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Honda · Mid-Size SUV · 2023–2025 Custom Search

Honda Pilot 4 — Problems & Common Faults

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

The 4th-gen Pilot (2023–2025) is the current rugged-styled model with the J35Y8 V6 and a 10-speed automatic. Used buyers chase near-new depreciation ($33k–43k) — but the launch was recall-heavy.

Test-drive checklist: Recall completion is the number-one check — confirm all four are closed by VIN: the steering-rack loose ball bearing (23V735), the fuel-filler-pipe separation/fire (24V900), the brake-pedal pivot pin (25V391) and the FI-ECU stall software (25V031, ~295k vehicles). In stop-and-go, feel for the 10-speed's clunky low-gear shifts and downshift hesitation.

2026 market: 2023 cars run roughly $33,000–43,000 (CARFAX average around $39,000).

Insider pick: a 2023 EX-L with all four recalls confirmed closed, or a late-build 2024/2025 with the fixes already applied at the factory. The TrailSport adds capability but doesn't dodge the recalls.

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Pilot 4 is available with one engine variant at 285 hp.

3.5L V6 DOHC VTC · Petrol· 285 PS
2023 2025

3.5L V6 DOHC with Variable Timing Control — the 4th generation Pilot engine. 285 hp, paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic. No more VCM oil consumption issues from the older J35 variants. ECU software recall 25V-031 for engine hesitation/stall under sudden acceleration (674 warranty claims, software fix). 10-speed shifts can feel rough in 1st-to-2nd at low speeds — software updates improve it. Still young, but fundamentally a mature J-series V6 without the VCM headaches.

  • !! NHTSA 25V-031: ECU software — engine stall under acceleration

    NHTSA 25V-031: improper FI-ECU programming causes engine hesitation or stall under sudden acceleration. 294,000 vehicles affected (2023-2025 Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX). 674 warranty claims, no crashes. Software update fix at dealer.

    Symptoms: Engine hesitation under hard acceleration, malfunction indicator light, stalling
    0–0 $
    Ad FI-ECU software recall Honda Pilot 25V-031engine stall recall Pilot 2023
  • !! Auto idle stop: engine fails to restart at the light from 48,000 km

    After the automatic engine stop the V6 does not restart – the vehicle sits dead at traffic lights or at high elevation for minutes, sometimes shifting itself to Park. NHTSA lists 4–5 cases each for MY 2024 and 2025 between 5,000 and 68,000 miles.

    Symptoms: Engine stays off after releasing the brake, warning lights, restart only via Park and the start button after several minutes.
    0–0 $
    Ad starter Pilot 2023-2025battery Pilot 2023 idle stop
  • !! Catastrophic engine failure under 70,000 miles (rod, cylinder walls) from 64,000 km

    NHTSA complaints for MY 2023–2025 describe short block replacement at 36,000–40,600 miles for knocking and scored cylinder walls, a connecting rod/crankshaft failure at 67,995 miles and cases with both cylinder heads on back-order. Cause unresolved.

    Symptoms: Heavy knocking, sudden loss of power, misfire, all warning lights in sequence, engine seizes.
    0–0 $
    Ad short block J35Y8connecting rod bearing J35Y8

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle 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 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Pilot 4 (2023–2025) — 5 engine-related and 6 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 5 known engine weaknesses and 6 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 5 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 285 to 285 hp. Petrol: J35Y8 (3.5L V6 DOHC VTC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee