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, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS), 14V700000 (AIR BAGS), 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND 12V136000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION SLOT ENTIRELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE KEY TO ENTER AND ONCE IT WAS IN, IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2015
I PARKED MY CAR IN THE HOSPITAL LOT. AFTER MY LATE AFTERNOON APPOINTMENT, I WAS ABOUT TO GO HOME. I WAS ABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION BUT FAILED TO TURN TO START THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO CONTACT OR CLICKING SOUND EVEN I TRIED WITH A LITTLE FORCE TO TURN THE KEY. I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND HE WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 5 MILES TO GET MY PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE AND PARKED AGAIN IN THE PARKING LOT. I WAS ABOUT TO GO HOME AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION BUT FAILED TO TURN TO START THE ENGINE. AGAIN, THERE WAS NO CONTACT OR CLICKING SOUND EVEN TO TRY WITH A LITTLE FORCE TO TURN THE KEY. I CALLED AGAIN THE TOWING COMPANY AND HE WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE. I DECIDED TO BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO STAY OVERNIGHT (EARLY BIRD). I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVE THROUGH LANE AND SHUT-OFF THE ENGINE. I REMOVE THE KEY AND INSERTED AGAIN BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE KEY AND NOT ABLE TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED MY CAR PROBLEM AND I WAS ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY WAS WORN-OUT. THE NEW IGNITION ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED AND RE-KEYED, CUT AND PROGRAMMED NEW KEY. I SAVED THE OLD PART FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. I PAID $618.58 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I AM THINKING THIS REPAIR WAS SO EXPENSIVE. THE ESTIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,292.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Aug 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS), 14V700000 (AIR BAGS), 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSYTEM), AND 12V136000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO INSERT IN THE IGNITION. AFTER EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND START THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL. THE CONTACT USED THE SPARE KEY TO START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Apr 8, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAG, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Mar 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION KEY SEIZED WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT INTERLOCK LEVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE REMEDY CAUSED THE IGNITION KEY TO SEIZE WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,400.
Electrical system, Mar 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO EJECT FROM THE IGNITION AND REMAINED IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,586.
Electrical system, Mar 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND PARKED MY CAR AND TOOK HER INSIDE LIKE I ALWAYS DO. WHEN I CAME OUTSIDE AND UNLOCKED MY CAR (WITH THE KEY) MY KEY WOULD NOT GO IN THE IGNITION - LEAVING ME STUCK AND LATE FOR WORK AND HAVING TO USE MY AAA TOWING BECAUSE I COULDN'T EVEN DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP - THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL***I HAVE SEEN MANNNYYYYYY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE EVEN MY TOW TRUCK GUY STATED THIS MODEL AND YEAR AND (KNOWN) FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND NOW WILL COST ME 450.00 TO FIX. A IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT NORMAL WARE AND TARE - ITS NOT LIKE TIRES OR TIMING BELT OR ANY OF THOSE THINGS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED - THIS IS COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR CONSUMERS - THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE A PROBLEM IF SOMEONE GETS HURT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY CANT EVEN GET THE KEY IN THERE IGNITION - LAWSUITS WILL HAPPEN IF A RECALL IS NOT MADE. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Feb 19, 2015
FAULTY IGNITION. KEY WILL NOT TURN. WAFERS IN CYLINDER ARE MALFUNCTIONING. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2015
I TOOK MY 2003 HONDA PILOT IN TO REPAIR THE IGNITION RECALL. EVER SINCE THE REPAIR I'VE BEEN HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH IT PRIOR TO THE SERVICE. I HAVE TO LITERALLY WIGGLE AND INSERT AND TAKE OUT THE KEY MANY TIMES FOR IT TO SIT RIGHT IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE FROM OTHER PILOT OWNERS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. HONDA DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE JUST TO SEE IF MY PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE WORK THEY DID FOR THE RECALL. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE CHARGED JUST TO CHECK IF THEY CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 9, 2015
SRS LIGHT WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY CAME ON,2003 HONDA PILOT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS UNDER A RECALL. THE SRS LIGHT STILL REMAINED ON SO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST REVEALED A CODE 15-3 IN THE OPDS SYSTEM AND FOUND FAULTY WIRING IN PASSENGER SEAT HARNESS WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR TEN YEARS WHICH WE WERE NOT AWARE OF UNTIL THE S RS LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DOING MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND HONDA SERVICE. BULLETIN 06-009 DATED FEB.5,2008,WHICH SET THE WARRANTY AT 10 YEARS OR 157000 MILES. MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN IN THE MILEAGE PARAMETERS BUT NOT THE YEARS. YOU WOULD THINK THE TIME WOULD RUN FROM THE DATE OF THE BULLETIN. IT DOESN'T SEEM FAIR THAT I HAVE TP PAY TO REPLACE THIS PART WHEN HONDA KNEW IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD REPLACE IT WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS ON TIME OR MILEAGE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Seats, Dec 9, 2014, crash
THE CAR WAS MOVED INTO LOCATION, TURNED OFF, AND THE KEY REMOVED LEADING TO THE DRIVER THINKING THE CAR WAS IN PARK, HOWEVER THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CAR WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, ROLL OVER A TREE, AND CRASH INTO ANOTHER TREE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2014, crash
CAR RAN AWAY IN REVERSE AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. FULL WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. CRASHED INTO UTILITY POLE ENCIRCLED WITH OLD CAR TIRES. CAR BOUNCED OFF AND THEN CRASHED INTO THE POLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. HIT GEAR SHIFT INTO FORWARD. ENGINE SCREAMING REALLY HIGH REVS, CAR RACED FORWARD AND I DID EVERYTHING I COULD TO AVOID HITTING PARKED VEHICLES AND A POND AS CAR KEPT GOING FASTER. WITH NOWHERE TO HEAD BUT GOLF COURSE OR HIGHWAY, I STEERED ONTO A FARM FIELD AND DROVE A HALF MILE UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT THE KEYS FROM THE STARTER WHICH STOPPED CAR. I DID NOT THINK I WAS INJURED AT TIME BUT I ENDED UP WITH WHIPLASH WHICH MEANT I LOST ABOUT SIX MONTHS INCOME. HONDA REFUSED COMPENSATION, OR PAID FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS OF THE CAR WITH EXCEPTION OF THE KEY INTERFACE FOR STARTER . HONDA CLAIMED THAT NOTHINGS WRONG WITH CAR. SAID HAD MY FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. HOWEVER, HONDA DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME MORE THAN $3,000 TO FIX A COMPLETELY DESTROYED BRAKING SYSTEM HOW COULD I HAVE HAD MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND DESTROYED THE BRAKES? HONDA REFUSED TO BUY MY CAR AND DECOMMISSION IT BECAUSE THEY SAID CAR WAS PERFECT. DOWNRIGHT RUDE AFTERWARD. I DID NOT LET ANYONE ELSE DRIVE THE CAR AND USED IT AS INFREQUENTLY AS I COULD. SEVEN MONTHS LATER, I WAS IN AN UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE AND SAME THING HAPPENED. THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THESOLID CONCRETE WALL JUST FOUR FEET AHEAD. THE IMPACT DESTROYED CAR. FRONT END CRUMPLED IN, THE ENGINE DAMAGED AND ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS FROM A FOUR FOOT COLLISION. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 25, 2014, fire
PARKED THE CAR. CAME BACK ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, HEARD LOUD LIKE SHOTS FIRED, ROUNDED THE CORNER TO SEE IT WAS OUR AIRBAGS POPPING...THE CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, AND GOING TO THE DASHBOARD. CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. CAME ( 1 MILE AWAY) THE WHOLE CAR WAS ENGULFED. THE WHOLE CAR DESTROYED, ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS THE SHELL NO SEATS NO DASHBOARD NO LICENSE PLATES NOTHING LEFT. WE COMPLIED TO ALL RECALLS AND TOOK IT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP EACH TIME FOR REPAIRS. WE HAD A STEERING COLUMN FIRE ABOUT 2-3 YEARS AGO DRIVING ALONG AND THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE, IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE, BUT PULLING OVER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE PUT OUT THE FIRE. HAD IT REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. A WEEK BEFORE THE BIG FIRE WE FELT THE COLUMN AND IT WAS HOT...BUT COOLED AFTER WE PARKED IT. THEN DAYS LATER IS WHEN IT BURNED TO THE GROUND, EVEN THE TIRES WERE GONE. HONDA DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR LOSS, AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT. P.S. IN 2007 WE GOT HURT IN THAT SAME CAR WE WERE STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ( WE WERE IN THE CAR) AND A TRUCK CROSSED THE LINE AND HIT US HEAD ON. OUR SEAT BELTS DIDN'T HOLD US IN, THEY LOOSENED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE WERE HURT AND HONDA SAID THE TRUCK HIT US TOO HIGH IS WHY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THAT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER STRAPS DIDN'T HOLD US CAUSE WE WEREN'T MOVING ALSO SOUNDS RIDICULOUS. HONDA DIDN'T CARE THEN EITHER. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2014
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, WE HAD OUR MECHANIC (WHO WORKED WITH A LOCKSMITH) REBUILD THE IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE OUR KEYS WERE FAILING TO TURN THE SWITCH, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START THE CAR. THIS REPAIR COST US ABOUT $400. WE ALSO HAD NEW KEYS CUT. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED. THE KEYS ARE NOT WORN, BUT THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO TURN THE SWITCH UNLESS THEY GO IN "JUST RIGHT" -- WHICH MEANS 15+ MINUTES OF FIDDLING WITH THE KEY TO START THE CAR -- AND SOMETIMES IT JUST DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. THE LOCKSMITH WILL CHARGE US ANOTHER $400 TO REBUILD THE SWITCH AGAIN -- OR WE CAN PAY $535 (PLUS TAX) TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM REPLACE IT. [THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DOOR LOCKS, BY THE WAY, WHICH WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE OPENED WITH THE OLD KEY -- AND COST ANOTHER $400 TO REPLACE.] WE HAVE STARTED LEAVING A KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL TIMES TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN USE THE CAR. ONCE WE GET IT IN THERE, WE JUST LEAVE IT THERE. WE DRAPE A SMALL TOWEL OVER THE STEERING COLUMN TO HIDE THE KEY, BUT THERE IT STAYS. IT'S A RIDICULOUS SITUATION, AND WE ARE NOT ALONE. I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ONLINE. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2014
CAR KEY GOES IN IGNITION AND WILL NOT TURN. THIS IS A DANGER WHEN YOU CAN NOT START THE CAR AND GET OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I READ ON LINE MANY OTHER PILOTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HONDA HAS A BAD PART. HONDA WANTS $500 TO FIX A BAD PART THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 24, 2014
LEFT WORK AT NIGHT. LOW-BEAMS PARTIALLY FAILED, BUT I DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL I WAS GOING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO USE BRIGHTS, AND GO TO A GAS STATION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, AND CHECKED BY DEALER. DEALER SAID USING 3RD PARTY HEADLIGHT BULBS WAS THE CAUSE. OF INTEREST, THE CAR ALREADY HAD THE LOW-BEAM FAILURE RECALL FIXED. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS STILL AN ISSUE AFTER THE RECALL, AND USING HONDA OEM BULBS IS THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO GO. 3RD PARTY BULBS WERE PURCHASED FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, AND I'M UNSURE OF THE BRAND. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2014
WE STARTED TO HAVE TROUBLE INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. TODAY THE KEY WOULDN'T EVEN GO IN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS WIGGLING IT. AFTER TWENTY MINUTES TRYING HAD TO LEAVE CAR BEHIND. NOW I'M WITHOUT A CAR AND SEARCHING FOR RECALLS NOTICED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS NONE FOR THIS PROBLEM IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH OTHER PILOT OWNERS. *TR
Electrical system, May 5, 2014
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO REPAIR A RECALL AND [XXX] SERVICE MANGER SAID HE WILL SERVICE ALL THE RECALLS TO THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL WAS SOMETHING IN REFERENCE TO THE IGNITION. TO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHOUT OFF, THE VEHICLE ALWAYS MAKE THE SOUND AS IF THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT BACK AND [XXX] SERVICE MANGER SAID THE DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AROUND THE IGNITION.... NOW THE VEHICLE SHOUT OFF WHILE DRIVING HAVE VIDEO. TOOK IT BACK AND [XXX] SAID I NEED TO PAY ADDITIONAL.... IF ALL VEHICLE RECALLS WHERE RECALL BY THE DEALER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2014
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR IGNITION SYSTEM RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COMPLETED THE REPAIRS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL, BUT CHARGED HIM FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 18, 2014
ISSUE WITH HONDA PILOT'S IGNITION SWITCH NOT FULLY ENGAGING THE PARK POSITION. RECEIVED RECALL PAPER WORK ORDERING THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED AT LOCAL HONDA DEALER FREE OF CHARGE. RECALL PAPER WORK WAS SIGNED BY [XXX] CHIEF RECALL MANAGEMENT DIVISION. LOCAL HONDA DEALER, WILLISTON HONDA AND CHRYSLER PERFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE ON APRIL 4, 2014. THE RECALL JOB FOR A HONDA PILOT WAS BOTCHED. THE SERVICE MECHANIC REFUSED TO FIX. REQUESTED MANAGEMENT TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. AS OF TODAY APRIL 18, 2014 AN ANSWER TO FIX OR NOT TO FIX THIS ISSUE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF WILLISTON HONDA AND CHRYSLER HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR