Honda Pilot Steering Problems
Owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Honda Pilot across 24 model years. The 2025 model year has the most (41). The words owners use most often: “steering rack” (10% of reports).
- 334steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 40%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering rack: mentioned in 32 of 334 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 171 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 334 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 6 an injury.
Honda Pilot steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pilot | 12 | 52% | — |
| 2025 Pilot | 41 | 20% | 6,000 |
| 2024 Pilot | 20 | 17% | 41,500 |
| 2023 Pilot | 19 | 13% | 18,234 |
| 2022 Pilot | 7 | 4% | 58,900 |
| 2021 Pilot | 4 | 1% | 9,000 |
| 2020 Pilot | 7 | 1% | 33,000 |
| 2019 Pilot | 9 | 1% | 67,525 |
| 2018 Pilot | 4 | 1% | 167,320 |
| 2017 Pilot | 8 | 1% | 11,000 |
| 2016 Pilot | 18 | 1% | 21,000 |
| 2015 Pilot | 3 | 3% | 67,175 |
| 2014 Pilot | 4 | 3% | 10,000 |
| 2013 Pilot | 12 | 4% | 55,000 |
| 2012 Pilot | 11 | 6% | 25,563 |
| 2011 Pilot | 34 | 12% | 46,000 |
| 2010 Pilot | 6 | 5% | 50,928 |
| 2009 Pilot | 13 | 10% | 40,000 |
| 2008 Pilot | 8 | 6% | 14,000 |
| 2007 Pilot | 3 | 1% | 117,000 |
| 2006 Pilot | 6 | 2% | 100,000 |
| 2005 Pilot | 37 | 5% | 108,000 |
| 2004 Pilot | 16 | 3% | 120,228 |
| 2003 Pilot | 32 | 4% | 100,115 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:rack and pinion:rack
Model years: 2023, 2024
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
Risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
Steering:column
Model years: 2005
Problem: On certain minivans and sport utility vehicles, the steering column may be incorrectly assembled, which could result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: Loss of steering control can cause a vehicle crash without prior notice.
Fix: Owners were notified by telephone on january 25, 2005, and arrangements were made to have their vehicles towed to their dealers and have the repairs performed. The recall began on january 25, 2005.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
A recent drive on the expressway with my two young children turned into a nightmare when my vehicle's transmission failed without warning. Traveling at 65 mph, I was faced with a huge risk to our safety. Sadly, this was not the first time I've experienced problems with this vehicle. The steering…
My Pilot is making abnormal sounds (such as clicking, creaking, or popping) when turning left at low speed or while parking.
Steering wheel is stiff and constantly clicking when I turn the wheel. My dealership said there have been several complaints but no recall and they could not do anything to fix the issue at this time. I am concerned that it could be a safety issue if it is not addressed. This has been an issue…
My 2025 Honda Pilot Steering Rack was recently replaced for the second time due to failure/grinding of the bearing. First steering rack was replaced at 500 miles and second rack was replaced at 33,000 miles.
Rapid feedback from steering wheel when going over bumps. When low speed turning, power steering would not activate and all dashboard lights would shut off for a brief moment. Incident has been verified and repaired by replacing the power steering rack assembly
Frequently asked questions
Do all Honda Pilots have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 334 owner complaints about steering for the Honda Pilot. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Honda Pilot steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Honda Pilot?
The most frequent phrase is “steering rack”, in 32 of 334 complaints.
Other Honda Pilot problems
- Engine problems (2,339)
- Electrical System problems (2,051)
- Power Train problems (1,327)
- Air Bags problems (733)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (630)
- Service Brakes problems (533)
- Forward Collision Avoidance problems (511)
- Structure problems (417)
See all Honda Pilot problems.