What are the most common problems with the 2013 Honda Pilot?

Verify all six safety recalls have been completed, especially the passenger frontal airbag inflator and engine short block campaigns.

How many recalls does the 2013 Honda Pilot have?

The 2013 Honda Pilot currently has 6 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2013 Honda Pilot a good buy used?

Verdict: Proceed with caution. Verify all six safety recalls have been completed, especially the passenger frontal airbag inflator and engine short block campaigns. Despite zero consumer complaints, the significant recall count indicates potential underlying issues that warrant careful inspection. Expect average fuel economy with a combined rating of 20 MPG, contributing to moderate running costs. The SUV's 5-speed automatic transmission and 3.5L V6 engine provide adequate power for daily driving and hauling. Safety is a strong point with an overall 4-star NHTSA rating, including a perfect 5-star score for side crash protection. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2013 Honda Pilot?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2013 Honda Pilot.

2013 Honda Pilot Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 6, 2026Ryan Davis6 Critical Recalls

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

Verify all six safety recalls have been completed, especially the passenger frontal airbag inflator and engine short block campaigns.
Despite zero consumer complaints, the significant recall count indicates potential underlying issues that warrant careful inspection.
Expect average fuel economy with a combined rating of 20 MPG, contributing to moderate running costs.
The SUV's 5-speed automatic transmission and 3.5L V6 engine provide adequate power for daily driving and hauling.

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Overview

2013 Honda Pilot

The 2013 Honda Pilot presents a practical, family-oriented SUV with respectable safety ratings and decent fuel economy for its class. However, its average reliability verdict is heavily influenced by a notable number of critical safety recalls, including those for airbag inflators and engine components. While consumer complaints are absent, the sheer volume and nature of these recalls necessitate diligent verification of repairs and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. This Pilot prioritizes utility and passenger comfort over sporty dynamics, making it a functional choice for hauling people and cargo.

Critical Failure Risk

Due to propellant degradation, the airbag inflator may rupture or explode during deployment, posing a severe risk of injury. This is a critical safety recall affecting numerous Honda models.

Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $0.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Recall Campaigns6

Service Bulletins45

Campaign counts apply to this model year, not your VIN's repair status. Check your VIN with NHTSA.

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Families seeking a practical three-row SUV with good safety ratings.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers demanding sporty performance or engaging handling.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2013 Honda Pilot Reliability Analysis

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type: Regular
Transmission: Automatic 5-spd
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style: Crossover
EPA Combined MPG: 20

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Most Common Issues

1. Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Module

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Engine Short Block

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection

Est. shop cost: $80 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist

Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

6 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Is the 2013 Honda Pilot reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 Honda Pilot is 7.9/10. Reliability score is 7.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2013 Honda Pilot for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2013 Honda Pilot?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 Honda Pilot is 6.4/10. Overall score is 6.4/10 (Mixed). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.8/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 Honda Pilot?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Module (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall)).

What engine is in the 2013 Honda Pilot?

Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.

What transmission does the 2013 Honda Pilot use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Honda Pilot, transmission is Automatic 5-spd. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2013 Honda Pilot?

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 Honda Pilot?

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2013 Honda Pilot?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Honda Pilot, body style is crossover.

What drivetrain does the 2013 Honda Pilot use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Honda Pilot, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 5-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Honda Pilot?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2013 Honda Pilot?

This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.