2026 HONDA PILOT Complaints

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 since I purchased the vehicle brand new in August 2026.

Steering wheel makes a clicking noise. the internal steering rack or the cable reel (clock spring) behind the wheel.

Steering wheel started making a clicking noise after a couple hundred miles. Dealer replaced clock spring and wrapped in felt tape. I could hear the felt tape a few days later when turning the wheel, and the clicking returned within a few hundred miles, returned to dealer again and they replaced clock spring again and wrapped in felt tape. The issue was only fixed for 1 day before I started hearing the felt tape when turning the wheel.

When turning steering there is a clicking noise almost like a spring clicking on a gear. It is sound like it is coming from under the middle part where the airbag sits. Not sure if it is the airbag mechanism that it is the attached to the steering or a faulty clock spring.

We believe there is a serious safety issue with our 2026 Honda Pilot with its delayed acceleration. There is a distinct delay between pushing the gas pedal and the engine engaging/moving the car forward (approximately 2 seconds). This has nothing to do with the Auto Idle Stop function. I've attached a vLinker MC+ device to our car's OBD port and used the Car Scanner mobile app ([XXX]) to measure the delay. I'm attaching visual proof of the delay between the gas pedal and the engine RPMs. The reason we believe this is a safety issue is that when trying to merge into traffic (think of crossing 2 lanes to turn left) the delay means you have no confidence you'll make it safely across without getting broadsided because the car won't accelerate when it is needed. This sounds eerily similar to NHTSA 25V-031. The engine hesitation will cause an accident at some point. This issue was reported to Honda customer care (case #XXX) but they declined to address the situation and pushed it back on the local Honda dealer. "All technical evaluations and potential escalations must originate with, and be requested by, an authorized Honda dealership based on their inspection findings." We already brought this up with our local Honda dealer in a service call on XXX. It was documented in our service record with them. They asked us to submit the issue to Honda Customer Care. Since all parties are pointing the finger at each other, we are raising this safety issue with NHTSA. This is a new vehicle purchased at the end of May, 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering wheel makes a clicking/spring noise when turning, especially at low speeds

The airbag light came on and a warning stating “ Supplemental restraint system problem” on my brand new car. I purchased the car on Friday and the warnings occurred Sunday. The car has 280 miles on it. From a Facebook group I can se that this appears to be a frequent issue.

I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. Transmission Jerking: The transmission jerks, lurches, and rocks the vehicle at low speeds, particularly when shifting into Drive, Reverse, and between 1st and 2nd gear. There is sometimes hesitation followed by an abrupt engagement. Unexpected movement during parking, reversing, or stop-and-go traffic could create a safety risk. A/C Not Cooling: The A/C is not properly cooling the cabin and has a condenser/refrigerant leak. In extreme temperatures, inadequate cabin cooling can also become a safety concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable passengers. It is unacceptable for a vehicle with only 300 miles to have these significant issues. Given the multiple owner reports and the apparent persistence of the steering problem across model years, I strongly believe NHTSA should investigate these complaints and determine whether Honda should be required to conduct a safety recall. Honda should not wait for accidents or injuries before taking action. If these are widespread defects, Honda should issue a recall and provide a permanent repair to affected owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these issues and take appropriate action to protect Honda Pilot owners and the public.

I purchased a brand new 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in March of 2026. Since then, I've taken my vehicle in service 3 times, with the first time being 1 week of purchase after noticing loud noises, rumbling, shaking and clunking as I drove over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The first service, the Honda technicians weren't able to identify the issue. The second and third times I've taken the vehicle in for service, it was determined that the stabilizer link components were prematurely worn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. As a result, both parts were replaced through the Honda warranty but unfortunately, I am still experiencing significant issues with the overall handling and reduced stability, and the vehicle's quality and driver experience has decreased and has been significantly impacted and has caused major safety concerns.

The contact owns a 2026 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and placing a child inside the safety seat, the rear passenger’s side seat belt was loose, and the locking mechanism failed to perform normally and became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.