The current Pilot (2023 and newer) is roomy, powerful and, for most owners, pretty easy to live with. But its brake-related complaints at NHTSA fall into three buckets: a real manufacturing defect in the pedal, the collision braking system stepping in when nothing's there, and good old worn pads. Each one has a different fix.
The brake pedal recall (25V391)
Per Honda's filing and reporting from HotHardware, the supplier of the brake pedal assembly failed to stake (lock) the pedal's pivot pin on some units. Honda traced it to a period when the supplier was moving production to Mexico and added staff without enough training.
| Detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | 2023-2025 Honda Pilot (184,253), plus Acura MDX and TLX |
| Problem | Brake pedal pivot pin not secured, pedal can shift out of position |
| Signs | Pedal moves or feels abnormal, brake lights stay on, brake warning light may come on |
| Fix | Dealer inspects and replaces the brake pedal assembly as needed, free |
| Owner letters | Mailed July 29, 2025 |
Other recalls on the 2023+ Pilot
The Pilot has a few more open recall campaigns worth checking by VIN. Recall 23V735 covers 2023-2024 Pilots whose steering gearbox may contain a loose ball bearing, which can cause loss of steering control (the dealer replaces the steering rack). Recall 25V031 fixes engine software that can cause a stall on 2023-2025 Pilots, and 24V900 covers a fuel filler neck that can leak. A brake problem plus one of these at the same time is a lot to deal with, so get them all done in one visit.
Phantom braking and warning lights
Service brakes and forward collision avoidance are both near the top of NHTSA complaints for the 2023-2025 Pilot. Owners describe:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) stopping the car at 40 to 60 mph with nothing ahead. One 2024 owner said it happens on dark asphalt patches and crack sealant.
- Brake system and steering warnings together after bumps or railroad tracks, with steering assist reduced.
- "Brake hold" or electric parking brake errors, sometimes worse in rain or cold.
- A dealer replacing wiring harnesses under the dash to clear a brake system light on a 2023.
If you get phantom braking, write down the speed, road surface, weather and whether adaptive cruise was on. Keep the windshield in front of the camera clean, and ask the dealer about software updates. File an NHTSA complaint too. It all builds a paper trail while you're still under Honda's 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
What normal brake work costs
| Job | Where | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pedal recall 25V391 | Honda dealer | $0 |
| Brake pads, 2023-2025 Pilot | Independent shop | $235 to $292 (RepairPal) |
| Brake pads, one axle, 2023 Pilot | Honda dealer | $294 to $346 (KBB: parts $103-$121, labor $191-$225) |
| Brake pads, 2019-2022 Pilot | Independent shop | $329 to $386 (RepairPal) |
| Brake warning diagnosis | Honda dealer | Usually warranty if under 3 years/36,000 miles |
KBB says its range covers either the front or the rear, not both. A three-row SUV hauling a family tends to chew through front pads first.
Signs you need pads or rotors
- High-pitched squeal from the wear indicator
- Grinding, which means you're into the metal
- Steering wheel shake or pulsing pedal when stopping
- Pulling to one side under braking
- Longer stopping distances or a low pedal
What to ask the dealer or shop
- "Is recall 25V391 done on my VIN? What about 23V735 and 25V031?"
- "Front, rear or both? How much pad is left?"
- "Are there software updates for the collision braking system?"
- "What codes are stored for the brake warning light?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, every time. The pedal recall and the other campaigns cost you nothing, and a normal pad job is a few hundred dollars. If phantom braking keeps happening after updates, keep pushing the dealer and document everything while you're still covered.
More Pilot help is on the Honda Pilot repair page. Prices checked October 14, 2026.
