Recall 23V735 affects 519 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles for a loose steering gearbox bearing. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 519 2023-2024 Pilot SUVs under recall 23V735 because a manufacturing error left the gear box assembly with a loose ball bearing. The bearing can cause loss of steering control or steering lock-up, which can increase crash risk, and Honda dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear box assembly on the 2023-2024 Honda Pilot is part of the rack-and-pinion steering system. It turns steering-wheel movement into left-or-right movement at the front wheels, so the SUV responds when the driver turns. The gear box has to stay clean inside because small metal parts can interfere with that motion.
On affected Pilots, a manufacturing rework process allowed an already installed ball bearing to remain loose inside the steering gear box. After the gear box was reassembled, that bearing was no longer where it belonged. If it moves into the wrong spot, it can block the rack or bind the mechanism, leading to loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
There is no warning sign before failure. That means the steering can feel normal until the loose bearing shifts, so the problem is not something an owner can reliably catch during routine driving.
Who's affected?
The same steering system component is listed for both Pilot model years in this recall.
| 2023 Honda Pilot | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2024 Honda Pilot | steering system |
| Units affected | 519 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023-2024 Honda Pilot is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of steering control or steering lock-up increases the risk of a crash. If the steering feels abnormal, pull over where safe and call a Honda dealer before driving farther. Schedule the rack replacement soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Honda Pilot is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free electric power steering rack replacement that fixes the loose-bearing steering control risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V735 when you call.
- Avoid driving the Pilot if the steering locks or control is reduced. Ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the electric power steering rack. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket to complete this repair, Honda's recall reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring proof of payment and the repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Honda customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 2, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| November 3, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 18, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 18, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 18, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V735?
Recall 23V735 covers 519 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles with a manufacturing error in the gear box assembly involving a loose ball bearing. The defect can cause loss of steering control or steering lock-up, increasing crash risk. Honda dealers will replace the electric power steering rack for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Honda Pilot is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pilot is included in recall 23V735. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the electric power steering rack replacement. Reference recall number 23V735 or Honda recall code FFX when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Honda's remedy says dealers will replace the electric power steering rack free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Honda dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V735?
The safety risk is loss of steering control or steering lock-up. If the loose ball bearing affects the gear box assembly, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free steering rack replacement with a Honda dealer.
What if I bought my Honda Pilot used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Honda's mailed notice from December 18, 2023, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Pilot is included, then call a Honda dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V735000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-888-234-2138 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V735 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V735000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →