2003 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 746 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 43 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlights, switchMar 30, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V136000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineAug 28, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 02V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
130 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Honda Pilot. While having an oil change performed, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 138,000, and at the time of service, it was discovered that the mileage was 217,000.
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2026
I am the original owner of my 2003 Honda pilot and had to replace the front driver side door actuator years ago. Now all the remaining 3 doors need to have the door actuators replaced. If you're outside the car you cannot open the door. Using the key remote or putting the key into the front door keyhole will NOT unlock or lock the door. You have to be inside the car and lift or depress the lock button to get them to open or to lock it. This is a very dangerous situation for if an emergency should occur and it's necessary to either exit the vehicle or enter you won't be able to. I know the later year Honda's has had recalls on door actuators.
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2025
Reporting an important safety issue I experienced due to random engine stalling on my 2003 Honda Pilot, typically after driving for a few minutes. The engine would crank for several seconds or sometimes start immediately after stalling, but no diagnostic trouble codes were ever stored. The vehicle had stable fuel trims and idle, and multiple components including the EGR valve and valve clearance were serviced without resolving the issue. Ultimately, the root cause was traced to a failing PGM-FI (fuel pump) relay located under the driver’s dash. After replacing the relay close to two months ago, the stalling stopped completely. This issue could pose a safety risk if the engine stalls in traffic, especially in a hazardous area where there’s no breakdown lane (construction zone, etc.) , and I believe this factor should consider this a known failure point in aging vehicles of this model. Attached are two images of the new relay zip tied under the driver’s footwell (could not remove the bad relay since it was too difficult to remove from its bracket).
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2025
Water leaked into front floors of vehicle soaking the carpet and the fuse panels in the floor. Yes it is available. Fuse boxes had standing water building up behind them slowly dumping water into them causing shorts in electrical system which could have caused the car to catch on fire. Yes the problem has been confirmed. No the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than mechanic. The only signs of the problem I noticed was the carpet was soaked and couldn't understand why. The battery died randomly one night after locking the doors. No other signs were noted.
Electrical system, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the ignition switch failed to turn. The ignition switch warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 31, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated she was informed by her daughter that the inside passenger side of the vehicle was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire with water. The fire department arrived afterward and informed that the electronic software was the cause of the fire. The contact was unsure if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries or medical treatments needed. The contact notified a local mechanic regarding the failure and was informed of the same information which the fire department provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2022
KEEP GETTING MISFIRES HAD MECHANIC REPLACE COILS & PLUGS BUT STILL GETTING OBD CODES FOR MISFIRES OF CYLINDERS WHY ?? ALSO KEEPS JERKING & I NOR A MECHANIC DO NOT KNOW WHY
Electrical system, May 13, 2020
WHEN I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION AND THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP ON ME. AND ENDED UP NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE AT ALL. THERE WAS A PIECE STUCK INSIDE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A LOCKING MECHANISM WITH IT THAT WAS JAMMED AND THERE WAS NOTHING I WAS ABLE TO DO SO I EITHER NEEDED TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS WARPED OR MALFUNCTIONED. AND I NEEDED TO CHECK AND SEE IF THERE'S ANY RECALLS BECAUSE THEY RECALLED THE IGNITIONS BEFORE ON THIS YEAR,MAKE AND MODEL BEFORE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. MY VEHICLE WAS IN A SHOP. MY WHEEL BEARING AND HUB WAS BEING PLACED ON. WHEN THEY WENT TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THERE MECHANIC GARAGE IT REFUSED TO TURN OVER THERE WAS AN IGNITION PIECE WAS BROKEN OFF. WHEN THEY ENDED UP GETTING IT OUT OF THEIR GARAGE IT I HAD TO BE PUT IN NEUTRAL MANUALLY FROM UNDERNEATH AND IT JUST STARTED TO ROLL. SO THEY HAD TO HOLD THE BRAKES. IT HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO MY RESIDENCE. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2020
VEHICLE HAD A LACK OF COMPUTER FUNCTION WOULD NOT START. ALL DASH LIGHTS LITE IGNITION NON FUNCTIONAL WHEN TEST PLUG PUT ON OBD PLUG ALL PROBLEMS CLEARED VEHICLE NOW OPERATES CORRECTLY VEHICLE HAD JUST PASSED STATE INSPECTION AND OPERATED CORRECTLY FOR 3DAYS.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2020
WAS ABLE TO PULL MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN MY 2003 HONDA PILOT IS PARKED AND IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER IN DRIVE POSITION. I ALREADY HAD MY IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRED TWICE (USING MY OWN DIME); HONDA HAS A PARTIAL RECALL (NHSTA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V573000 AND HONDA RECALL NO. S73/S74), BUT A HONDA REP TOLD ME THAT MY PILOT "IS NOT AFFECTED."
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2019
HONDA PILOT 2003 CRANKED UP STARTED DRIVING, AFTER A MIN OR TWO IT SHUT OFF AND WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. I'VE REPLACED THE MAIN RELAY AND A NEW FUEL PUMP BUT WHEN YOU PUT THE KEY IN AND TRY TO START IT, IT DOESN'T TURN OVER ALL THE WAY. IT WANTS TO BUT WON'T. ALSO MORE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ALONG WITH RADIO AND HEAD LIGHTS. SOMETHING IS TERRIBLY WRONG AND IVE PUT ALOT OF MONEY INTO TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS AND HAVE BEEN GUARANTEED THAT PART WILL FIX IT BUT NO LUCK. NEW PARTS HELP BUT NOT WITH TURNING OVER AND STARTING.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 21, 2019
I NEVER GOT RECALLS FIXED AND DEALER SERVICE MARKED AS CHECKED BUT NOT REPLACED AND SRS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE SERVICE AND I HAD TO PAY TO GET RECALLED DUE TO EMERGENCY INTERLOCK WAS DAMAGED
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 14, 2019
LO BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. BULBS FUSES AND RELAYS ARE GOOD. HIGH BEAMS WORK OK. LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND I DISCOVERED IT AT NIGHT WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2018
WINDOW REGULATORS STOP WORKING AND WINDOW CAN CRASH WHEN DRIVING. SO FAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO REGULATORS AND ONE WINDOW.
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START UPON TURNING THE KEY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND THEN TURNED OFF, IT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION ON AUGUST 26, 2017. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE BATTERY TO DISENGAGE THE ENGINE AND THE IGNITION KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TITANS HONDA IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REINSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE STATIONARY, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 06264304. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2017
IGNITION LOCK PROBLEM. KEY IS DIFFICULT TO INSERT INTO IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. ONCE INSERTED, THE KEY WILL NOT TURN.
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2017
FIRST, DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATIC NOW HAVE TO UNLOCK MYSELF, ALONG WITS THE OUTSIDE DOORS.ALARM BUTTON NO LONGER WORKS TO UNLOCK. DOOR HANDLES INSIDE HAVE BEEN PEELING AND ACTUALLY CUT YOUR FINGERS WHEN OPENING THE DOOR, I HAVE MASWING TAPE IN THEM AND IT'S UGLY, FINALLY..LIGHTS INSIDE ARE GOING OUT ON RADIO, DIMMING ON INTERIOR ALSO.
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2016
THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN GEAR.
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 19, 2016
MY HONDA PILOT IS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I WILL BE MOVING IN A FEW WEEKS AND TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYDAY. A FEW DAYS AGO I CALLED HONDA AFTER LOOKING UP RECALLS AND THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL NUMBER 04V176000. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND IF IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IT WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT HONDA TOLD ME AND THEY SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. (CODE P0740) THE SUPERVISOR WAS GOING TO CALL HONDA AND GET BACK TO ME. I FEEL VERY FRIGHTENED TO TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH ONLY 130,000 MILES WOULD HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR TORQUE CONVERTER !! IF IT IS CAUSING GEARS TO CHIP OR BREAK I DON'T WANT TO BE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND POSSIBLY BE INJURED OR EVEN KILLED ! OR CAUSING INJURY TO OTHERS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 31, 2016
IGNITION KEY CAN PULL OUT WHILE DRIVING
Power train, Electrical system, Seats, Jun 21, 2016
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE/ SPEED UP THE VEHICLE QUICKLY THE DRIVER SEAT BOUNCES BACKWARDS/MOVES AND IT FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO COME OFF THE FRAME ITS MOUNTED TO LIKE SOME BOLTS MAY BE BROKE OR SOMETHING. THE CAR LOCKS ARE MESSED UP. THE BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS HAVE TO BE UNLOCKED WITH A KEY. THE INSIDE UNLOCK MECHANISM ONLY UNLOCKS THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE TRUNK. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER FRONT AND THE PASSENGER REAR LOCKS A WINDOW HAS TO BE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU HAVE TO REACH IN AND MANUALLY UNLOCK IT AND THOSE ALSO HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED BACK WHEN YOU EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE PASSENGER AIR UNIT DOES WORK. IT DOES NOT BLOW OUT AIR EVEN WITH THE REAR CONTROL ON. THE INSIDE CAR LIGHTS HAVE TO BE MANUALLY CUT ON AND OFF AND NOT SET TO COME ON WHEN THE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES BECAUSE IT RUNS THE BATTERY DOWN. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. AND THE POWER PORT TO CHARGE PHONES, ETC. WORKS BUT ANYTHING PLUGGED INTO IT GETS HOT REAL FAST. ALL THAT POINTS TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE AIR BAG LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON AND GOING OFF. THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING D AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL FLUID AND FILTER WAS CHANGED. SO FAR THAT SEEMS TO HAVE HELPED. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH ACT DEFECTED. THE KEY HAS TO REMAIN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE SPARE KEY HAS TO BE USED TO UNLOCK THE CAR BECAUSE IF THE KEY IS REMOVED, IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK INTO THE SWITCH TO CRANK THE CAR. THE SWITCH DOES NOT WANT TO ACCEPT THE KEY AND TURN TO CRANK THE ENGINE ONCE IT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SWITCH. EVEN TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PRESSING THE BRAKE TO RELEASE THE SWITCH DOESN'T WORK. AND THE GEAR SHIFT STICK/SHAFT ACTS ALMOST LIKE IT'S NOT PARK, BUT IT WAS PUT IN PARK.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN 2013 AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE IGNITION FAILURE RECURRED TWO YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2016
ABOUT A MONTH AGO I TRIED TO USE MY SPARE KEY AND THE KEY WOULDN'T WORK IN MY IGNITION. SO, I LOCATED MY REGULAR KEYS AND THEY KEY WORKED AS IT SHOULD. LAST WEEK MY NORMAL KEY WOULD GO INTO THE IGNITION BUT, THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE KEY DID FINALLY TURN AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. LATER THAT DAY, I WENT TO LEAVE MY HOUSE FOR WORK AND AGAIN THE KEY WOULD GO INTO THE IGNITION BUT, NOT TURN THE IGNITION. AFTER 20 MINUTES OF INSERTING AND REMOVING THE KEY IT FINALLY WORKED AGAIN. IT CONTINUED TO WORK FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY. I SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE SUGGESTED I GET THE IGNITION REPLACED BEFORE IT GOT TO A POINT WHERE IT WOULDN'T START AN IN HIS OPINION THE IGNITION WAS DETERIORATING QUICKLY. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE A DEALER ONLY REPAIR. I DID ASK TWO OTHER MECHANICS IN THE AREA & I REACHED OUT TO A LOCKSMITH, THEY ALL SAID DUE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE ALARM & THE LAZER CUT KEY STYLE IT WAS A DEALER ONLY PART. I STARTED TO GOOGLE THE ISSUE & SAW OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM & I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD WORK DONE ON THE IGNITION WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL BUT, THEY FELT THIS ISSUE WAS UNRELATED AND WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. THE NEXT MORNING THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE IGNITION WOULD NOW TURN BUT, I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY, LEAVING MY CAR A PRIME TARGET FOR THEFT. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF THIS MORNING & I MADE A CALL INTO CORPORATE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT HERE BY ONE OF THE MANY OTHER 2003 PILOT OWNERS ON ANOTHER FORUM: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/HONDA/PILOT/2003/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/IGNITION_SWITCH_PROBLEM.SHTML TOTAL COST OF REPAIR $538.89
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED IN THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.