2023 Honda Pilot

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints related to the 2023 Honda Pilot, organized by category and component. The 2023 Honda Pilot is a popular mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reputation for reliability. It generally receives positive reviews for its updated styling, improved technology, and enhanced off-road capabilities compared to previous generations. However, some owners have reported issues. The 2023 Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many appreciate the Pilot’s practicality and family-friendly features. Some common dislikes include the sometimes clunky infotainment system and occasionally unrefined engine noise.

Engine

3.5L V6

• VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, rough idling, vibrations, and decreased fuel economy due to the VCM system deactivating cylinders.
  • Solution: Disabling the VCM system via aftermarket devices (like VCM Tuner II) or, in some cases, replacing faulty VCM components. Some owners have reported success with specific motor oil to remedy this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (for disabling devices); $500+ for component replacement (if applicable).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitation, rough running, and the check engine light illuminating. May be caused by faulty ignition coils or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the faulty component, followed by replacement of the coil or injector.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per cylinder (depending on the component).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hard shifts, especially between lower gears, and hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission flush, or in some cases, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (software update); $200 - $400 (transmission flush); $800 - $1500+ (valve body replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine revs high without a corresponding increase in speed; difficulty shifting into certain gears.
  • Solution: In most cases, a transmission replacement is required to solve this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Lagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or exhibits significant lag when navigating menus or using features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset, updating the software, or, in some cases, replacing the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset/update); $500 - $1500+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The BSM system intermittently fails to detect vehicles in the blind spot, or falsely triggers warnings.
  • Solution: Inspecting and cleaning the BSM sensors, recalibrating the system, or replacing faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (cleaning/recalibration); $300 - $800+ (sensor replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power tailgate not opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Recalibration, sensor adjustment, or replacement of actuators or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Various rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear cargo area.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the noise and applying felt tape, tightening loose components, or replacing damaged clips/fasteners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the severity and source).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Honda Pilot generally presents with a mix of minor and potentially more significant issues. The most concerning appear to be related to the transmission, specifically harsh shifting, hesitation, and in rare cases, slipping, which can lead to costly repairs. Engine-related problems, like VCM issues causing excessive oil consumption, are also prevalent and can affect the vehicle’s long-term reliability. Electrical issues, while less critical, can be frustrating for owners. While many issues can be addressed with software updates or relatively minor repairs, potential transmission or major engine work could incur significant expenses. Buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history, pay close attention to transmission performance during a test drive, and be aware of potential VCM-related issues.