MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Honda Pilot

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Honda Pilot

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
112Complaints
2Investigations
ABOUT THE HONDA PILOT

The Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV that has been a cornerstone of the family hauler segment for over two decades. Targeting households that need genuine eight-passenger capacity without stepping into truck-based territory, the Pilot competes in one of the most hotly contested spaces in the American market. It blends everyday practicality with Honda's reputation for refined engineering, making it a perennial consideration for buyers prioritizing space and safety.

VERDICT

The 2023 Honda Pilot earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Honda Pilot as one of the more polished and well-rounded three-row family SUVs in its class, praising its composed ride, practical interior packaging, and user-friendly technology. Most consider it a strong default choice for families, though some note that the competitive segment means buyers have several compelling alternatives worth cross-shopping.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18934

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record13.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES25V391000

Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.

Reported 2025-06-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V031000

Risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.

Reported 2025-01-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP24V900000

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.

Reported 2024-11-27

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V859000

Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Reported 2024-11-14

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK23V735000

Risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.

Reported 2023-11-02

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

112 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 24Seat Belts 20Forward Collision Avoidance 17Unknown Or Other 16Steering 16Service Brakes 15

Other Pilot years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18934), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Honda Pilot 2023. Class rank 75 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure