28 of the
201 complaints about the 2023 Honda Pilot are about the
driver-assist systems — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
34,500 miles.
B
28
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Emergency Braking
1346.4%
Warnings
414.3%
Adaptive Cruise Control
310.7%
Blind Spot Detection
27.1%
Warning
27.1%
Forward Collision Avoidance
13.6%
Assist
13.6%
Rearview System Braking
13.6%
Software
13.6%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Honda Pilot year
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 50,000 milesCharlottesville, IN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was unexpectedly engaged causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in ongoing traffic with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front brake sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and multiple cases were opened. The contact expressed concern that the vehicle was hazardous to operate and that the failure could lead to a catastrophic crash. The contact also stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the contact and the contact’s child inside. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737129 — 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.
El carro tiene fallas con el sistema eléctrico de frenos y no arranca.
NHTSA complaint #11694899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving on U.S Highway 521 in South Carolina, the vehicle experienced SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED BRAKING AND VIOLENT SHAKING even though there were no cars or obstacles directly in front of me. The sensation was so strong it felt as if the car had been rear-ended, but there was no impact. The issue has happened MULTIPLE TIMES since I purchased the vehicle new in 2023. Each time, traffic was flowing normally, and no immediate hazard was present. The closest car in front of me was several car lenghts away, yet the PILOT suddenly braked on its own. The problem appears to be linked to the COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM or related driver-assist sensors, which seem to be misreading conditions and triggering false emergency braking. This defect creates a serious SAFETY HAZARD. The abrupt, forceful braking puts me and my family at risk of being rear-ended by following vehicles. It has also caused panic and near-miss incidents in traffic. I am filling this complaint to ensure it is formally documented and investigated as SAFETY DEFECT. This is a serious risk to DRIVER AND PASSENGERS and could lead to accidents. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether this defect affects other HONDA PILOT vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11689161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on U.S Highway 521 in South Carolina, the vehicle experienced SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED BRAKING AND VIOLENT SHAKING even though there were no cars or obstacles directly in front of me. The sensation was so strong it felt as if the car had been rear-ended, but there was no impact. The issue has happened MULTIPLE TIMES since I purchased the vehicle new in 2023. Each time, traffic was flowing normally, and no immediate hazard was present. The closest car in front of me was several car lenghts away, yet the PILOT suddenly braked on its own. The problem appears to be linked to the COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM or related driver-assist sensors, which seem to be misreading conditions and triggering false emergency braking. This defect creates a serious SAFETY HAZARD. The abrupt, forceful braking puts me and my family at risk of being rear-ended by following vehicles. It has also caused panic and near-miss incidents in traffic. I am filling this complaint to ensure it is formally documented and investigated as SAFETY DEFECT. This is a serious risk to DRIVER AND PASSENGERS and could lead to accidents. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether this defect affects other HONDA PILOT vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11689161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
7/25/2025 i was driving my wife’s pilot between 55 and 60 mph when the vehicle alerted me to several warnings and the braking system stuck at the top of the pedal not allowing the vehicle to slow in a construction zone. I was able to limp the vehicle home but the vehicle was extremely difficult to slow at red lights. The vehicle was towed from residence after sitting and the tow truck driver said the vehicle was not showing any warning signs. The dealership in paducah test drove the vehicle and did not see anything wrong with it. They subsequently checked and there was a diagnostic for brake booster failure. The vehicle has 41,000 miles on it. In addition it went to the dealership at 9,981 miles for electronic parking brake sticking and the ike dealership said there was nothing wrong. There are other reports of woners on youtube who have had this failure or similar with one member having to ditch the vehicle. I almost wrecked and hit a vehicle that slowed in front of me. The system thew error codes to include failure in electronic steering, transmission, hill descent, electronic braking, and others. I recorded the errors on the dash. This vehicle has also thrown airbag error with only a few thousand miles. The vehicle has side panels that have fallen off and and seals on the panoramic sunroof that have failed.
NHTSA complaint #11677041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nobleboro, ME
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Continued from previous submitted complaint: Driver window will not stop when trying to stop it forcibly with hand. I was told that the window will not stop until the window is almost closed at the top. Hope a 4 year old's arm isn't in it. Front passenger window will raise 1/4 of the way up, then fall back down and rock on it's cradle. I took a video of it happening but Charlie's Honda, Augusta, Maine did not want to see it. The Key Fob is a nightmare. It tells me it won’t lock because key is in vehicle. The key is in my pocket as I walk away. It also tells me that “No Key Detected” I’m sitting in the driver’s seat with the vehicle’s engine physically running. Rear Hatch will not open when physically pushing release button. Much more reported but Charlie's Honda has an excuse ready at all times. I bought this Pilot on 10/02/2023 and have nothing but problems with it up to date 6/20/2025. Previous owners kept it for 4 months then traded because they felt very unsafe in it. Which I didn't know this info until 6-15-2025
NHTSA complaint #11668155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chappaqua, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving the pilot warning alerts popped up that none of the collision detection, lane assist, cruise control, and seemingly all radar related systems were working. Additionally, the headlights turned off. We have brought this to the Honda dealer on now three occasions, and there doesn’t seem to be any understanding of why this is happening. On the evening of March 11 this issue happened again after the dealership having the car for a week to “fix “this problem and the lights turned off on an unlit road almost causing an accident. The car is again back at the dealer, who apparently is working with Honda again. I have seen this type of problem reported for other 2023 Honda vehicles, including the pilot, passport, and CRV on various Internet forums.
NHTSA complaint #11647933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Automatic Braking System (ABS) automatically applied brakes when I was 2 car lengths behind a vehicle that was turning and the sensor detected the vehicles brake lights. There was enough space between my vehicle and the one in front of me that was turning for me to stop if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11641765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
If there is rain, snow, fog, moisture or salt from the roads builds up or collects on the emblem of my pilot, I get a warning saying something to the effect of “ Some Driver Assist Systems cannot operate clean area shown”. This is quite dangerous when you live in the Midwest snowbelt. You can’t always pull over and clean it. The system will repeat the message even after acknowledging the issue, if it clears itself or improves, which is equally alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11638566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
If there is rain, snow, fog, moisture or salt from the roads builds up or collects on the emblem of my pilot, I get a warning saying something to the effect of “ Some Driver Assist Systems cannot operate clean area shown”. This is quite dangerous when you live in the Midwest snowbelt. You can’t always pull over and clean it. The system will repeat the message even after acknowledging the issue, if it clears itself or improves, which is equally alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11638566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, OH
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
If there is rain, snow, fog, moisture or salt from the roads builds up or collects on the emblem of my pilot, I get a warning saying something to the effect of “ Some Driver Assist Systems cannot operate clean area shown”. This is quite dangerous when you live in the Midwest snowbelt. You can’t always pull over and clean it. The system will repeat the message even after acknowledging the issue, if it clears itself or improves, which is equally alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11638566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have a 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. I have noticed a few times that the driver assist system doesn't work as intended during driving in snow or just rain. I will get an error message on my dash, "some driver assist systems cannot operate, clean area shown." Honda wants the driver to pull over and clean the snow off of the H in front of the SUV. This also happens when it's raining and no snow. The driver assist sensors must be located there. What happens if I should get in an accident when this malfunction goes off and I get hurt or even kill someone? I see this complaint all over the internet from us owners on different forums. The dealerships are doing nothing. I paid a lot of money for this SUV. I expect it to work at all times, especially the safety features..
NHTSA complaint #11631917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I have a 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. I have noticed a few times that the driver assist system doesn't work as intended during driving in snow or just rain. I will get an error message on my dash, "some driver assist systems cannot operate, clean area shown." Honda wants the driver to pull over and clean the snow off of the H in front of the SUV. This also happens when it's raining and no snow. The driver assist sensors must be located there. What happens if I should get in an accident when this malfunction goes off and I get hurt or even kill someone? I see this complaint all over the internet from us owners on different forums. The dealerships are doing nothing. I paid a lot of money for this SUV. I expect it to work at all times, especially the safety features..
NHTSA complaint #11631917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. I have noticed a few times that the driver assist system doesn't work as intended during driving in snow or just rain. I will get an error message on my dash, "some driver assist systems cannot operate, clean area shown." Honda wants the driver to pull over and clean the snow off of the H in front of the SUV. This also happens when it's raining and no snow. The driver assist sensors must be located there. What happens if I should get in an accident when this malfunction goes off and I get hurt or even kill someone? I see this complaint all over the internet from us owners on different forums. The dealerships are doing nothing. I paid a lot of money for this SUV. I expect it to work at all times, especially the safety features..
NHTSA complaint #11631917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catonsville, MD
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When I filled up on gas and I used 88 instead of regular 87 fuel so a day after I filled up with gas I turn on the vehicle all of the lights came on warning that the awd system didn’t work and the lane departure didn’t work and cruse control didn’t work. And when I went to the dealer they couldn’t figure it out until the pulled the gas out saying we put the wrong gas in the car
NHTSA complaint #11601453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle emergency braking kicks in for no reason, there were no other cars in sight and I was driving, in my lane when the vehicle flashed BRAKE and slammed on brakes for me. That is going to cause me to get into an accident when I am cruising and in my lane, no other vehicles around and it slams on brakes, very startling. Also, if it is raining to hard all safety features stop functioning and it says I have to Clean the emblem, the emblem is clean it is just raining to hard and the “safety” features can’t function
NHTSA complaint #11587876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving down both highways and interstates on several occasions my vehicle has slammed the brakes on prompting the warning of emergency braking. This when there are no vehicles directly in my lane or path. It often occurs when passing a tractor trailer on the interstate so much so that I hover my foot on the gas pedal to counteract this braking.
NHTSA complaint #11583713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Failure Brake System, Failure Anti-lock Brake System, Failure Hill Start Assist, Failure Adaptive Failure Cruise Control, Failure Lane Keep Assist, Failure Collision Mitigation, Failure Breaking System, Failure Road Departure Mitigation System, Failure Low Speed Braking, Failure Auto High Beam, Failure Parking Sensor and No AWD only FWD. I have picture of dashboard with each failure listing when changes. We live in NY we had big snowstorm and car failed on road. Dealer refuse to send loaners and also back order to end of March. Car is defective
NHTSA complaint #11566857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beacon, NY
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Failure Brake System, Failure Anti-lock Brake System, Failure Hill Start Assist, Failure Adaptive Failure Cruise Control, Failure Lane Keep Assist, Failure Collision Mitigation, Failure Breaking System, Failure Road Departure Mitigation System, Failure Low Speed Braking, Failure Auto High Beam, Failure Parking Sensor and No AWD only FWD. I have picture of dashboard with each failure listing when changes. We live in NY we had big snowstorm and car failed on road. Dealer refuse to send loaners and also back order to end of March. Car is defective
NHTSA complaint #11566857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beacon, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Failure Brake System, Failure Anti-lock Brake System, Failure Hill Start Assist, Failure Adaptive Failure Cruise Control, Failure Lane Keep Assist, Failure Collision Mitigation, Failure Breaking System, Failure Road Departure Mitigation System, Failure Low Speed Braking, Failure Auto High Beam, Failure Parking Sensor and No AWD only FWD. I have picture of dashboard with each failure listing when changes. We live in NY we had big snowstorm and car failed on road. Dealer refuse to send loaners and also back order to end of March. Car is defective
NHTSA complaint #11566857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
our family was driving on the interstate at 70mph, when the electronic system malfunctioned. The car said every system was failing and to see dealer immediately. The car immediately stopped accelerating, steering wheel shook, and car was difficult to control on the busy, holiday weekend interstate traffic. We had to be towed to Honda dealership, where they "fixed" the problem and we were good to go. 30 minutes later on the busy interstate, the same problem occurred again. Electrical, braking system, brakes started smelling hot. We had to drive on the interstate shoulder at 20 mph for 2 miles to an exit with our family of 5 and our dog. A second tow on Thanksgiving Eve. There were absolutely no warnings from the vehicle before the issue began. The car was bought with 320 miles on the odometer on November 20, and this occurred on November 22 with 570 miles on the odometer. From what we keep reading, we need 4 repairs for the same issue in order for the car to be considered "not operable" or "not safe." Are we supposed to drive on the interstate a few more times , get towed 2 more times, and just hope that we aren't hit and killed by a semi truck after our car suddenly stops accelerating? From looking online, there have been a large number of complaints with exact or similar issues. Does someone have to get killed for something more to happen?
NHTSA complaint #11556570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Pilot emergency braked on its own as I was driving 30mph on a rural road, throwing myself and my children forward in our seats as the vehicle came to a stop. It was a violent action. No other vehicles or people were around us and no reason for the braking should have occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11553929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When traveling on the road I live, the Pilot will slam its breaks on, I assume this is the automatic breaking system, but the issue is, there will be nothing on or near the road. No cars, pedestrians , nothing. Just my pilot. The speed limit is about 45MPH and it will slam the breaks on. It has become so problematic I avoid traveling that direction on my road. It has happened to my spouse while driving as well. And again, it’s not every time, but sometimes. It has happened about 10+ times. Makes me nervous that while driving it will do it, and I will be rear ended.
NHTSA complaint #11531019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1st incident: I was traveling on country road. I was approaching two bicyclists on the right. With no oncoming traffic, I began to move into the other lane to go around the bicyclists. The warnings appeared on my dash, and the steering wheel pulled the car back towards the bicyclists. 2nd incident: I was traveling on a country road, goin over a hill. The cameras must have lost sight of the lane markers, dash flashed the lane departure warning and the steering pulled the vehicle towards the oncoming lane. There was a motorcycle approaching & I steered the vehicle back to the appropriate lane position. 3rd incident: My husband was driving on a country road. A tractor and farm implement was approaching in the oncoming lane. My husband slowed down & moved to the right of his lane to give the tractor more room. The lane departure warning flashed & the steering pulled the vehicle back towards the tractor/implement. We returned to the dealership & had them shut this feature OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11527338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1st incident: I was traveling on country road. I was approaching two bicyclists on the right. With no oncoming traffic, I began to move into the other lane to go around the bicyclists. The warnings appeared on my dash, and the steering wheel pulled the car back towards the bicyclists. 2nd incident: I was traveling on a country road, goin over a hill. The cameras must have lost sight of the lane markers, dash flashed the lane departure warning and the steering pulled the vehicle towards the oncoming lane. There was a motorcycle approaching & I steered the vehicle back to the appropriate lane position. 3rd incident: My husband was driving on a country road. A tractor and farm implement was approaching in the oncoming lane. My husband slowed down & moved to the right of his lane to give the tractor more room. The lane departure warning flashed & the steering pulled the vehicle back towards the tractor/implement. We returned to the dealership & had them shut this feature OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11527338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.