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Honda · Known Issues

2023 Honda Pilot Problems: 4 Known Issues

2023 model year · 923+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 923+ owner reports, the 2023 Honda Pilot has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Unsecured Driver's Seat From Untightened Cushion Frame — Pilot Recall 24V859 (2023-2024) and Engine Stall and Power Loss from Mis-Programmed Fuel Injection ECU ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Parasitic Battery Drain Causing Dead Battery with 634 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Pilot Safety/Recalls1
  • Pilot Engine1
  • Pilot Electrical1
  • Pilot Drivetrain1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Engine1
  • Electrical1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2023-2024 Honda Pilot, a limited number of 2023 and 2024 Honda Pilots are covered by recall 24V859000 because the driver's seat cushion frame may not have been properly tightened. An improperly tightened cushion frame can leave the driver's seat unsecured to the vehicle. Honda filed this as a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." For a three-row family vehicle this is worth taking seriously for the reason NHTSA gives: an unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing injury risk. The 121-vehicle figure attached to this campaign is the total for every Honda and Acura model in it combined, not a Pilot-specific count.

Common Symptoms

  • Driver's seat is not firmly secured to the floor
  • Seat shifts or rocks in normal driving

How to Fix

Take the Pilot to a Honda dealer, who will replace the driver's seat cushion frame free of charge. Notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Since this recall spans two model years and a very small build population, the reliable way to know whether yours is affected is to enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — a Pilot built days apart from an affected one may not be included. Questions about scheduling or parts availability go to Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 (J35Y8), fourth-generation Pilots built on the 2023 redesign store P061B when the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) mis-handles a fast throttle transient. Supplier Denso reported to Honda that the settings for the correction control logic of the air flow rate and fuel injection volume were improper, which can cause a torque control failure to be detected. When the driver makes a sudden, large change in throttle opening — a hard tip-in from a roll, a quick lift-and-reapply while merging, or a sharp stab of throttle from low rpm — the torque the FI-ECU calculates diverges far enough from the torque it commanded that the module's internal plausibility monitor trips. Because that monitor is a torque-safety supervisor rather than an ordinary sensor check, it does not just log a code; it commands a torque limit. Drivers report the malfunction indicator lamp coming on together with an abrupt loss of drive power, a deep hesitation in the throttle, and in the worst cases an outright stall, which on a busy road is a genuine crash risk. American Honda filed NHTSA safety recall 25V-031 in January 2025, covering 294,612 vehicles: 2023-2025 Pilot (built 13 Sep 2022 - 9 Jan 2025), 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type S and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type S. Nothing is mechanically wrong with the engine on an affected Pilot — no sensor is out of range and no part has worn out — which is why parts-swapping diagnosis on these trucks wastes money.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with sudden loss of drive power
  • Engine hesitates or stumbles on a fast throttle change
  • Engine stalls while driving or when merging
  • Reduced-power / limp behavior after a hard tip-in
  • MIL on with no other apparent driveability fault

How to Fix

Do not begin by replacing hardware. Check the VIN against NHTSA campaign 25V-031 first; if the truck is in scope, an authorized Honda dealer reprograms the FI-ECU with the corrected control program free of charge under the recall, regardless of mileage or warranty status. The reflash is a short shop visit — owners of the sibling Acura vehicles report 30 minutes to an hour — and requires a fully charged 12-volt battery and Honda's ECU reprogramming tooling; independent shops without that tooling cannot perform it. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning 17 March 2025. After the flash, clear the stored P061B and any secondary codes and drive the vehicle through the conditions that provoked it — several hard tip-ins and merge-throttle transients — to confirm the fault does not return. If P061B reappears on software that is already at the recall level, the diagnosis changes completely: now treat it as a genuine torque-model disagreement and check for an intake leak downstream of the mass airflow sensor, a contaminated or failing MAF, a dirty or drifting throttle body and accelerator pedal position sensor correlation, and any aftermarket tune or intake that would make measured airflow disagree with commanded torque.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026
Community reported
634 owners

On the 2016-2023 Honda Pilot, honda Pilots experience excessive parasitic battery drain (over 80mA) causing dead batteries after 24-48 hours. Common causes include radio/audio staying active when off, Bluetooth module constantly searching, and AC compressor clutch relay sticking on. Normal draw should be 12-30mA. Vehicle requires 30+ minutes to fully "fall asleep" with hood, doors, and trunk closed.

This issue also affects: Honda Element, Honda Accord, Honda HR-V

Common Symptoms

  • Dead battery after sitting 24-48 hours
  • Radio making noises when vehicle is off
  • Battery repeatedly dying/needing jump starts
  • Clicking sound when trying to start
  • Weak cranking on startup
  • Electrical accessories not working properly

How to Fix

Pull radio fuse to test if radio causing drain. Replace defective Omron AC clutch relay (39794-SDA-A03) with updated Mitsuba relay (39794-SDA-A05). Disconnect or replace Bluetooth/hands-free module if causing drain. Test parasitic draw with multimeter after 30+ minutes. Replace weak battery. Check three main ground connections for oxidation/corrosion.

What you need to diagnose it

The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.

  • UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter

    1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero

    $40–$70View

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.

Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Honda/Mitsuba 39794-SDA-A05 power relay
    OEMHonda 39794-SDA-A05

    Honda Pilot applications; the OEM engine-room catalog identifies this part as the magnetic-clutch relay. For the source's 2023 year, confirm the VIN-specific fuse-box cat

    HondaPartsNow

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipPull radio fuse to test if radio is causing drain - if drain stops, radio is the culprit
  • TipTest parasitic draw with multimeter after vehicle sits 30+ minutes - normal is 12-30mA, over 80mA is excessive
  • WarningAllow at least 30 minutes for vehicle to fully fall asleep before measuring parasitic draw

Research This Issue

Based on 634 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified634 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
289 owners

On the 2016-2023 Honda Pilot, aWD Honda Pilots experience rear differential fluid leaks from temperature/pressure sensors, axle seals, and case deterioration. Loose or damaged fluid pressure sensors drip onto axle seals. Some cases involve holes in differential case with extensive aluminum deterioration. Leaks can lead to low fluid levels causing noise and judder on turns. Rear differential uses DPSF (Dual Pump System Fluid) and holds 2 quarts.

Common Symptoms

  • Differential fluid puddle under rear of vehicle
  • Low differential fluid level
  • Humming or whining noise from rear axle
  • Judder or binding when turning
  • Clicking noise during turns
  • Visible fluid on differential case or axles

How to Fix

Inspect rear differential for leaks during oil changes. Tighten or replace leaking temperature/pressure sensors ($50-$100 parts). Replace axle seals if leaking ($150-$300 per side with labor). For case leaks, differential may need replacement ($800-$1,500). Change rear differential fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles using Honda DPSF fluid (2 quarts, $40-$60 + $80-$120 labor).

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Honda 08200-9007 Dual Pump Fluid II, one quart
    OEMHonda 08200-9007

    specified rear-differential service fluid after leak repair or when Maintenance Minder sub-code 6 calls for fluid replacement Fitment/availability: 2016-2023 Honda Pilot AWD rear differential; Honda DPSF-II, one quart per bottle. Buy the…

    HondaPartsNow

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipCheck differential fluid level by removing fill plug - fluid should be at bottom of fill plug hole
  • TipChange rear differential fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles to prevent judder and noise on turns
  • TipInspect for leaks during every oil change - catching leaks early prevents expensive differential replacement

Research This Issue

Based on 289 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerified289 owner reportsLast reported by owners Dec 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.

Campaign #24V90000027/11/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.

Campaign #25V03100023/01/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

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Other Honda Models

Honda Civic74Honda CR-V64Honda Accord62Honda Odyssey25Honda HR-V24Honda Passport21

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 923+ owner reports, the 2023 Honda Pilot has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Unsecured Driver's Seat From Untightened Cushion Frame — Pilot Recall 24V859 (2023-2024), Engine Stall and Power Loss from Mis-Programmed Fuel Injection ECU, Parasitic Battery Drain Causing Dead Battery. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Pilot reliable?

The 2023 Honda Pilot has 4 known issues documented across 923+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Unsecured Driver's Seat From Untightened Cushion Frame — Pilot Recall 24V859 (2023-2024) and Engine Stall and Power Loss from Mis-Programmed Fuel Injection ECU. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Pilot problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Pilot issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2023-2024 Honda Pilot Unsecured Driver's Seat From Untightened Cushion Frame — Pilot Recall 24V859 (2023-2024)?

A limited number of 2023 and 2024 Honda Pilots are covered by recall 24V859000 because the driver's seat cushion frame may not have been properly tightened. An improperly tightened cushion frame can leave the driver's seat unsecured to the vehicle. Honda filed this as a noncompli… Severity: high.

What is the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot Engine Stall and Power Loss from Mis-Programmed Fuel Injection ECU?

Fourth-generation Pilots built on the 2023 redesign store P061B when the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) mis-handles a fast throttle transient. Supplier Denso reported to Honda that the settings for the correction control logic of the air flow rate and fuel inject… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 923+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #25V391000
12/06/2025

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The third-row passenger seat belt assembly may not function, due to incorrect routing that traps the seat belt behind the passenger side panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #25V05600005/02/2025

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

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.

Campaign #23V73500002/11/2023

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2016-2023 Honda Pilot Parasitic Battery Drain Causing Dead Battery?

Honda Pilots experience excessive parasitic battery drain (over 80mA) causing dead batteries after 24-48 hours. Common causes include radio/audio staying active when off, Bluetooth module constantly searching, and AC compressor clutch relay sticking on. Normal draw should be 12-3… Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2023 Honda Pilot Rear Differential Fluid Leaks from Seals and Sensors?

AWD Honda Pilots experience rear differential fluid leaks from temperature/pressure sensors, axle seals, and case deterioration. Loose or damaged fluid pressure sensors drip onto axle seals. Some cases involve holes in differential case with extensive aluminum deterioration. Leak… Severity: medium.