Owners have filed 201 complaints
about the 2023 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the seat belts.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Honda Pilot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
72% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
1340.6%
Warnings
412.5%
Body
412.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
39.4%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
39.4%
Warning
26.3%
Blind Spot Detection
26.3%
Software
13.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
316.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
527.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
316.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
316.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
316.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2023peak 18Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2023 Honda Pilot
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
2
investigations are
still open.
PE25017Opened 28 Oct 2025Still openSEAT BELTS
Inaccurate Rear Passenger Seat Belt Warning Status
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 6 complaints, and multiple Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field reports alleging inaccurate rear seat belt warning status. These allegations concern both false positive and false negative statuses in model year (MY) 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured by American Honda Motor Co. (Honda). The complaints state that the rear passenger seat belt warning system is displaying inaccurate information to the driver for both second and third row seating positions. This can lead to the driver dismissing warnings regarding rear seat belt status...
EA25004Opened 26 Mar 2025Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to r...
Recalls on the 2023 Honda Pilot
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202531815,574 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake pedal assembly may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the brake pedal could move and cause you not to be able to apply the brakes properly, or to apply the brakes unexpectedly. This could also cause the brake lights to turn on without pressing the brake pedal. Safety Risk: Reduced braking and/or braking unexpectedly could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, brake lights that turn on without the brake pedal being pressed could cause others not to recognize when the vehicle is braking or not braking and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake pedal assembly.
Recall 202502916,977 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the fuel injection electronic control unit could cause the engine to stall while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the fuel injection electronic control unit software.
Recall 202472512,083 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel filler pipe may not have been connected properly to the filler neck. As a result, the connection could separate in a crash, and fuel could leak. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, reposition the fuel filler pipe.
Recall 202359319 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering gearbox may not have been manufactured correctly. As a result, the steering rack could lock up while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of steering control could create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the steering gearbox.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Middle River, MDFire
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MDFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MDFire
ENGINE
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
i was involved in a fairly significant accident at 55mph and another vehicle pulled out in front of us. Our Honda pilot had significant front and side damage on passenger side and not air bags deployed at all. This is and was alarming to us. So much so we did not feel safe in keeping the vehicle after the $26,000 repair. I did suffer minor injuries with my neck (surgery required and arm issues from hitting the door) Has this been noted in Honda Pilot models?
NHTSA complaint #11752363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Elgin, ILCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Description: While using cruise control at highway speed and winter weather conditions, the cruise control system suddenly and unexpectedly disengaged without adequate warning. The vehicle experienced rapid deceleration and I lost control, resulting in multiple spins, a near collision with a truck, and impact with a curb before coming to stop. The vehicle sustained damage. Fortunately no one was not severely injured. History and safety concern This is not an isolated event. I have experienced similar, unexpected cruise control disengagements multiple times over the past year while driving under varied conditions. Each event has created a significant safety risk. The sudden, uncommanded disengagement at highway speed caused abrupt deceleration and loss of control, which presents a severe hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. I have reported the issue to the manufacturer and requested a full diagnostic investigation, system data logs, root‑cause determination, and remediation (I am requesting replacement or buyback if a defect is confirmed). I have asked the manufacturer to escalate to a senior case manager/remediation team and to preserve all relevant data and parts. Requested NHTSA actions Open an ODI safety defect investigation into this vehicle model/series and the cruise control/ADAS/cruise‑control module behavior. Request preservation and production of all relevant manufacturer data, including ECU/ADAS event data recorder logs, telematics, software versions, diagnostic records, and any field complaints or warranty claims related to cruise control disengagements. Evaluate whether this is a systemic safety defect requiring recall, remedy, or other actions, and consider requiring manufacturer owner notification and appropriate remedies (repair, replacement, buyback) if a defect is confirmed. Provide guidance on any additional evidence or steps I should take to support the investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11729387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear [NHTSA or Honda Customer Service], I am submitting this complaint to raise a serious safety concern regarding the automatic engine shutoff feature in my 2023 Honda Pilot EX-L. While parked and talking to the dealer, I left my vehicle running with the air conditioning on and my older children in the back seat. Despite the key being inside the car and the engine running, the vehicle shut off automatically after approximately 30 minutes, disabling the air conditioning without any clear warning. This happened in the desert heat, creating an extremely dangerous situation for my children, who were sitting in a vehicle that quickly began to overheat. At no point were we warned by the dealer, the vehicle itself, or any documentation that this idle shutoff would activate even when occupants are inside the car. This is an unacceptable and unsafe default behavior. While I understand the intention behind the feature may be related to fuel or emissions concerns, it should never override the need for cabin cooling when passengers—especially children—are present. This feature should: •Include more prominent audible and visual warnings •Be easily disabled or extended by the driver •Be reconsidered entirely when rear seat occupancy is detected I urge the NHTSA and/or Honda to take this issue seriously and issue a recall, software update, or safety bulletin to allow owners to override or disable this idle shutoff function under safe, supervised circumstances. This is a family vehicle, and no feature should put occupants at risk of heat-related injury. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11677820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bethpage, NY
SEATS
Rear 2nd row seats give false warning when the kids car seats are buckled but constantly give warning that seat belts are not buckled properly. Haven’t received any recall & dealer won’t fix the issue under warranty
NHTSA complaint #11757958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethpage, NY
SEAT BELTS
Rear 2nd row seats give false warning when the kids car seats are buckled but constantly give warning that seat belts are not buckled properly. Haven’t received any recall & dealer won’t fix the issue under warranty
NHTSA complaint #11757958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MN
SEAT BELTS
Left middle row seat belt sensor is indicating unbuckeled when it is buckled. Dealer is asking over $500 to repair. I hae also read about other sensor alerts on 2023 and 2024 for left side as well.
NHTSA complaint #11756418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dubuque, IA
ENGINE
Honda Part #80872-SN7-003 failed at 3years and 40,000 miles which Honda will not cover under warranty. This is a simple O-Ring for the AC line which has a life span of 10-15 years. Apparently this has been common on 2023-2025 Pilots and passports and thus should be a recall issue.
NHTSA complaint #11756008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
when driving our 2023 honda pilot we stopped at traffic light the car shut off would not restart our front doors would open and close our back doors would not operate back tale gate door would not operate we had no4 way blinkers no lights totally dead auto. we were in middle of four lanes bumper to bumper traffic with no way to warn other drivers of our car break down. after short time a helpful driver pulled up behind us and used his auto to block us from traffic and used his 4 way flashers to warn other cars to go around us . police and tow showed up in appx 20 min. car was taken to WILLIAMS HONDA OF TRAVERS CITY MI.49685 they repaired car next day informed us battery shorted out when auto shut off activated at stop light. we had no indications of any issues with our vehicle it is 3 yr old with 40138 mi on it battery was out warrenty. williams installed newAGM100M BATT. our main safety issue is lack of 4 way warning or signal to other drivers.WE WERE LUCKY NO ONE REAR ENDED US AND WE DID NOT NEED BACK DOORS TO OPERATE . THANK YOU [XXX] AND [XXX] FROM SAULT STE. MARIE MI [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
when driving our 2023 honda pilot we stopped at traffic light the car shut off would not restart our front doors would open and close our back doors would not operate back tale gate door would not operate we had no4 way blinkers no lights totally dead auto. we were in middle of four lanes bumper to bumper traffic with no way to warn other drivers of our car break down. after short time a helpful driver pulled up behind us and used his auto to block us from traffic and used his 4 way flashers to warn other cars to go around us . police and tow showed up in appx 20 min. car was taken to WILLIAMS HONDA OF TRAVERS CITY MI.49685 they repaired car next day informed us battery shorted out when auto shut off activated at stop light. we had no indications of any issues with our vehicle it is 3 yr old with 40138 mi on it battery was out warrenty. williams installed newAGM100M BATT. our main safety issue is lack of 4 way warning or signal to other drivers.WE WERE LUCKY NO ONE REAR ENDED US AND WE DID NOT NEED BACK DOORS TO OPERATE . THANK YOU [XXX] AND [XXX] FROM SAULT STE. MARIE MI [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
when driving our 2023 honda pilot we stopped at traffic light the car shut off would not restart our front doors would open and close our back doors would not operate back tale gate door would not operate we had no4 way blinkers no lights totally dead auto. we were in middle of four lanes bumper to bumper traffic with no way to warn other drivers of our car break down. after short time a helpful driver pulled up behind us and used his auto to block us from traffic and used his 4 way flashers to warn other cars to go around us . police and tow showed up in appx 20 min. car was taken to WILLIAMS HONDA OF TRAVERS CITY MI.49685 they repaired car next day informed us battery shorted out when auto shut off activated at stop light. we had no indications of any issues with our vehicle it is 3 yr old with 40138 mi on it battery was out warrenty. williams installed newAGM100M BATT. our main safety issue is lack of 4 way warning or signal to other drivers.WE WERE LUCKY NO ONE REAR ENDED US AND WE DID NOT NEED BACK DOORS TO OPERATE . THANK YOU [XXX] AND [XXX] FROM SAULT STE. MARIE MI [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SEAT BELTS
Honda has a known issue where their Pilot’s seatbelt sensor stops working. I was the second vehicle this week to bring my car in because the belt dings incessantly even though the seatbelt is secured. This can prevent the airbag from deploying while a passenger is in the seat. I’m being charged for the repair and feel that it should be covered as it’s a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11754915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My husband was driving our family of 6 to [XXX] from the [XXX] area. We were on the highway in [XXX] when we heard a loud pop and the sunroof had randomly exploded. There's a thin cloth like screen between the glass and the inside of the vehicle. Luckily that screen was not open, otherwise, we would've have been cut up by the glass shards coming down. We arrived at our destination in Florida and took pictures of the broken sunroof. I called our insurance to file a claim. I also called American Honda and made filed a case. I was told to take it to the dealership and see if our extended warrantee would cover it. MPP denied the claim. This is very dangerous to have a random sunroof explode out of nowhere. Someone needs to take responsibility for this before people get hurt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamms, IL
SEAT BELTS
The second row passenger side seat belt continues to give an alert that there is a rider but the belt is not buckled, even though the belt is buckled. The wire running alongside the belt latch can be jiggled to get the alert to stop. Then the alert restarts. Sometimes the alert continues to trigger several times over. Sometimes there will be no alert for several minutes. A local auto shop looked at the seatbelt and said there is a mechanism that is supposed to slide and catch when the belt is buckled. That mechanism is no longer catching. The problem started March 2026. There has not been a safety incident to date.
NHTSA complaint #11753692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MDFire
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MDFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MDFire
ENGINE
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
NHTSA complaint #11753195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, GA
SEATS
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a safety issue with my 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport. The driver’s seat has become loose, and upon inspection, I discovered that a bolt has come out of the seat frame assembly. This creates noticeable movement in the seat while driving and raises serious concerns about the structural integrity and safety of the seating system. What is particularly concerning is that this issue appears to be similar to a seat-related recall affecting other 2023 Honda Pilot models. Although my vehicle is experiencing what appears to be the same defect, I have been advised that my VIN is not included in the recall population. I contacted Honda Customer Relations seeking assistance; however, I was informed that I would be responsible for approximately $200 just for diagnostic inspection, despite the fact that the issue involves a potential safety defect that closely resembles a known problem affecting other vehicles of the same model year. I respectfully request that Honda: Review my vehicle's eligibility for recall-related coverage or goodwill assistance. Investigate whether this seat-frame failure is related to the same condition identified in other 2023 Honda Pilot vehicles. Waive the diagnostic fee and inspect the vehicle given the safety implications of a loose driver’s seat. Provide guidance on how Honda intends to address this issue if it is determined to be a manufacturing or design defect. I have been a Honda owner with confidence in the brand’s commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, and I hope Honda will take this matter seriously. A loose driver’s seat is not only inconvenient but also a significant safety concern that could affect vehicle control and occupant protection in the event of an accident. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
NHTSA complaint #11752641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving with the adaptive cruise control activated, the cruise control became inoperative after being used for a while. The message "Clean Radar Sensor" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after the vehicle was turned off and restarted, the adaptive cruise control returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front radar needed to be realigned and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front radar unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesPine Brook, NJ
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seats which were occupied had properly latched the seat belts; however, the seat belt alarm was activated. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
i was involved in a fairly significant accident at 55mph and another vehicle pulled out in front of us. Our Honda pilot had significant front and side damage on passenger side and not air bags deployed at all. This is and was alarming to us. So much so we did not feel safe in keeping the vehicle after the $26,000 repair. I did suffer minor injuries with my neck (surgery required and arm issues from hitting the door) Has this been noted in Honda Pilot models?
NHTSA complaint #11752363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melissa, TX
SEAT BELTS
The second-row passenger-side seat belt buckle intermittently fails to correctly detect a latched seat belt. While occupied and properly buckled, slight passenger movement causes the vehicle to generate false seat belt warning messages and chimes indicating the belt is unfastened. Inspection confirms the buckle remains physically latched. The repeated false warnings distract the driver and may reduce confidence in the vehicle's seat belt monitoring system. The condition has been recurrent and is limited to the second-row right-side seating position.
NHTSA complaint #11751994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Milford, NJ
SEAT BELTS
Passenger side 2nd row Seat belt indicates unbuckled when passenger is buckled in and seated. Started as an intermittent indication, now the warning lamp continuously indicates the passenger is unbuckled when seated with seat belt buckled. Dealer has confirmed the concern, aligns with OEM service bulletin, OEM has redesigned service parts but will not service under warranty due to mileage on vehicle (80K).
NHTSA complaint #11752123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester Hills, MI
POWER TRAIN
I had two time between the week of June 30 th to July 4 thank July 13 to July 16 th on the excessive heat days my car was making a lot of sound from driving side as well full vibrations on steering and floor I went to page Honda dealer ship they said short block problem and they they are raising request to Honda my mileage is 58800 2023 Honda pilot bought in May 2023 which is under power train warranty but did not receive any email or any paperwork from Honda dealer ship.
NHTSA complaint #11751450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sylacauga, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unintended acceleration / accelerator pedal stuck. Vehicle accelerated uncontrollably (>75 mph) on two-lane road despite heavy braking. Could not regain control for over 1 minute. This is the second incident (first in Nov 2025, reported to Serra Honda Sylacauga with no issues found per service department). Video evidence available.
NHTSA complaint #11751137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sylacauga, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unintended acceleration / accelerator pedal stuck. Vehicle accelerated uncontrollably (>75 mph) on two-lane road despite heavy braking. Could not regain control for over 1 minute. This is the second incident (first in Nov 2025, reported to Serra Honda Sylacauga with no issues found per service department). Video evidence available.
NHTSA complaint #11751137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
SEAT BELTS
The rear passenger-side (second-row, right-side outboard) seatbelt warning system is defective, repeatedly triggering false "unbuckled" alarms even when a passenger is securely buckled in. This is a known manufacturing defect involving the occupant detection sensor inside the seat cushion frame, which sends intermittent, incorrect signals to the vehicle's computer. The defect presents a severe safety hazard. The continuous, loud chiming distracts the driver and causes immediate "alarm fatigue." This forces the driver to ignore seatbelt warnings, creating a dangerous situation where a rear passenger (including a child) could actually become unbuckled without the driver realizing it, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for inspection, but technicians reported they could not replicate the intermittent failure at that specific moment. However, the system immediately failed again the very first time a passenger sat in that seat after leaving the dealership. The defective seat cushion frame and its internal components remain in the vehicle and are fully available for inspection. The failure began intermittently and has now become a persistent issue. There are no prior warning lights; rather, the seatbelt warning chime and dashboard graphics activate and continuously flash/alarm while driving, falsely indicating the occupant is unbuckled when they are actually safely secured. This issue matches the parameters of Honda Service Bulletin 23-018 and the active NHTSA safety investigation into this model.
NHTSA complaint #11750710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear passenger-side (second-row, right-side outboard) seatbelt warning system is defective, repeatedly triggering false "unbuckled" alarms even when a passenger is securely buckled in. This is a known manufacturing defect involving the occupant detection sensor inside the seat cushion frame, which sends intermittent, incorrect signals to the vehicle's computer. The defect presents a severe safety hazard. The continuous, loud chiming distracts the driver and causes immediate "alarm fatigue." This forces the driver to ignore seatbelt warnings, creating a dangerous situation where a rear passenger (including a child) could actually become unbuckled without the driver realizing it, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for inspection, but technicians reported they could not replicate the intermittent failure at that specific moment. However, the system immediately failed again the very first time a passenger sat in that seat after leaving the dealership. The defective seat cushion frame and its internal components remain in the vehicle and are fully available for inspection. The failure began intermittently and has now become a persistent issue. There are no prior warning lights; rather, the seatbelt warning chime and dashboard graphics activate and continuously flash/alarm while driving, falsely indicating the occupant is unbuckled when they are actually safely secured. This issue matches the parameters of Honda Service Bulletin 23-018 and the active NHTSA safety investigation into this model.
NHTSA complaint #11750710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
WHEELS
Summary of Safety Issue:A franchise dealership delivered an unroadworthy vehicle with a falsified safety inspection checklist, missing critical structural hardware on all four wheels.Description of Incident:On XXX I took delivery of a Certified Pre-Owned 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport from Scott Clark Honda. I drove the vehicle two hours away on the highway to my residence in [XXX]. Upon a detailed inspection at home, I discovered that the vehicle was missing four (4) lug nuts—specifically, one critical lug nut was completely missing from every single wheel hub assembly.A subsequent audit of my high-resolution delivery photos confirms the hardware was already missing while the vehicle sat in the dealership's delivery bay. The franchise service department falsified the mandatory Honda CPO safety checklist, which legally requires verifying that all wheel hardware is torque-tested and structurally present. Driving a heavy family utility vehicle on public highways with un-torqued and missing lug nuts created a life-threatening wheel-separation hazard. The dealership has since failed to execute an immediate or emergency resolution to render the chassis safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.