2023 Honda Pilot Problems: 4 Known Issues

How to Fix

Take the Pilot to a Honda dealer, who will replace the driver's seat cushion frame free of charge. Notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Since this recall spans two model years and a very small build population, the reliable way to know whether yours is affected is to enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — a Pilot built days apart from an affected one may not be included. Questions about scheduling or parts availability go to Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

How to Fix

Do not begin by replacing hardware. Check the VIN against NHTSA campaign 25V-031 first; if the truck is in scope, an authorized Honda dealer reprograms the FI-ECU with the corrected control program free of charge under the recall, regardless of mileage or warranty status. The reflash is a short shop visit — owners of the sibling Acura vehicles report 30 minutes to an hour — and requires a fully charged 12-volt battery and Honda's ECU reprogramming tooling; independent shops without that tooling cannot perform it. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning 17 March 2025. After the flash, clear the stored P061B and any secondary codes and drive the vehicle through the conditions that provoked it — several hard tip-ins and merge-throttle transients — to confirm the fault does not return. If P061B reappears on software that is already at the recall level, the diagnosis changes completely: now treat it as a genuine torque-model disagreement and check for an intake leak downstream of the mass airflow sensor, a contaminated or failing MAF, a dirty or drifting throttle body and accelerator pedal position sensor correlation, and any aftermarket tune or intake that would make measured airflow disagree with commanded torque.

How to Fix

Pull radio fuse to test if radio causing drain. Replace defective Omron AC clutch relay (39794-SDA-A03) with updated Mitsuba relay (39794-SDA-A05). Disconnect or replace Bluetooth/hands-free module if causing drain. Test parasitic draw with multimeter after 30+ minutes. Replace weak battery. Check three main ground connections for oxidation/corrosion.

Owner tips & cautions

• TipPull radio fuse to test if radio is causing drain - if drain stops, radio is the culprit
• TipTest parasitic draw with multimeter after vehicle sits 30+ minutes - normal is 12-30mA, over 80mA is excessive
• WarningAllow at least 30 minutes for vehicle to fully fall asleep before measuring parasitic draw

How to Fix

Inspect rear differential for leaks during oil changes. Tighten or replace leaking temperature/pressure sensors ($50-$100 parts). Replace axle seals if leaking ($150-$300 per side with labor). For case leaks, differential may need replacement ($800-$1,500). Change rear differential fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles using Honda DPSF fluid (2 quarts, $40-$60 + $80-$120 labor).

Owner tips & cautions

• TipCheck differential fluid level by removing fill plug - fluid should be at bottom of fill plug hole
• TipChange rear differential fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles to prevent judder and noise on turns
• TipInspect for leaks during every oil change - catching leaks early prevents expensive differential replacement