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Honda · Mid-Size SUV · 2023–2025

Honda Pilot 4

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Pilot 4 is available with one engine variant at 290 hp.

3.5L V6 DOHC VTC · Petrol· 285 PS
2023 2025
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Honda 3.5L V6 DOHC VTC (Petrol, 285 PS) has the J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖NHTSA 23V735: steering rack — loose ball bearing

NHTSA 23V735: loose ball bearing in Bosch-manufactured steering gear box assembly. Can cause loss of steering control or steering lock-up. 519 vehicles affected (2023-2024). Only 1% estimated defective. Dealer replaces electric power steering rack, free of charge.

Symptoms: Steering feels loose, sudden steering lock-up, loss of steering control
Ad steering rack recall Honda Pilot 23V735Bosch steering gear Pilot 2023
 Low
✖NHTSA 24V900: fuel filler pipe separation — fire risk

NHTSA 24V900: fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak. Fire risk. 205,760 Pilot and Passport vehicles affected. Manufacturing defect at Honda's Alabama plant. Dealer inspection and repair, free of charge.

Symptoms: Fuel smell, visible fuel leak near filler area
Ad fuel filler pipe recall Honda Pilot 24V900fuel leak recall Pilot 2023-2025
 Low
✖NHTSA 25V391: brake pedal pivot pin — 259,000 vehicles

NHTSA 25V391: brake pedal pivot pin not properly staked during assembly. Can cause brake pedal to shift out of position. 259,000 vehicles recalled (2023-2025 Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX). Honda estimates 1% actually defective. Dealer inspects and replaces pedal assembly if needed, free of charge.

Symptoms: Brake pedal feels loose or shifted, reduced braking ability
Ad brake pedal recall Honda Pilot 25V391brake pedal pivot pin Pilot 2023
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Pilot 4 (2023–2025) — 2 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Electronics. Considered reliable: J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC).

What to watch out for with the Honda Pilot? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Pilot 4 have? +
The Honda Pilot 4 has 2 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Pilot 4? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC). The most reliable engine is the J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC).
Which Honda Pilot 4 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Pilot 4. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Pilot 4 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Pilot 4 — rated: "Decent". {description} 285 hp V6 with 10-speed auto: Honda finally dropped VCM and the ZF 9-speed, both Pilot III headaches gone. ECU recall 25V-031 for hesitation under hard throttle — software fix, no hardware issue. 10-speed can shift rough 1st-to-2nd when cold, software updates help. Three recalls in first two years (steering rack, fuel filler, brake pedal) but all low-probability manufacturing defects. Fundamentally the best Pilot powertrain yet.
Is the Honda Pilot 4 worth buying used? +
The Honda Pilot 4 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Pilot 4? +
The Honda Pilot 4 is available with engine variants from 290 to 290 hp. Petrol: J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee