328 of the
13,244 complaints filed about the Honda Pilot
are about the steering —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2025.
After going over a railroad track, at 15mph, several warning sensors appeared. Including brakes, power steering and several more flashed quickly. Power steering failed and I could not turn my wheel. It told me to not drive and see a dealer. Luckily I was in traffic and it was moving slow. I was able to turn my car off and back on and all the senor systems cleared. I took my car to the dealer, which it is at now, and they cant find a problem outside of wheel sensor going off in history. I dont feel safe with this car.
NHTSA complaint #11763296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lost power on steering wheel while driving, unable to turn left/right. All of the warning lights related to braking, lane assist, hill descent, adaptive cruise control, trailer stability assist, hill start assist, low speed breaking, auto-high beam, parking sensor detector, etc.. "All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your dealer."
NHTSA complaint #11762900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A critical failure in the direct fuel injection system caused severe engine misfiring, sudden loss of drive power, and a cascade failure that disabled safety systems during vehicle operation. Diagnostic scan confirmed DTCs P0172 (fuel system rich) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). In response to the misfire, the vehicle's computer automatically disabled the Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and SH-AWD systems (diagnostic codes U0401-68, U0416-68). This is a known manufacturing defect involving internal injector wear and high-pressure fuel pump debris (detailed in Honda TSB 20-100). The sudden loss of engine responsiveness paired with the simultaneous disengagement of traction and steering assists while driving creates an immediate crash hazard. Because Honda currently limits this repair to a 10-year warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, vehicles with low mileage are experiencing sudden safety-assist shutdowns on the road without manufacturer remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11761766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11761563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the same thing happened. I parked the while the vehicle was running I turned the steering wheel really fast, recreated the steering wheel locking momentarily a few times. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it but there was no power. Turns out that my battery had gone bad. I had no indication of a low voltage or battery issue. I replaced the battery and issue was resolved. For me and a situationally unaware driver and this issue occurs where the steering wheel jerked and/or an emergency evasive action was needed, this could cause an accident due to the sudden loss of steering. There was no indication of battery issues. No dealer or independent shops were involved. I am a mechanic myself.
NHTSA complaint #11760548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We bought our 2025 Pilot in XXX. Within the first 500 miles, the steering wheel was locking up when trying to turn left or right. I was very concerned driving it that it could have locked up during driving and caused an accident. It was taken to Honda East in [XXX] where they agreed the steering rack was bad and replaced it. Currently it has 33,000 miles and is making a grinding/growling sound when turning. Took it back to Honda East (same location) on XXX, where they again stated that there is something wrong with the steering rack and it needs to be replaced. I am currently waiting on a new one to be delivered and they told me I would have to bring it back in for repair. I am concerned with the safety of our Pilot and think there needs to be some type of investigation of the Honda steering racks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. Transmission Jerking: The transmission jerks, lurches, and rocks the vehicle at low speeds, particularly when shifting into Drive, Reverse, and between 1st and 2nd gear. There is sometimes hesitation followed by an abrupt engagement. Unexpected movement during parking, reversing, or stop-and-go traffic could create a safety risk. A/C Not Cooling: The A/C is not properly cooling the cabin and has a condenser/refrigerant leak. In extreme temperatures, inadequate cabin cooling can also become a safety concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable passengers. It is unacceptable for a vehicle with only 300 miles to have these significant issues. Given the multiple owner reports and the apparent persistence of the steering problem across model years, I strongly believe NHTSA should investigate these complaints and determine whether Honda should be required to conduct a safety recall. Honda should not wait for accidents or injuries before taking action. If these are widespread defects, Honda should issue a recall and provide a permanent repair to affected owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these issues and take appropriate action to protect Honda Pilot owners and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11759960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
With about 59,800 miles, a rattling noise under the driver's side of the car began near the end of June, 2026 and gradually became louder, specially on bumpier streets. By the last week of July 2026, the steering started getting erratically stiffer becoming harder to control the direction of the vehicle. A neighborhood mechanic replaced the inner & outer tire rods but this didn't resolve the problem. I brought the vehicle to the dealership, "Honda of Harvey" and was informed that the steering mechanism was failing including the steering RACK and would cost $5,000 to repair. Internet searches revealed that many 2023 Honda Pilots and some 2022 Pilots had been recalled for this same problems. My vehicle wasn't but apparently should have.
NHTSA complaint #11758801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has suffered a life-threatening, complete loss of power steering while driving under identical, hazardous conditions on two separate occasions. There were no warning lights or inductors prior to either event. 1. The vehicle suffered a complete steering failure while driving over railroad tracks with a child inside the vehicle. A full replacement of the steering gearbox and power steering rack was performed under warranty (Defect Code: 03001 [Binding/Sticking], Symptom Code: 03217 [Not Operating]). This failure occurred only 20 days after receiving routine manufacturer maintenance from a Honda service department. 2. The exact same dangerous defect recurred, causing another complete loss of power steering while driving over railroad tracks with a child in the vehicle. The service department confirmed they successfully duplicated this power steering failure twice during active diagnostics.
NHTSA complaint #11758657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
during a routine trip thru the [XXX]/[XXX] section of [XXX] our 2025 Honda Pilot suddenly lost power steering capability, we could hardly control the vehicle and had to manage an exist to a side street. We received a message on the dash board of a lost of power steering assistance and to notify the dealer. We shut the car off, restarted and gained control of the vehicle less the lane departure feature. At this time we made an appointment with Fred Beans in Abington for service, we have lost confidence in the vehicles safety after this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The steering wheel became extremely difficult for my husband to turn. Power steering went out on my 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport. Numerous warnings were then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard screen, it was impossible to drive, and caused us to have to get towed. We had it towed to a Honda dealer for repair, where it was discovered that the steering wheel had more turns in one direction than the other, the shaft boot was misplaced, non-factory pins on the steering rack were noted, and the clock spring was stuck reading 508 degrees. Furthermore, the steering wheel rack gearbox had to be replaced following a steering angle sensor failure in my 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport. This is a serious safety issue and should have never have happened in such a new vehicle. This incident not only put my family's lives at risk, but also everyone else on the roadway. Why did my vehicle that I bought brand new and have only serviced at Honda have non-factory parts?
NHTSA complaint #11756592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on a somewhat bumpy road (due to construction works in that location), when suddenly several warning lights came on. Driver assist was disabled, power steering and electrical braking were disabled as well. I was driving at 10mph (this was at a roundabout) so was able to control the vehicle and safely navigate it to a place where I could park. I turned off the vehicle and waited a few moments. When I turned it back on the warning lights cleared and I had power steering wheel/brake control as normal. I brought the vehicle to a certified Honda service station first thing in the morning. The report states an error code C0051-96 has occurred. The wheel sensor was recalibrated and the vehicle was cleared to drive by a Honda certified technician.
NHTSA complaint #11756236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Started up vehicle, and (all the bashboard warning lights illuminated),tsa,check engine light,power steering, brake lights.....all of them. Doors won't lock, and the raido stays on, even when the vehicle is completely turned off. Vehicle purchased on:12/02/2024. 3 miles on the odometer. Currently 14,000 miles.. honda corporation attempting not honor the warranty. $8400 dollars, to fix,and to contact my insurance company, and claim rodent damage; I, wouldn't have to pay, the insurance company will cover the cost.
NHTSA complaint #11751387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2025 Honda Pilot at normal road speeds, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard, including steering system warnings. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and felt as though it had locked, creating a serious safety hazard. I had very limited ability to steer the vehicle and could have lost control, especially if this had occurred at higher speeds or in traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to a Honda dealership for inspection. I was informed there were issues involving the steering system, including the steering rack/rack and pinion, and an alignment was recommended. The estimated repair cost was approximately $5,900, and I was told the warranty would not cover the repair even though this appears to be an internal component failure. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. I believe this is a serious safety defect because a sudden loss of steering control while driving could easily result in a crash, serious injury, or death.
NHTSA complaint #11751427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure and associated the failure with air bag and an incorrect installation of the steering wheel. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.