2013 Honda Pilot: Timing Belt or Chain?

The 2013 Honda Pilot uses a timing belt, not a timing chain. All U.S.-market 2013 Pilot trims (LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring) are equipped with Honda’s 3.5-liter J35 V6, which employs a belt-driven, single overhead camshaft setup. Because this engine is an interference design, staying on top of timing belt replacement is critical to avoid severe internal engine damage.

What the 2013 Pilot Uses and Why It Matters

Under the hood, the 2013 Pilot features the J35-series 3.5L V6 (J35Z4), paired with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). This engine family uses a rubber-reinforced timing belt to synchronize the crankshaft and camshafts. Unlike a metal chain, the belt requires periodic replacement due to material wear. Importantly, the J35 is an interference engine, meaning a failed belt can allow the pistons and valves to collide, often resulting in costly repairs.

Recommended Replacement Intervals

Honda’s maintenance schedule sets intervals based on usage conditions. The following list outlines the typical replacement guidance for a 2013 Pilot’s timing belt:

• Normal service: Replace at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe service (frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy towing, dusty conditions): Replace as early as 60,000 miles; inspect regularly if approaching time/mileage limits.
• If age exceeds mileage (e.g., low-mileage vehicles): Prioritize time interval—rubber degrades with age.

These intervals balance wear from mileage and time. If you’re unsure which category your driving fits, err on the side of earlier inspection and replacement to minimize risk.

What to Replace During a Timing Belt Service

Because several components age at similar rates, technicians typically bundle parts during timing belt service to ensure reliability and save on labor. Here’s what’s commonly included:

• Timing belt (primary component)
• Water pump (driven by the timing belt)
• Tensioner and idler pulleys
• Camshaft and crankshaft seals (as needed)
• Fresh coolant (after water pump replacement)

Replacing these items together helps prevent premature failures that would otherwise require redoing the same labor-intensive work.

Costs and Warning Signs

Costs vary by region and shop, but owners can expect a range that reflects parts quality and labor time. Look for these indicators that service may be due sooner rather than later:

• Service history unknown or past the 7-year/105,000-mile mark
• Squeaking/whirring noises from the front of the engine
• Coolant seepage near the timing cover (possible water pump leak)
• Visible cracking or glazing on the belt (if inspected)

Addressing early symptoms can prevent a belt failure that might cause catastrophic engine damage and far higher repair bills.

Model Coverage and Consistency

For clarity, the 2009–2015 Honda Pilot in North America consistently uses a timing belt with the 3.5L J35 V6. There was no factory timing-chain variant for the 2013 model year Pilot in this market.

Practical Ownership Tips

Use OEM-quality parts or reputable aftermarket kits, stick to the maintenance minder and time/mileage intervals, and keep records of the timing belt service. If buying used, request proof of belt replacement; if none is available and the vehicle is at or beyond the interval, plan to replace it proactively.

Summary

The 2013 Honda Pilot has a timing belt. It’s an interference engine, so timely replacement—typically at 105,000 miles or 7 years under normal use, and earlier under severe conditions—is essential. When servicing, replace the belt, water pump, tensioner/idlers, and related seals to ensure long-term reliability and avoid costly engine damage.

When should you change the timing belt on a 2013 Honda Pilot?

For a 2013 Honda Pilot, the timing belt replacement is recommended every 7 years or 105,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this interval can be as low as 60,000 miles or 4 years for vehicles operating in extreme driving conditions. It’s best to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact recommended schedule.
 
Why timing belt replacement is crucial

• Prevent engine damage: . Opens in new tabA broken timing belt can lead to significant engine damage, as it synchronizes the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft. 
• Cost-effective maintenance: . Opens in new tabReplacing the belt preventively is far less expensive than repairing the extensive damage caused by a belt failure, which can involve replacing valves, pistons, and other internal engine parts. 

When to consider replacement

• Before 105,000 miles or 7 years: . Opens in new tabThe 105,000-mile/7-year interval is a general guideline; proactively replacing the belt before this point can be a good idea, especially if you are unsure of the belt’s service history. 
• Check the owner’s manual: . Opens in new tabThe most accurate information for your specific vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual. 

What to replace along with the timing belt
It is a smart practice to replace the water pump and timing belt tensioner at the same time as the timing belt. This is because: 

• Similar labor: You are already paying for the labor to access these components, making it a more cost-effective choice to replace them now. 
• Preventative maintenance: The water pump and tensioner are prone to failure due to age, and replacing them preemptively can avoid costly, future repairs. 

Which Honda pilots have timing chains?

All Honda Pilot models, from the first generation in 2003 to the latest models, utilize a timing belt rather than a timing chain. While some Honda models, particularly those with four-cylinder engines, have transitioned to timing chains, the Pilot’s V6 engine has consistently used a timing belt. 
Here’s why the timing belt is used in the Honda Pilot:

• Engine Design: The V6 engine in the Pilot is designed to work with a timing belt. 
• Durability and Reliability: Honda has opted for timing belts for the Pilot’s V6 engine, indicating a design choice prioritizing durability and reliability. 
• Maintenance: Timing belts in the Pilot require periodic replacement, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, or as recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Cost: While timing belt replacement is a maintenance item, the cost is generally less than the potential damage from a timing chain failure, especially in an interference engine (where valve damage can occur upon failure). 

Therefore, if you are looking for a Honda Pilot with a timing chain, you will not find one, as they all have timing belts.

Does the 2013 Honda Pilot have a timing belt or chain?

The 2013 Honda Pilot uses a timing belt, not a timing chain. All models and trims of the 2013 Pilot are equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine (J35Y1/Y2/Y6) which uses a timing belt. This belt requires periodic replacement, typically around 90,000 to 100,000 miles, as it is a wear item made of a rubber compound.
 
Key Points:

• Timing Belt: The 2013 Honda Pilot has a timing belt to synchronize the crankshaft and camshafts. 
• Maintenance: Timing belts are made of rubber and are not as durable as chains; they need to be replaced at regular intervals. 
• Replacement: The recommended replacement interval is typically around 90,000 to 100,000 miles. 
• Replacement Components: When the timing belt is replaced, it’s recommended to also replace the water pump, tensioners, and other related components to avoid future issues. 

Does the 3.6 V6 have a timing belt or chain?

The timing chain system on the GM 3.6L uses 3 separate timing chains, a primary chain and two secondary chains. The primary chain affects the timing on both banks while each secondary chain only affects the timing on the cylinder head or bank it is on.