NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Honda Pilot Safety Ratings
The 2023 Honda Pilot scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 112 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Honda Pilot presents a competitive safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, which places it in the Strong band. This assessment is made with the caveat of five recalls issued for the model year. These recalls, affecting various vehicle systems, are the primary factor preventing a higher overall safety index. For consumers who ensure all applicable recall remedies have been performed, the Pilot's safety standing is robust.
The 2023 Honda Pilot received a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Honda Pilot ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 112 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Honda Pilot?
The 2023 Honda Pilot represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring relative to its immediate predecessor, moving from an 82/100 Strong rating on the 2022 model to 85/100 on this generation, a 3-point gain that reflects a full 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology and a crash-protection score of 61/70. The 5-star overall NHTSA rating anchors that improvement, with side crash performance at the maximum. The weaker element in this year's profile is the defect record component, which contributes only 13.5 out of a possible 20 points, pulled down by five active recall campaigns spanning brakes, fuel delivery, seating fasteners, and steering. The steering rack campaign, which cites a manufacturing error in the gear box assembly, is particularly notable because it is specific to the 2023 and 2024 Pilot and points to a build-quality issue introduced with this generation. The 112 owner complaint reports, including allegations touching seat belts and forward collision avoidance systems that are otherwise rated Standard-equipped, suggest that the advanced safety hardware on this year's model has generated its own set of reported concerns. The Index of 85/100 is an honest summary: strong crash protection, full marks for technology, but a defect record that used-market shoppers must treat as unfinished business.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Honda Pilot perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Honda Pilot earns an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, driven by its performance in side impact testing, where it achieved the maximum 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 stars. The rollover risk for the Pilot is 14 percent, with a "No Tip" result reported in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18934
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Honda Pilot have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2023 Pilot. Components affected include hydraulic brake pedals and linkages, the gasoline fuel injection system, the fuel filler pipe and cap, critical seat fasteners, and a steering rack and pinion gear box with a manufacturing error. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has logged 112 unverified owner allegations for the 2023 Pilot. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System (24 reports), Seat Belts (20), Forward Collision Avoidance (17), Steering (16), and Service Brakes (15). Two alleged crashes and two alleged injuries appear in the dataset. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
112 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Honda Pilot?
Five recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 Pilot, a significant volume for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used example of this vehicle should verify that all recall remedies have been completed by checking the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool. This confirmation is the owner's responsibility, not the seller's.
- The 2023 Pilot's Safety Index of 85/100 is 3 points above the 2022 model's 82/100, driven by a perfect 10/10 avoidance-technology score reflecting Standard-equipped forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this generation.
- A steering rack and pinion recall specific to 2023 and 2024 Pilot vehicles cites a manufacturing error in the gear box assembly, making it a year-specific defect that prospective buyers should confirm has been remedied by VIN.
- Owner complaint filings include 20 unverified allegations involving seat belts and 17 involving the Forward Collision Avoidance system, two safety-critical categories that align with separate active recall campaigns on this model year.
- The rollover risk measurement for this model year stands at 14 percent with a No Tip result in NHTSA's dynamic test, and the 4-star rollover rating is the same as the 4-star frontal rating, meaning neither polar score on this vehicle reaches the 5-star ceiling achieved in side protection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Honda Pilot places
The 2023 Honda Pilot qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Honda Pilot safety questions
Was the 2023 Honda Pilot crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Honda Pilot, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Honda Pilot crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Honda Pilot earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Honda Pilot. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Honda Pilot?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 112 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Honda Pilot. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pilot years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18934), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Pilot 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 76 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.