2013 Honda Pilot: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Practical three-row Pilot covered by the oil-consumption class-action and extended warranty; otherwise robust and long-lived. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Honda Pilot ranged from $29,520 to $39,670 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Practical three-row Pilot covered by the oil-consumption class-action and extended warranty; otherwise robust and long-lived.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/pilot.html
- blog.1aauto.comhttps://blog.1aauto.com/common-2nd-gen-honda-pilot-problems/
- hondaproblems.comhttps://www.hondaproblems.com/excessive-oil-consumption/
Known issues
-
Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
commonly reported · 35 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
commonly reported · 31 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.
occasional · 18 NHTSA complaints · suspension
-
Steering-wheel and brake-pedal vibration at highway speed, often traced to warped front rotors.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Durable and easy to service; many examples reach 200,000-plus miles with regular care.
- Simple, dependable 5-speed automatic with no turbo or CVT to worry about.
- Rugged, roomy three-row family hauler with a strong V6 and high towing capacity for the class.
Cons
- Boxy styling, thirsty around town and a dated infotainment setup.
- The VCM-equipped 3.5L V6 is prone to excessive oil consumption, fouled plugs and motor-mount damage.
- Takata airbag inflator recall affects these model years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $29,520 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX | $31,770 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX-L | $35,020 | $44,695 | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Touring | $39,670 | $51,295 | 3.5L V6 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-honda-pilot-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2009&make=Honda…
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,520). Higher trims started higher (up to $39,670), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (2)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/pilot/depreciation
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/pilot
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2013 Honda Pilot have?
Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel; Steering-wheel and brake-pedal vibration at highway speed, often traced to warped front rotors. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2013 Honda Pilot reliable?
Practical three-row Pilot covered by the oil-consumption class-action and extended warranty; otherwise robust and long-lived.
How much did the 2013 Honda Pilot cost new?
Between $29,520 and $39,670 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.