2023 Honda Pilot Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2023 Pilot
5
Seat Belts complaints Check
Adjust every seat and buckle every seat belt; confirm no warning lights stay on. (32 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 32 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (28 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 28 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (20 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 20 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Check
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (18 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 18 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Check
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (17 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 17 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
12 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Steering Red flag
A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
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.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2023 Pilot–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2023 Pilot. The most serious involve Steering (23V735000) and Seats (24V859000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2023 Pilot?
The top complaint areas are Seat Belts (32 complaints) and Electrical System (28 complaints), out of 142 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2023 Pilot?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Seat Belts, which drew 32 complaints for this model-year.