When applying the brakes at low speed during an emergency stop, the brake pedal depressed and continued to depress further to a point where the location of the accelerator pedal was higher than the brake pedal. This position interferes with the proper application of the brake by allowing a close proximity to the higher accelerator pedal, thus the driver pushing both pedals at the same time and…
2013 Honda Pilot brakes problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 33 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Honda Pilot in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 Pilot's brake system carries significant risk: warped rotors are endemic (often before 30,000 miles), cold weather causes complete brake failure at startup, pedal travel and feel are problematic, and critical ABS components fail with expensive, hard-to-find replacements. Expect multiple trips to the dealer and repeated rotor work out of warranty.
The 2013 Honda Pilot's brake system shows a pattern of early and recurring failure across multiple components. Most prevalent is premature rotor warping: OEM rotors fail between 12,000 and 30,000 miles, causing severe steering-wheel vibration and shudder at highway speeds or during downhill braking. Owners report rotor resurfacing as a temporary fix lasting only 4,000 to 8,000 miles before warping returns. Even aftermarket replacements warp within 10,000 miles. Several owners note this defect did not occur on their older Pilots, suggesting a design or material flaw specific to the 2013 model.
Cold-weather brake engagement failure is reported in sub-zero conditions: the brake pedal becomes resistant and travels only one-third distance, requiring 3 feet to stop instead of 6 inches. The problem resolves gradually after several applications. Master cylinder replacement and brake-fluid service do not cure it.
Spongy, excessive-travel pedals are endemic. Multiple owners report the pedal sinking to the floor while stopped, with dealers claiming this is "normal" and caused by the brake booster—a part dealers say cannot be fixed. One owner reported the pedal sinking below the accelerator, creating accidental dual-pedal contact during hard braking.
VSA/ABS modules fail regularly, with parts backordered for months at $1,200–$2,400. One report documents catastrophic brake failure at a stop sign causing a crash with severe injuries. Caliper slide pins seizing and metallic brake noise round out the failures, with dealers unable or unwilling to resolve most issues.
Same Honda Pilot brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Warped/Defective Front Rotors with Excessive Vibration
Front rotors warp repeatedly, causing severe steering wheel vibration and shudder when braking, particularly at highway speeds or downhill. OEM rotors fail as early as 12,000 miles. Resurfacing provides temporary relief (4,000–8,000 miles) before warping recurs. Aftermarket rotors also warp within 10,000 miles. Owners report this as a design or material defect in the 2013 model; a 2011 Pilot owner noted no such issue.
When: Typically 12,000–30,000 miles; recurs every 4,000–10,000 miles thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration/shudder when braking; Vehicle shimmy at highway speeds (50+ mph) or downhill; Difficulty maintaining control during braking; Vibration recurs shortly after rotor resurfacing
Repairs/costs cited: Resurfacing front rotors (temporary fix lasting ~4,000 miles); full rotor replacement needed. Aftermarket rotors from retailers (Advance Auto Parts) also warp prematurely. Owners report repeated visits; dealer notes warping as a design issue and advises avoiding hard braking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealer acknowledges problem is 'common' on this vehicle; states 'heavy vehicle weight' is cause; some dealers refused or pressured owners for free repairs; no recall issued
Cold-Weather Brake Engagement Failure
In sub-zero temperatures (5°F or below), brakes fail to engage properly on initial start-up. Brake pedal has excessive resistance and travels only one-third of normal distance; braking effectiveness is severely reduced (requiring 3 feet vs. normal 6 inches to stop). Issue corrects itself after several minutes or multiple pedal applications. Occurs mainly when parked overnight in cold but has occurred on road after interior storage in extreme cold. Dealer inspection and fluid/pad replacement do not resolve it.
When: Extreme cold (≤5°F, especially sub-zero); within minutes of vehicle start-up
Symptoms owners cite: High brake pedal resistance; Pedal travels only ~1/3 of normal distance; Brakes barely engage; Issue resolves gradually after several pedal applications; Not typical ABS pulsation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced brake fluid and front/rear pads; issue persists. Owner notes problem is intermittent and difficult to duplicate in dealership.
Spongy Brake Pedal / Master Cylinder Failure
Brake pedal is soft, spongy, and travels excessively before engagement. Pedal depresses further than normal and continues to sink to the floor even while stopped and pressure is maintained. Master cylinder diagnosed and replaced; however, problem recurs within weeks. Some owners report brake pedal geometry issue where pedal sinks below accelerator pedal level during hard braking, creating unintended dual-pedal contact.
When: As early as 2,000–5,000 miles; recurs weeks after master cylinder replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Soft, spongy brake pedal feel; Excessive pedal travel before braking starts; Pedal sinks to floor while stopped; Longer stopping distances; Pedal position low relative to accelerator during hard braking
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement; brake booster inspected. One source stated brake booster issue is 'known complaint' but 'not adjustable nor fixable.' Dealer adjusted pedal height and free play in one case; issue recurred within 1 week.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer stated spongy pedal is 'normal' for this vehicle and driver must 'retrain brain' to pedal position; another said it is a 'known complaint' caused by brake booster and is not fixable
VSA/ABS Module Failure
VSA/ABS warning lights illuminate; independent mechanics and dealers diagnose VSA/ABS module failure. Anti-lock brake function disabled, creating safety risk. Parts are chronically backordered (months-long wait) and extremely expensive ($1,200–$2,400 for module alone). Online research indicates thin connector wires on circuit board are root cause; users report self-repairs after disassembly. Honda states this is a 'common problem across many Honda models and years.'
When: 74,000 miles reported; exact failure point unclear
Symptoms owners cite: VSA/ABS warning light illumination; Brake warning light on; Traction control warning light on; ABS function disabled
Codes mentioned: VSA/ABS module failure, Pressure sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: $1,200–$2,400 for VSA/ABS module; parts chronically backordered; some owners have self-repaired by disassembling module and replacing thin connector wires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts listed as 'unavailable'; manufacturer offered no assistance; dealer stated same
Brake Noise and Vibration (Front Brakes)
Loud metallic grinding or noise from front driver-side brakes accompanied by vehicle vibration when brake pedal is engaged. Persists after front brake pad and rotor replacement. Dealers unable to replicate or hear the noise during inspection, and claim no brake failure detected.
When: 3,000–10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metal noise from front driver's side when braking; Vehicle vibration during braking; Noise persists after brake service
Repairs/costs cited: Front brakes replaced; noise and vibration not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; dealer claimed inability to hear noise and stated no brake failure exists
Brake Pedal Geometry / Excessive Travel Issue
Brake pedal requires excessive downward travel before engagement begins, resulting in longer stopping distances. Issue present from new (as early as 600 miles) or within the first week of ownership. Dealers claim this is 'normal' for recent Honda Pilots and is caused by brake booster, which is neither adjustable nor fixable. Multiple forum posts confirm this as a recurring complaint across 2012–2015 Pilot generation.
When: Within first week of ownership; as early as 600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal requires excessive downward travel before braking starts; Longer stopping distance/time; Pedal feel described as 'soft' or requiring more pressure than expected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service unable to correct; stated as brake booster issue that is not fixable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state this is 'normal' for 2013 Pilot and not repairable; acknowledged as 'known complaint' for recent Honda Pilots
Brake Failure / ABS Disengagement
Brakes fail to engage properly or disengage unexpectedly during driving. One owner reported that vehicle would accelerate while braking (felt by driver as lack of brake engagement), traced to ABS malfunction not engaging brakes at expected time. Another report documents catastrophic brake failure at stop sign resulting in crash into pole and severe injury (bleeding in brain, broken ribs).
When: Intermittent; one catastrophic failure documented; another at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not engage properly when pressed; ABS does not function correctly; Vehicle continues forward despite brake application; Sensation of acceleration during braking (due to brake failure)
Codes mentioned: ABS malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially misdiagnosed as transmission issue; independent mechanic identified ABS failure
Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure
Caliper slide pins fail to release properly, causing uneven brake engagement and vibration. Owner experienced loud roaring noise and violent vibration at highway speed (65 mph) accompanied by burning smell. Dealer diagnosed caliper slide pin binding.
When: Approximately 4 weeks after master cylinder replacement; recurred within 1 week of dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Loud roaring noise while driving at highway speed; Violent vibration and shaking; Burning smell from brake area; Spongy pedal that sinks to floor
Repairs/costs cited: Caliper slide pins serviced; master cylinder adjusted; brake pedal height and free play adjusted; issue recurred within 1 week
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Premature wearing of the front brakes and rotors. Pulling, vibrating, difficulty stopping started early and increased over time. Purchased the car april 2013. Replacements done october 2014 at 24,800 miles. Honda would not reimburse us for the repairs
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Honda Pilot?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 12,000 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 25,545. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 50,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.