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
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 8, 2011
I INADVERTENTLY TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF WITH THE TRANSMISSION STILL IN DRIVE, AND I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. I THEN EXITED THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD AS I WAS PASSING BEHIND IT, SO I HAD TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND CLIMB BACK INTO THE MOVING VEHICLE AND APPLY THE BRAKE. THIS SAME FAILURE WARRANTED RECALLS FOR 2003 ACCORDS, CIVICS, AND ELEMENTS, BUT SO FAR NOT FOR PILOTS. I WONDER IF THE INTERLOCK MECHANISM IS COMMON AMONG ALL THESE DIFFERENT MODELS, AND IF SO, WHY HONDA WASN'T REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE PILOT, ALSO? THE DESIGNS MUST BE VERY SIMILAR FOR SO MANY MODELS TO BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2011, fire
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SYMPTOM WHEN YOU TURN THE COMBINATION LIGHT SWITCH TO THE HEADLIGHT "ON" POSITION, THE LOW BEAMS MAY NOT COME ON. PROBABLE CAUSE IN A RARE CASE, THE WIRE HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED, CAUSING A TERMINAL IN THE HEADLIGHT WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO BECOME HEAT-DAMAGED, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO NOT COME ON. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK ABNORMALLY AND WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO INSERT THE KEY, HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OVER AND THE WHEELS WOULD REMAIN LOCKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WOULD SPORADICALLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT HE WOULD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SO THAT THE KEY WOULD FIT INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS THE ORIGINAL KEY PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Equipment, Dec 3, 2010, fire
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH DVD PLAYER AND WIRELESS HEADPHONES. MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR TWO YOUNG KIDS WHO WERE WATCHING A DVD WITH THE HEADPHONES. THE KIDS STATED THAT THE HEADPHONES STOPPED WORKING AND STARTED MAKING A WHITE NOISE SOUND. A FEW MINUTES LATER WE SAW SMOKE COME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD, THROUGH THE TAPE DECK AND OTHER OPENINGS. WE WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND HAD LIMITED VISIBILITY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT WRECKING. WE ALL GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LET THE SMOKE CLEAR. AFTERWARDS, WE TOOK IT TO THE CHARLESTON, SC DEALERSHIP. EVEN THOUGH THEY FOUND BURNT PARTS IN THE DVD PLAYER, THEY REFUSED TO HELP. THEY WANTED OVER $1000 TO PUT IN A NEW DVD PLAYER. WE TOOK THE PAPERWORK AND LEFT, WHILE THE DVD HEADPHONES STILL DO NOT WORK TO THIS DAY. I EVEN FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB, WITHOUT SUCCESS. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IGNITION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK. THE DEALER FOUND THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2010
THE IGNITION KEY FOR THE 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS BEEN GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION CAUSING IT NOT TO START FOR OVER A YEAR. IF I WIGGLED THE STEERING WHEEL, THE KEY AND PUMPED THE BRAKES THE KEY WOULD TURN AND THE TRUCK WOULD EVENTUALLY START. ON AUGUST 25, 2010 THE THE KEY REMAINED JAMMED IN THE IGNITION AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED AND REPAIRED. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER 2003 PILOT OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION KEY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY THE 2003 PILOT OWNER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START THE TRUCK IN A TIMELY MANNER. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2010, crash
2003 HONDA PILOT IGNITION INTERLOCK FAILED. THE CAR WAS STOPPED, TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE KEY WAS REMOVED AND THE DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED DOWN THE STREET AND STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A BRICK MAIL BOX 2 BLOCKS AWAY. HONDA DEALER TOLD US THAT THE DRIVE MUST HAVE FORCED THE KEY OUT TO BE ABLE TO REMOVE IT WHILE IN DRIVE GEAR AND DAMAGE THE IGNITION. DRIVE DISPUTES THIS. SAID THE KEY CAME RIGHT OUT. WE HAD ROUGHLY $2500 DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR AT THE TIME. CHOSE NOT TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT OUR COST. HONDA DID NOT REPLACE OR REPAIR THE IGNITION. IT IS STILL BROKEN. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 12, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER WAS NOT IN PARK. HE DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK WHEN HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE MINOR DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR $564 AT HIS EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. HE WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT IF IT DOES BECOME A RECALL TO KEEP HIS RECEIPT AND HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE KEY WILL NOT SLIDE INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLIDE THE KEY IN PARTIALLY IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WHOLE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE WEAR AND TEAR IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WOULD GET WORSE IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2010
THE IGNITION KEY CYLINDER ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT JAMMED AND YOU CANNOT TURN THE KEY. ONCE OUT, YOU CANNOT PUT KEY IN IT AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 11, 2010
THE KEY DOES NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. WE HAVE TO WIGGLE IT OR MESS WITH IT MANY TIMES TO GET IT TO TURN, SOMETIMES IT TAKES TOO LONG FOR US TO GET TO IT TURN, WHICH CAUSES MANY INCONVENIENCES FOR US. THE DEALER WANTS $700-$900 TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT OR MISTAKE IN THE ENGINEERING DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. AND WE KNOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDAS. PLEASE RECALL PILOTS FOR THIS VERY INCONVENIENT DEFECT. IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET TO THE HOSPITAL QUICK, NOT BEING ABLE TO START YOUR CAR BECAUSE THE KEY WON'T TURN WILL BE CATASTROPHIC. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF QUICKLY BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2010
IGNITION LOCK FAILURE, KEY STOPPED WORKING CAR WON'T START LEFT US STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS SURGING FORWARD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THE RPM'S STARTED TO REV-UP ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THECONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS MANY SAFETY PROBLEM AND THINKS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/06/10. *LJ THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDEERS AND IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE AND STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE KEY DOOR LOCK BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HEATER MOTOR FAILED. UPDATED 07/06/10.*JB
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2010
SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING. HAD CAR TOWED TO HONDA DEALERSHIP. HONDA FOUND BURNT CONNECTOR IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. REPLACED ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SWITCH PART NUMBER 35012-S5A-307, 7743875-35999 SET, COMBINATION SWITCH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2009
2003 HONDA PILOT MOTOR MOUNTS BROKEN. CAR ONLY HAS 77K ON IT. OWNED 5 OTHER HONDAS NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. NO ROUGH DRIVING. COST IS OVER 500.00 TO REPLACE SAFETY ISSUE, COULD BE A SERIOUS ISSUE IF THE MOUNTS FAIL. ALSO THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IS ALWAYS GETTING STUCK AND SOMETIMES TAKES 20 MINUTES TO GET IT TO TURN THE CAR ON. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2009
THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS OUT OF PARK. I SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY UNTIL IT IS IN PARK. THIS DEFECT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL FOR ALL HONDA ACCORDS, 1999-02. THE DEALER HAS QUOTED MORE THAN $500 TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE APPEALED TO AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THIS DEFECT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, May 18, 2009
VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCEPT KEY, AFTER PLAYING WITH IT FINALLY GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT WILL NOT START. PLAY AND PLAY WITH IGNITION AND CAR FINALLY STARTS. TAKE TO HONDA DEALERSHIP IN EL CAJON CA , THEY SAY BECAUSE OF WEIGHT OF KEYS, HAVE A TOTAL OF 3 KEYS ON MY CHAIN, THAT IT HAS WORN OUT THE KEY AND THE TUMBLERS IN THE IGNITION. THEY MAKE A NEW KEY, IT GOES RIGHT IN BUT THE IGNITION IS STILL NOT TURNING OVER, HAVE TO GET A IGNITION. THEY REPLACE THE IGNITION BUT NOW I HAVE TWO HEAVY HONDA KEYS BECAUSE THE "NEW IGNITION" IS A SIDEWINDER AND IT COMES WITH A KEY THAT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM TO FIT THE DOORS. NOW MY KEY CHAIN IS HEAVIER THAN BEFORE. THIS COST ME $850.00. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2009
2 FAILURES: 1) REAR AIR UNIT FAILED AT 50,000 MILES / 5 YEARS. 2) TWO MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN (FRONT AND SIDE) AT 60,000 MILES / 6 YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2009
I OWN A 2003 HONDA PILOT EXL,LATELY I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH NOT WANTING TO TURN ON OR UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL. WHAT SHOULD I DO...I'VE OWN TWO OTHER HONDAS AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.(98 ACCORD,98 CIVIC);THEIR WAS RECALL ON THEM. IS THEIR A RECALL ON THE HONDA PILOT SWITCH OR STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2009
1-FAILED IGNITION LOCK 2- CANNOT START THE CAR 3- REPLACE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND, LATER THAT DAY, IT WOULD NOT START. HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT EVENTUALLY STARTED. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND, AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,348 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2008
ON OR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO MARCH 13,2008 I WAS LEFT THE PARKING LOT OF AN AREA BUSINESS, UPON PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD MARCH 13,2008 HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHEN PULLING OUT OF STORE PARKING LOT REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS, FUSES&RELAYS LOW BEAMS INOPERABLE HIGH BEAMS STILL WORKED DROVE HOME WITH INOPERABLE HEADLIGHTS MARCH 14,2008 PURCHASED REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT SWITCH FROM A HONDA DEALER MARCH 15,2008 FOUND MELTED WIRE / HARNESS CONNECTOR AND CONTACTED HONDA DEALER FOR RECALL/BULLETIN INFORMATION PICKED UP COPY OF BULLETIN NUMBER 07-027 DATED MAY 12,2007,WHICH CITES "HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED" MARCH 17,2008 CONTACTED HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE,REQUESTED GOODWILL CONSIDERATION-WAS DIRECTED TO HAVE A HONDA DEALER PERFORM DIAGNOSTIC AND SUBMIT FORM TO DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER MARCH 19,2008 TOOK VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER TO PERFORM SRS SAFETY RECALL,AND TO DIAGNOSE THE HEADLIGHT PRIOR TO MAY 12,2008 WAS TOLD TECH DID NOT CHECK HEADLIGHT PROBLEM ON MARCH 19,2008 MAY 12,2008 IN FRUSTRATION, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO HONDA DEALER TO PERFORM REPAIRS, PAID $3147 FOR THE PART,AND $9074 FOR THE REPAIR DEALER RETURNED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH,BUT KEPT THE MELTED CONNECTOR AND WIRE JUNE 20,2008 RETURNED VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER FOR SAME PROBLEM,THEY SAID HEADLIGHT SOCKETS WERE UNPLUGGED AND WERE WORKING FINE JUNE 20,2008 RETURNED VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER,INFORMED THEM THE LIGHTS STILL DID NOT WORK,THEY REPLACED THE MELTED WIRE AND HEADLIGHT SWITCH SOCKET AGAIN DEALER KEPT MELTED WIRES AND CONNECTOR AND SUGGESTED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 5 WEEK INTERVALS CAUSING ME TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH HIGH BEAMS OR NO HEADLIGHTS-CREATING AN UNSAFE CONDITION I GENERALLY DO NOT USE MY HEADLIGHTS ANYMORE CONSIDERING THE COSTS TO REPAIR THEM,AND THE POTENTIAL FIRE AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARDS COPIES OF RELATED REPAIR WORK ORDERS,RECEIPTS,AND THE SERVICE BULLETIN ARE ALL AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2007, crash
MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD BEEN STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN LOSING COMPLETE POWER STEERING, BRAKES EVERYTHING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPAIR SHOP. DEC 2006. THEY COULD'NT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2007 MY DAUGHTER WENT FOR CHINESE FOOD. SHE BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE RELEASED HER FOOT, AND THE VAN STARTED JERKING THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA WHERE BLINKING SHE LOST ALL POWER THE VAN WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEICLE LANDED IN THE ENTRY WAY OF THE BUSINESS SMASHING ALL GLASS. SHE COULD NOT BRAKE SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THIS VAN.SHE SAID IT LOST ALL POWER SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TRYING TO STOP. NOTHING WORKED THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEICHLE ANYMORE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VAN IS UNDER INVESTGATION NOW. AND WILL BE FIXED AND TRADED IN.*AK
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2007
ALL RIGHT. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. HONDA NOW WANTS US TO BELIEVE THAT EVERY RODENT HAS NOW BECOME AWARE THAT A HONDA PILOT OR SOME ODYSSEYS IS A GREAT PLACE TO HANG OUT, ESPECIALLY RIGHT NEXT TO THE KNOCK SENSOR WIRE HARNESS. I FIND IT AMUSING HOW ALL OF THOSE LITTLE VARMINT MUST HAVE THEIR OWN LAPTOPS AND COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER THAT THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE AND ALSO THE BEST TASTING PART OF THE VEHICLE. WHAT A JOKE. WE TOOK OUR 2003 PILOT IN AND THEY CHARGED US $450 DOLLARS ($4.33 FOR THE PART) THE REST OF IT WAS LABOR. IT TOOK THE MECHANIC EXACTLY 50 MINUTES TO DO THE WORK. WE WATCHED AND GOT CHARGED FOR THE 3.5 HOURS LABOR. THERE OBVIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL HERE!!!!!!!*NM
Electrical system, Visibility, Jan 3, 2007
I HAVE HONDA PILOT 2003. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. IT WAS RAINING AND REAR WIPERS WERE RUNNING. ALL OF A SUDDEN, REAR WIPERS STOPPED RUNNING AND THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE WILLIAMSON HONDA DEALER IN LINCOLN, NE. HE DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED FUSE #7. HE IS ALSO TELLING TO REPLACE THE REAR WIPER MOTOR, THAT IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $400. IT IS A HONDA MOTOR DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF COST TO ME AS A RECALL. HOW DO I PROCEED WITH IT? *NM