2025 Honda Pilot Owner Complaints

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 ID

11756592

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

I am writing to formally report a potential safety-related defect involving the front windshield of my 2025 Honda Pilot. The windshield has demonstrated what I believe to be an abnormal susceptibility to cracking and chipping under what appear to be normal driving conditions, including ordinary interstate highway travel. The damage has occurred from relatively minor road debris and/or without a significant impact that would reasonably explain the severity or rapid progression of the cracking. I contacted Honda regarding this issue and requested assistance with the windshield repair/replacement as well as further investigation into whether there may be a defect involving the windshield glass, its installation, mounting, or related vehicle components. Honda declined to provide assistance or initiate any further investigation. My concern is not simply that windshield glass can occasionally be damaged by road debris. Rather, I am concerned that the windshield may be unusually susceptible to cracking under conditions that should reasonably be expected during normal operation of the vehicle. A windshield is a critical safety component, and repeated or unusually easy cracking could potentially affect driver visibility and the structural integrity of the windshield. I am also aware of other reported complaints involving windshield cracking on 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The existence of similar reports raises additional concern that this may not be an isolated incident and that the issue may warrant further investigation. I respectfully request that Honda: 1. Review the circumstances surrounding this windshield failure; 2. Determine whether similar windshield complaints have been reported for the 2025 Honda Pilot; 3. Investigate whether there may be a defect involving the windshield glass. Because the windshield is an essential safety component, I believe this matter deserves more than a determination that the damage is simply ordinary road debris.

NHTSA ID

11756542

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Message Emissions System Problem – Avoid Heavy Acceleration and High Speed. See Dealer. Car has been dropped off at dealer on 7/12/26 and has still yet to be returned. Dealer stated they contacted Honda corporate and they need to take the engine apart and submitt photos

NHTSA ID

11756431

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

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 ID

11756236

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

What System Failed: The automatic emergency braking system (EBS) engaged without warning, causing my car to stop abruptly on a public road. How was Safety of Myself/Others at Risk: I was turning right at a 4-way stop intersection after coming to a complete stop. There were other vehicles parked/driving on the street but none of them were close enough and no one was going fast enough to be a danger/trigger the EBS. The EBS on my car engaged without warning, stopping my car completely and blocking the intersection. Luckily the vehicles behind me and approaching the intersection were going slow enough to avoid a collision. Has the Problem been Confirmed: The Honda dealer where I bought the car brand new refuses to inspect the system, claiming it's normal for emergency braking to occur due to reasons other than to avoid a collision (snow in the air/a bird flying past/etc.). Vehicle inspected: No. Warnings/Symptoms: None

NHTSA ID

11755547

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Safety Complaint – 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L Brake/Electric Parking Brake System Warning I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, which I purchased brand new from Paragon Honda in Queens, New York, approximately one year ago. The vehicle currently has only 47,089 miles and has never been involved in an accident. While driving, multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard, including a Brake System warning indicating a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system and that the parking brake was unavailable. This occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was in operation and created a serious safety concern. A brake-related warning and loss of parking brake availability on a nearly new vehicle is unacceptable and requires immediate investigation. I immediately brought the vehicle to Paragon Honda Service Center in Queens for diagnosis. The dealership informed me that I may be responsible for diagnostic fees and possible repair costs, despite the vehicle being approximately one year old and covered by the Honda factory warranty. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue represents a potential safety defect affecting 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. I believe Honda should address this problem promptly and ensure that affected customers are protected from safety risks and unexpected repair expenses. Vehicle Information: Make/Model: 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L Mileage: 47,089 miles Dealer: Paragon Honda, Queens, NY

NHTSA ID

11755405

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

On multiple occasions, under different driving conditions, the vehicle has experienced significant and rapid deceleration without any warning lights, diagnostic codes, or dashboard messages. The deceleration has occurred unexpectedly and creates a dangerous situation, particularly in traffic where a car or semi behind me is not anticipating the sudden decrease in speed. This requires me to fully depress the gas pedal which then creates a slingshot effect once acceleration takes hold. This situation was almost continuous on a recent long-distance drive and only stopped once I parked the car in my garage. The only “fix” for now is to drive in cruise control where speed will be maintained. Since then, I’ve only driven locally and it has happened almost daily but much more intermittent with local driving. It's happened at speeds from 12 mph-74 mph. This is NOT an adaptive cruise control issue and I drive with only my right foot.

NHTSA ID

11755170

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Right passenger seatbelt doesn’t show it’s full engaged and dings when passenger moves

NHTSA ID

11754604

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Collision Mitigation Braking System has activated numerous times while traveling on a straight road with no other vehicles around. The brakes activated hard where items shifted in the vehicle and the seatbelts locked. Occupants were thrust forward at the time of braking. Contact was make with the dealership and there are is not any fixes advised.

NHTSA ID

11753712

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Not long after we purchased the vehicle, there was a crackling noise that comes up at different speeds. I reported this to the dealership (I can't recall exactly when). A mechanic (I believe) took the car for a test drive. He acknowledged hearing the sound 0n/off but could not determine its origine. Each time I go there for oil change, I re-state the problem. I had also reported this to Honda Corporate office. There was a recall at that time, and it was serviced. I thought this would take away the noise, but it is still there. I am not sure what to do next. I will continue to raise the isse each time I go to the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11753611

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

My Seat Belt Reminder System Not Operating Properly. In fact, the second-row seat belt behind the passenger seat is malfunctioning. I learned that Honda put out a service bulletin (26-027) (https://dot.report/bulletins/MC-11028510-0001.pdf) in regards to the safety issue. I contact Honda and was told the issue was covered under a warranty claim. However, my vehicle has 39,000 miles and is no longer under warranty. I asked if the issue was a safety concern and was told not to drive the vehicle as it was 100% a safety issue. However, the repair would not be covered until Honda recalls the vehicle. I'm concerned that I can no longer safely drive my vehicle until Honda initiates a recall. The service bulletin was dated January 21, 2026. As such, Honda has had seven months to issue a safety recall. The Honda representative stated I would likely be eligible for "Goodwill Assistance" if I couldn't afford to fix the vehicle myself until I am eligible for reimbursements via a safety recall. Why is the NHTSA allowing Honda to funnel safety costs through warranty claims and delaying a recall?

NHTSA ID

11753490

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

On June 25, 2026 my 2025 Honda Pilot Elite (47,503 miles) upon ignition had every warning light in the system illuminate sequentially without any prior incident. I had never experienced any indication of malfunction, including warning lights or messages. The Emissions System Problem light remained illuminated on the dashboard and, after review of the Owner's Manual instructions to avoid heavy acceleration and high speed, I had the vehicle towed by AAA on a flatbed truck 75 miles to my home. The incident occurred during the evening and the next morning I drove the vehicle to Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk, the dealer who has performed every service on the vehicle, including recalls. Of note is that the service team at the Honda dealer, specifically Malainne Costa, has been exceptional in addressing this issue. American Honda was consulted to determine the best plan for resolution. I understand that American Honda is trying to work through necessary adjustments with the new 2025 model year. One month after the incident, my vehicle remains at the dealer. I learned that the two cylinder heads in the engine block on my vehicle need to be replaced and those parts are still on backorder. Another engine component system may require replacement due to calcium buildup on the intake valves. I was assured that my driving habits were not a factor in this incident. My concern is that this incident occurred at a time when I was in a safe location and was able to await the arrival of AAA without worry about my personal safety. I bought the brand new vehicle in November, 2024 and it is obvious that I drive a significant amount of miles per year. I worry about the safety risk of other drivers having a similar experience in a less than optimal location especially since there was no indication of a problem prior to this critical incident. I share this incident in the spirit of exploring whether this is a systemwide problem that may result in a safety recall by Honda.

NHTSA ID

11753320

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

The vehicle displayed a check engine light with a message stating an emissions issue. The car would accelerate on its own up to 10-15mph without any input to the throttle. Braking was extremely difficult and the car could not accelerate over 40 mph. My wife was driving and my 6 week old daughter was in the car.

NHTSA ID

11753104

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system failed to restart engine after automatic shutdown at high elevation (~10,000 ft), following a long sustained incline. Vehicle had been driven through extreme heat (100°F+) in foothills prior to the climb, then ascended into cooler mountain air (~70°F). Coolant temperature gauge read normal (under half) at time of incident. At a stop, AIS shut off the engine as designed. Engine did not start when I released the brake pedal. I have tried to turn off the car completely and start it again. Engine would not restart via the ENGINE START/STOP button afterward. Cranking was strong and fast, but engine did not catch/start. Vehicle was inoperable for approximately 5 minutes, after which it started normally with no further intervention (no jump start, no mechanical repair). After restart, Auto Start/Stop was manually disabled for the remainder of the trip. Vehicle then completed a 1-hour drive home with no further starting or performance issues, suggesting the AIS restart logic, not an unrelated mechanical or electrical fault, was the cause.

NHTSA ID

11752932

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Bought car late march 2026 from Toyota dealership . Collision Mitigation Braking System randomly engages. Forcefully slamming on brakes ( approx 1-2 seconds and then releasing) when NOTHING is in the road or around. No rhyme or reason , no consistency as to when it happens. Since Purchasing it has happed 9-10 times. **7/15/26 - visit Toyota for routine service, expresses my concerns. They said they couldn’t see anything bc their systems can’t diagnose Honda. **7/21/26 - Honda Dealership . says sensors are fine. (Spent less than 10 mins driving the vehicle). And recommends to turn the anti-collision feature off .. but it has to be turned off every time the vehicle restarts. 🚨For safety reasons - I don’t feel I should have to do this … the problem should be looked into and taken seriously. I can only imagine the catastrophe if I were in bumper to bumper traffic and it happens, causing a pile up.

NHTSA ID

11752248

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

At least 4 times since we bought this vehicle in 2025, it has suddenly braked very hard, and very suddenly at highway speeds. This has always happened when using the car's adaptive cruise control, and when I am passing a large vehicle (semi truck, pickup with large camper, etc). This has happened at relatively high highway speeds (85 mph) when vehicles are behind me in the passing lane. The problem has never been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer, although I have complained about it twice. The first time, they said they lowered the sensitivity of the crash detection. The second time they showed me how to manually turn off adaptive cruise control manually. There was no prior warning when this happened, no lights or messages. This has happened about 4 times since Fall of 2025. The date below is approximately the last time, and the last location that this happened.

NHTSA ID

11751990

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

I bought the car brand new in December 2024. About 3 months later I had to get the struts replaced and had multiple problems that Honda deems as “fine”. The AC cooling is terrible and worse that my 2009 Dodge and 2015 Accord. The steering wheel has a springy rattling noise, and the phone won’t connect to the car at random times. They replaced the struts after returning twice. One year later in March my SRS warning light came on and the dealership fixed it a total of 3 different times, each time not taking care of the problems. They also broke and scratched pieces of my car, failed to put my oil cap back on, and left my car in poor condition when returning it back to me. So far, the SRS system warning hasn’t came back on but still worried because I have kids and don’t want to get into a wreck and something fail.

NHTSA ID

11751510

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

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 ID

11751427

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

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 ID

11751387

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

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 ID

11750240

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

Mileage

4,000 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the adaptive cruise control erroneously deactivated, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. The contact stated that the failure once occurred while driving up a steep hill while being followed by a second vehicle. Additionally, the message to clean the camera lens was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the front camera was realigned, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120.

NHTSA ID

11749994

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

Mileage

120 mi

Front windshield was cracked on 1/21/26. It was replaced right after by a new Honda windshield and it was installed at a Honda dealership. On 7/6/2026, I found a chip in my windshield again. It feels that the windshield from Honda has a bad quality

NHTSA ID

11749907

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

2025 Honda Pilot suffered severe engine misfires while driving due to total intake valve carbon blockages at 31,000 miles. The dealer and Honda Tech Line admitted they do not know why it happened and cannot find the cause.

NHTSA ID

11749115

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

While driving roughly 15 MPH, my car displayed emergency messages, brake applied automatically by the vehicle and the power steering failed. In order for me to get out of the way of traffic in an intersection, I had to veer to the opposite side of the road passing oncoming traffic. The following lights were displayed "TSA, Hill start assist problem vehicle may roll upon brake release, Vehicle Stability Assist problem reduced traction and handling, brake system problem brake system reduced, electric power steering problem steering assist not available do not drive" Vehicle has had no issues and only has 6,460 miles on it. Car is currently waiting to be towed to the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11748454

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

When driving on the highway vehicle suddwnly brakes on its own when it detects cars on side lane not directly in front of me creating a noticeable slowdown being somewhat unsafe. The wiper blades dont come up they hit the hood of the car which i believe shouldnt be this way. The seatbelt sensors go off in back row even if no one unbuckles then the car starts making loud noise to let you know and a side unbuckled light comes on and also the x marking which seat but it continues making loud beeping noise that can cause distraction and even an accident i drove 45 minutes with it doing this to me on and off mostly on the only way to get it to stop is if someone doesnt sit on marked spot. So now i dont know if this will happen on all seats as for now its obly on the third row passenger right side seat. I have about 3 weeksnoticing this but it was less now its more so i made apptment to take im to get checked but the sound is very anboying and distracting

NHTSA ID

11748206

Incident

Jun 12, 2026