FaultScore

Honda Pilot seat problems

253 of the 13,073 complaints filed about the Honda Pilot are about the seats — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2004.

253

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

8

Crashes

19

Fires

Seats complaints by model year

2003 Pilot 40 15.8%

Median failure at 95,500 miles

2004 Pilot 87 34.4%

Median failure at 123,000 miles

2005 Pilot 22 8.7%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

2006 Pilot 13 5.1%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2007 Pilot 16 6.3%

Median failure at 105,000 miles

2008 Pilot 9 3.6%

Median failure at 103,500 miles

2009 Pilot 7 2.8%

Median failure at 17,500 miles

2011 Pilot 7 2.8%

Median failure at 4,000 miles

2012 Pilot 2 0.8%
2013 Pilot 7 2.8%

Median failure at 3,050 miles

2015 Pilot 2 0.8%
2016 Pilot 8 3.2%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

2017 Pilot 3 1.2%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

2018 Pilot 6 2.4%

Median failure at 15,920 miles

2019 Pilot 3 1.2%
2020 Pilot 3 1.2%
2021 Pilot 6 2.4%
2023 Pilot 9 3.6%

Median failure at 8,468 miles

2024 Pilot 1 0.4%
2025 Pilot 1 0.4%
2026 Pilot 1 0.4%

What owners said

2023 Honda Pilot 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.

2025 Honda Pilot Dexter, MI

SEATS

the seatbelt alarm on the passenger side middle row seat keeps beeping and flashing the seatbelt warning despite the passenger being bucked in. The dealer says the belt is covered under warrant but the buckle is not. The sensor in the buckle is supposedly the issue. Its a system... Am I supposed to tie my kid in with just the strap? The constant alarming while driving is a distraction. Failure to address is going to result in people not buckling into the seat.

NHTSA complaint #11757643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot 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.

2026 Honda Pilot Shasta Lake, CA

SEATS

The second and third row seats do not recognize when passengers are exiting the vehicle. All second and third row seats cause the seat belt warning to go off multiple times even when there are not passengers in the vehicle. Car in park does not mitigate this problem.

NHTSA complaint #11743383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Marlton, NJ

SEATS

The driver seat has come unsecured from the vehicle and has been loose and rocky like a rocking chair . Was at the dealer twice for repair

NHTSA complaint #11720573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Fort Lee, VA

SEATS

Seatbelt sensors for the passenger second row dinging off and on when seatbelt is buckled. Also the light coming on that says emergency brake unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11716600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Pilot Greensburg, PA Crash

SEATS

In my Honda 2020 Pilot, the driver's side headrest in the 3rd row will no longer stay upright. It simply stays flat and will not lock into place. As the headrest will not stay upright, the seat is unusable. If someone used that seat or if the headrest would fail while a person is sitting in that seat, it would cause an injury risk. It looks like their is evidence that Technical Information and Support may be aware of the issue as indicated in a document on the nhtsa website.

NHTSA complaint #11716260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Corona, CA

SEATS

3rd row seat headrest stays folded and won’t lock into place.

NHTSA complaint #11713811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Westminster, CA

SEATS

The seat belt alarm keeps going off as if the seat belt is not buckled even though it is buckled. The first issue was when I had the car less than a yr. The middle row right side had this problem and the dealer replaced the seatbelt. Now at 38k miles, the middle row middle seat started to have the same issue. Also, the middle row on the right side would occasionally alarm as well but not as constant (this was the same seatbelt that was replaced initially).

NHTSA complaint #11712946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Honda Pilot Wappingers Falls, NY

SEATS

In the last few months, two of the rear seats in my 2024 Honda Pilot (one in the second and one in the third) started giving false alerts that someone in unbuckled. At first, it would just occasionally ding, but now, if someone is sitting in those seats (and they ARE buckled in) the alert will go off basically the entire car ride and the dash will show that they are NOT buckled in...even though they are. Not only is this VERY frustrating, as it's left 2 seats in my car not useable, but it's also a massive hazard as a driver because I can't confirm is my passengers are properly buckled or not. I couldn't figure out why this would've randomly happened to me...and after some poking around on the internet I read that this seems to be a massive issue with these cars and that there is currently an investigation on this. I am begging you please take this seriously. It is a hazard and I, as a consumer of a pretty expensive vehicle, should not have to pay for such repairs that are obviously a manufacture defect and issue affecting so many.

NHTSA complaint #11708675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Hockley, TX

SEATS

Rear seat belt indicator and alarm go off continuously when the seat is occupied and when the passenger is buckled by the seat belt. While the passenger is buckled, anytime they shift it causes the indicator light to come on and the alarm to sound. This defeats the purpose of having the indicator.

NHTSA complaint #11708203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Pilot Salem, NH

SEATS

While operating I was on Highway driving my car the driver seat was set up according to my height, when I use the break to slow down for the heavy traffic during the rush hour wasn't that fast at all I believe my car was at 30 in mph around somehow my car seat dropped too low and I was afraid that I can barley seen in the front. Some how I manage to get home but not sure if there is blown fuses, faulty switches, or loose wiring connectors under the seat or electrical seat problems. This Vehicle is from year 2019 when we purchased. I haven't call the Honda for service yet, cause it's weekend now. I will call on following Monday 22. for Check up.

NHTSA complaint #11688643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot Phoenix, AZ

SEATS

There is already an active recall , OHB 24V-064, on this vehicle for a seat weight sensor circuit board. I have made numerous inquiries at two local Honda dealerships in Phoenix over the last 9 months about getting this fixed, but they never have the part(s) available. One dealership, Bell Honda, promised six months ago to call me when they got the parts; I have not heard back from them. I went to another dealership, Right Honda in Scottsdale, yesterday for some other maintenance. They just told me that the parts were not available and could not tell me when or if they would have them.

NHTSA complaint #11682069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot Woodbury, MN

SEATS

Safety Concern: 2023 Honda Pilot – Persistent False Seat Belt Warnings (2nd & 3rd Row Seats) Issue Description: Repeated false seat belt warnings originating from: Second-row middle seat Third-row passenger-side seat The system triggers loud, repetitive auditory alerts and dashboard warnings even when seats are unoccupied or belts are properly buckled. Attempted fixes (unbuckling/rebuckling, restarting the vehicle, power cycles) fail to resolve the issue. Alerts recur intermittently, causing significant distraction. Safety Risks: Driver Distraction: Constant false alarms increase crash risk by diverting attention from the road. Alert Fatigue: Occupants may ignore all seat belt warnings due to repeated false positives, compromising safety. Sensor/System Failure: Indicates potential defects in seat occupancy sensors, wiring harnesses, or body control module (BCM) software affecting multiple seating zones. Expanded Scope: Affects critical seating positions (2nd row middle is common for child seats; 3rd row is high-traffic). Issue emerged IMMEDIATELY post-warranty (typically 3 years/36k miles).

NHTSA complaint #11664179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Pilot at 8,468 miles Palatine, IL

SEATS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11656368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot O'fallon, IL

SEATS

I would like to present an issue with the third row seat headrest in my 2021 Honda Pilot. After stowing the third row seat to utilize the rear storage area the third row driver side head rest on the seat would not return to the upright position. After a few attempts to fold the seat/reset the position of the seat and still the headrest not folding up - took to dealership and upon their inspection determined the seat folding mechanism (which also folds the headrest) needed to be replaced. This was not covered by the factory warranty nor the extended warranty company which the dealership uses. As such, the mechanism needed to be replaced by the dealership (the third row in my vehicle is used everyday for occupants).

NHTSA complaint #11642151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot Aberdeen, SD

SEATS

Third row seat headrest on passenger side will not stay up, so actually does make the seat unusable. Numberous complaints have been posted on line as a manufacturing defect, and a service bulletin was issued. I do not think it has ever worked I purchased the car in March of 24 with only 27,000 miles still under Honda Warranty. Discovered the issue when trying to use the third row seat. Dealer said there are no parts to fix it. Another dealer said they can fix it $650.00. Should not be responsible for paying for this to be fixed. On line states there is a recall number Y7Y. Honda Customer Service can not find anything. I bought a Honda because it is a Honda.

NHTSA complaint #11639669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Pilot Joplin, MO

SEATS

In March of 2018, a recall came out for the electric motor and and mounting bracket on the driver side seat adjustment. We purchased this Pilot new in September of 2018. The seat motor has quit working, but we cannot find the recall anywhere. It seams to me like we should be able to get it recalled and get the motor and bracket replaced!!

NHTSA complaint #11635882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot Chula Vista, CA

SEATS

My car is showing no signs of having any problems. I do however use this car for my business and have not been able to use it because of this recall. It has been a little over a year since it got recalled and I call every week just to get rejected time and time again. This car has been out of service in my business since I am not allowed to use it when any recalls are pending.

NHTSA complaint #11634465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot Santa Rosa, CA

SEATS

1) Recall 2020-22 multi-model seat weight sensor safety recall. Called since February 2024 when it was posted. I called the dealership and was told that I will received a postcard by mail. I have been waiting for the postcard and called multiple dealerships multiple times. I have been told that they don't have the parts to fix the issue and be put on the waiting list until further notice. 2)The screen goes off or it goes blurry. 3)The Car charger goes out sometimes too.

NHTSA complaint #11628726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda Pilot problems