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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 746

Of the 2003 reports, 43 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernPower train226 reports · 30% of complaints
Owner complaints746Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train226
  2. Electrical system130
  3. Air bags121
  4. Structure49
  5. Seats40
  6. Engine and engine cooling37
  7. Steering33
  8. Exterior lighting32

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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 passenger’s 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

  9. 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 passenger’s 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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: power train

226 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Sep 12, 2025

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle violently jolted forward with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The failure had occurred while driving on a major highway. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 04-021; however, the contact was informed that the repair had been performed on the vehicle in 2004. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

  2. Power train, Engine, Aug 25, 2025

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,118.

  3. 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.

  4. Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2024

    Transmission, overheating, loss of oil, loss of gears when driving,

  5. Power train, Jul 25, 2023

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, the vehicle rolled out of the garage and crashed into the neighbor's home. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

  6. Power train, Air bags, Feb 10, 2023

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slow low speeds, the vehicle was difficult to shift into second gear. The SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about a possible recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed there were no open recalls on the VIN. The contact stated the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The contact stated 2nd gear is no longer working. Honda stated the recall was fixed, but the contact stated that was incorrect.

  7. 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

  8. Power train, Oct 23, 2021

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021 We traveled down OLD Dallas Hwy toward Gastonia, North Carolina. Transmission slipped and motor revved very high without forward speed. Attempting to put transmission into reverse caused similar slippage. Returning on Hwy 321 toward Dallas, north carolina, the transmission slipped and the car would not reach highway speed. Turning onto Hwy 279 to go home, the Honda would not go into gear at first, then slippage so that other cars almost struck our car which was unreliably stumbling. We have found there is a recall number 04V176000

  9. Power train, Mar 25, 2020

    PURCHASED 2003 HONDA PILOT EX IN 2006. THE FIRST OWNER HAD BROUGHT THE VEHCILE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ( DEALER SAID IT WAS OVERHEATING OF THE TRANSMISSION). TO WHICH THERE IS A RECALL TO INSTALL AN OIL JET WITH COOLER TO "FIX" THE TRANSMISSION. THE "FIX" DID NOT CURE THE TRANSMISSION FROM FAILING. MY DAUGHTER AND WHERE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN IT FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR AT 65 MILES AN HOUR. FORTUNITLY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE HAS 171,000 MILES ON IT. I CALLED HONDA DEALER AND BECAUSE THE JET KIT WAS INSTALLED THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE FAILED TRANSMISSION. THIS RECALL CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPLACE UNDER A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY BY HONDA.

  10. Power train, Feb 28, 2020

    MY CAR MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AROUND 40-45 MPH. THIS HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS AND SEVERAL OTHER MODEL YEARS WITH THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME I AM ACCELERATING PAST 40 MPH.

  11. Power train, Dec 16, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ERRONEOUSLY CHANGED FROM THE DRIVE POSITION TO THE DRIVE 3 POSITION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WITH THE ENGINE IDLING AND THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION, THE OWNER EXITED THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD, PUSHED AGAINST THE OWNER, AND PINNED HER AGAINST A STORAGE RACK LOCATED IN THE GARAGE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE OWNER SUSTAINED A LEFT LEG INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

  12. Power train, Dec 3, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED GEAR SLIPPAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ERRATICALLY AT TIMES WHILE THE RPM'S REVVED WITHOUT FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN LARGO HONDA (554 NE 1ST AVE, FLORIDA CITY, FL 33034, (844) 329-6036) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

  13. Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2019

    THE GEAR SHIFTER WILL NOT GAUGE IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION

  14. Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2019

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE D INDICATOR STARTS BLINKING. THE NEXT EXIT IS STILL 10 MILES AWAY..I STOP THE CAR AT A GAS STATION FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I THEN GET BACK ON THE INTERSTATE TO GET HOME WITHOUT GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT OR FATALLY INJURING MYSELF OR OTHERS ! THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHENEVER I GO OVER 55-60 MPH. SO IT SEEMS TO BE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS CHANGING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR.?? WHY HAVEN'T I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION/POWERTRAIN PROBLEM ?? POSSIBLY CAMPAIGN # 04V176000 AND RECALL # P30. I ONLY HAVE 147,000 MILES ON MY PILOT !! HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO GET INJURED OR EVEN KILLED FOR THIS MATTER TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY SOMEONE OR HONDA ???

  15. Power train, Apr 14, 2019

    TAKATA RECALL I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND EXPERIENCED TOTAL ENGINE POWER LOSS. RPMS REVVED HIGH AND CAR LURCHED FORWARD. I HAD ALREADY MERGED INTO 60MPH TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR STALLED. FORCED THE CARS BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AVOID HAVING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON OR ANY OTHER INDICATION OF FAILURE.

  16. Power train, Engine, Mar 12, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, IT FAILED TO MOVE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHILE MAKING TURNS, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED IDLING. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER HONDA OF COLERAIN (8950 COLERAIN AVE, CINCINNATI, OH 45251, 513-741-3700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND THE TRANSMISSION AND GASKET NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 284,469.

  17. Power train, Air bags, Feb 17, 2019

    03 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING IN BETWEEN GEARS TALKED TO HONDA DONT WANT TO TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM EVEN WEN THEY HAV RECALL ON IT IVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF SAME EXACT ISSUE ALL OVER INTERNET WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND HONDA IS STILL TRYING TO CHARGE FIOR THERE OWN RECALL

  18. Power train, Oct 4, 2018

    I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 164,000 MILES ON IT A FEW DAYS AGO AND NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION WASN'T SHIFTING CORRECTLY. IT SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD SOMETIMES OVER REV BEFORE SHIFTING BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. LAST NIGHT I PICKED MY GRANDCHILDREN UP FROM TOWN AND WAS HEADING BACK UP THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 55MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JERKED BACK AND DOWNSHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND OR THEY WOULD'VE HIT US. I NOTICED THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THAT TIME ALSO.

  19. Power train, Aug 24, 2017

    WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER/JUDDER UPON LIGHT ACCELERATION AND THE RPMS WILL REV BRIEFLY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTERS AMONG EARLY HONDA PILOTS

  20. Power train, Aug 4, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURN, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND CONTINUED DRIVING. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TO FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,420.

  21. Power train, Jun 28, 2017

    I AM ENCOUNTERING THE SAME RECALL ISSUES AS OTHER 2003 PILOTS. TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT RE-ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. I NEED TO TURN ENGINE OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND RESTART IN ORDER TO GET BACK INTO GEAR. THE VIN SEARCH SHOWS NO RECALL, BUT THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE HAS CAUSED ISSUES WHEN I GET OUT AND PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. MOST OF THE ISSUE HAPPEN WHEN STARTING FROM A SLOW START. THE ENGINE REVS BUT WILL NOT MOVE, BOTH AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, DURING STOP AND GO COMMUTES. ONCE IT GOES, IT HAS NOT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR.

  22. Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2017

    IN A TRIP TO THE PARK (20 MINUTES HIGHWAY TRIP) THE D INDICATOR START BLINKING, PARK THE CAR AND TURN OFF, TURN IT BACK ON, AND THE LIGHT KEEP BLINKING ALL THE WAY BACK HOME. IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.

  23. Power train, May 12, 2017

    THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN AND OUT OF UPPER AND LOWER GEARS INVOLUNTARILY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE PROPELLED ROUGHLY FORWARD AND BACKWARD CAUSING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION.

  24. Power train, Apr 1, 2017

    WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-50 MPH, MY 2003 HONDA PILOT BEGINS TO SHUDDER AND REV RPMS. I HAVE TO LET OFF THE THROTTLE AND THEN ACCELERATE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE SPEED IS CONSTANT OR DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION.

  25. Power train, Feb 20, 2017

    I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL THE SUDDEN IT SEEM AS IF THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, THE TIRES SQUEELED AND DROPPED 20 MPH ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A 40 MILE STRETCH, I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT.