole, suffered severe injuries including bleeding in the brain and broken ribs.

Filed Sep 8, 2020 · Brakes · 57,000 miles · OR

My 2013 honda pilot steering wheel shudders hard when braking. This started at around mileage 30k and the car currently has 57k on odometer. We bought the car new and have not needed any brake work on the front. Honda serviced the rear brakes so far. Honda representatives have told us that front shudder of the steering wheel most likely means the rotors are warped and need resurfacing or replacement. The shaking on downhill driving is so bad the car feels uncontrollably dangerous. You must drive very slow with hazard lights flashing when traveling downhill at 20-30 MPH. Shaking and shudder happens at almost any speed above 40 MPH when brakes are applied.

Filed Mar 25, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 161,000 miles · IN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. The contact stated the vehicle burned a quart of oil every 20 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle fails to accelerate of 20 MPH, smoke was seen coming from the engine compart, as wheel as the power brake assist fails. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle to basney honda (3820 grape rd, mishawaka, in 46545) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a piston ring failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 161,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2019 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Brakes · WA

2013 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to warped rotors. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired by the manufacturer, but the failure recurred.

Filed Jan 2, 2019 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · VA

Rotors warped. This is a continuous problem regardless of how many times it is "fixed".