Are engine problems common on the 2013 Honda Pilot?

Yes. NHTSA lists 91 engine complaints for the 2013 Pilot, making up 34% of all 271 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Honda Pilot engine?

Yes. Recall 13V382000 covers engine piston heat-treatment defects and Honda replaces the engine short block free of charge.

At what mileage do engine problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 Pilot is 3,775 miles.

Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries linked to engine-related complaints on the 2013 Pilot.

2013 Honda Pilot Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 91 engine complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilot, 34% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 3,775 miles. A related recall (13V382000) covers engine piston heat-treatment defects.

Engine complaints: 91; 34% of 271
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 3,775 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report violent jerking or stalling at low speeds, in one case causing a crash into a barrier while entering a parking garage.
Some describe excessive oil consumption, with smoke from the engine compartment and eventual need for engine replacement.
Multiple owners describe a metal flapping or vibrating noise felt through the seat and center console between 40 and 60 mph.
Several report the check engine light illuminating along with stalling at highway speeds, sometimes requiring towing.
Some link premature piston wear directly to NHTSA Campaign 13V382000 after dealer diagnosis.
Owners also report shuddering and vibration at various speeds that worsens with a change in acceleration or deceleration.

When 2013 Honda Pilot engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 10, 2013, latest Aug 25, 2026.

91 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2014 Q1 (16).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Honda Pilot

NHTSA 13V382000Aug 27, 2013Engine270 vehicles
Engine
Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles and certain model year 2013 Odyssey vehicles. During manufacturing of the engine piston, it is possible that the heat treatment process was not properly applied, resulting in the piston having an insufficient hardness level, making it more susceptible to premature wear.
Risk: A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JB4 (Honda Odyssey) and JB5 (Honda Pilot).

Engine complaints by Pilot model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201030 (27%)
201152 (18%)
201256 (33%)
201391 (34%)
201434 (29%)
201525 (23%)
2016838 (49%)
2017501 (54%)
2018183 (42%)
2019266 (29%)
2020119 (24%)
2021114 (26%)
202236 (23%)
202317 (12%)
202415 (13%)
202544 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2013 Honda Pilot?: Yes. NHTSA lists 91 engine complaints for the 2013 Pilot, making up 34% of all 271 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Honda Pilot engine?: Yes. Recall 13V382000 covers engine piston heat-treatment defects and Honda replaces the engine short block free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 Pilot is 3,775 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries linked to engine-related complaints on the 2013 Pilot.