My Pilot is making abnormal sounds (such as clicking, creaking, or popping) when turning left at low speed or while parking.
2023 Honda Pilot steering problems
19 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda Pilot steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Honda Pilot steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2022-2024 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The software for the electric power steering (EPS) assist may cause the EPS system to enter a failsafe mode, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the EPS control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑866‑784‑1870. Honda's numbers for this recall are KQB and TQA. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning November 11, 2026.
Recall number 26V721000 · Recall details
Steering: rack and pinion: rack
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
Recall number 23V735000 · Recall details
What 2023 Honda Pilot owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 2023 Honda Pilot. On two separate occasions while the vehicle was being driven, the vehicle experienced multiple system warnings and a significant loss of steering assistance. The first incident occurred before July 16, 2026, at approximately 40,605 miles. While my wife was driving, multiple warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel suddenly became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, although the engine remained running. She was able to pull over, turn the vehicle off, and restart it. After the restart, the warning lights disappeared and the steering returned to normal. I brought the vehicle to John Eagle Honda of Dallas on July 16, 2026. The dealer's repair order documents: “CUSTOMER STATES MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY STIFF BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING.” The dealer reported that it performed a battery check and charging-system test, found no stored diagnostic trouble codes, could not duplicate the condition during a test drive, and performed no repair. The problem occurred again on September 8, 2026, at approximately 42,511 miles while my wife was driving. Once again, the steering became extremely difficult to operate. During this second incident, my wife also reported that the brakes were not functioning normally. Multiple warning lights and system-failure messages appeared simultaneously. Photographs were taken of the instrument cluster before the condition cleared. One message specifically stated: “Electric power steering system problem. Steering assist not available. Do not drive.” Another stated: “AWD All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your dealer.” The instrument cluster also displayed additional warning indicators associated with other vehicle systems. This is particularly concerning because the failure has now occurred twice while the vehicle was being driven. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it has caused the symptoms and warnings to disappear.
While driving to work this morning. Rate of speed under 45 mph with no apparent issues. Suddenly warning lights on the dash lit up and steering became difficult. Three separate information warnings: Lane Keeping assist problem, electric power steering problem, adaptive cruise control problem. I was able to continue to drive the 3 miles to work. Had to use 2 hands and pull hard on the steering wheel to pull into the parking lot from the street. Actually had to stop the car, turn it off and restart it just to get into a parking space. Turned engine off twice, both times all warning lights came back on on the dash when I restarted the car. I only have 29,043 miles on this vehicle. It was unsettling to find myself in an unsafe situation today.
At about 9700 miles I noticed a popping noise in the steering wheel when it was turned left or right after driving for a few miles and it could be felt in the steering wheel. The popping sound got worse and on July 7, 2025 I took the car to the Honda dealership I bought it from at 11, 900 miles and the master mechanic confirmed the sound and stated the steering rack needed to be replaced. That was done over 4 days but several months later the popping sound that could again be felt in the steering wheel returned. I contacted the Georgia Attorney General Lemon Law division and was advised that because it was a safety defect I should give Honda a Final Repair Opportunity Notice under the GA Lemon Law which I did on Oct 24, 2025. Honda ignored the Notice and the Attorney General Accepted the case for Arbitration which is set for May 29, 2026. In preparation for arbitration, I discovered that at least 3 other complaints have been filed with the federal safety agency about the exact same safety issue I have experienced. I do not know how these complaints were resolved but concerning one of them, the steering rack was replaced like mine and the popping sound from the steering returned. Honda therefore knows of this safety defect but has continued to ignore my Lemon Law Complaint and request for discovery of internal Honda information concerning this defect. I have severely limited driving of this vehicle to short trips at slow speeds to my law firm and cannot drive it at highway speeds for fear of steering failure.
The car is making a knocking sound while driving at low speeds (ex. Pulling into the garage, reversing into a parking spot) while turning the wheel. The 2023 Pilot is currently at the dealership being inspected. I have come across many other posts, with video, confirming this exact sound with the same assessment - all pointing to the steering rack (although some fixes only being temporary so the part itself might be defective). This is a newer lease and I am not convinced it is safe to drive in with this issue.
My 2023 Honda Pilot has had persistent issues with the steering system since it was purchased new. The problems manifest as knocking noises in the steering column, although no warning lights appear. The Honda dealer has replaced the steering rack three times. A rattling noise is now occurring in the steering column, and the dealer is advising replacement of the steering column. The dealer was in contact with Honda engineering each time to solicit advice and obtain approval for the repairs. The replaced parts are not available for inspection, and only the Honda dealer has inspected the vehicle. I am concerned for my safety. I am afraid that the steering will fail while I am driving at highway speeds and cause an accident. I contacted Honda corporate, and they essentially told me there is nothing they can do because the vehicle is considered “fixed” after each repair.
When trying to drive my vehicle i noticed the steering wheel became hard to turn. I was able to get a tow truck to drop my vehicle off at the dealership to get it looked at. The dealership is telling me that it is due to a steering problem needing a rack and pinion part. This vehicle is a 2023 Honda Pilot which was just purchased by me in April. There hasnt been any issue until now.
Clicking and groaning noise when turning the steering wheel. Happens at any speed including when stopped. Randomly started happening one day.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's seat was moving whenever the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Motor Werks of Barrington (1475 S Barrington Rd, Barrington, IL 60010); who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,468.
Steering makes noise, safety concern. Steering rack replaced at 5,000 miles in July 2024 (10 months after purchase). Noise came back at approximately 7,500 in October 2024 (13 months after purchase). Was told initial Steering rack was defective and the replacement may have been defective too. Honda replaced the steering rack a second time on October 28-29, 2024. Not sure of this is a permanent fix.
Questions about the 2023 Honda Pilot steering
Does the 2023 Honda Pilot have steering problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the steering of the 2023 Honda Pilot, 13% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2023 Honda Pilot steering problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Honda Pilot steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V721000, 23V735000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Pilot have bad steering?
The Honda Pilot model years with the most steering complaints are 2025 (44 complaints), 2005 (37 complaints) and 2011 (34 complaints).
Other 2023 Honda Pilot problems
Seat belts 38Electrical 28Driver assistance 22Brakes 17Engine 13Visibility 11Seats 10Transmission 10Body 7Fuel system 5Acceleration 4Airbags 4Wheels 4Lights 2
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