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, Jan 14, 2017

    AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP TRANSMISSION SLIPS SEEMS LIKE IT HAPPENS WHEN IT GOES INTO SECOND GEAR WATCH THE TACH MOVE BUT NO ACCELERATION SO I KNOW IT'S SLIPPING. I'VE DONE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH 3 TIMES WITH HONDA TRANSMISSION FLUID AT $8 A QUART AND IT SEEMED TO HELP IT DOSENT DO IT AS MUCH BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN IT STILL SLIPS. ONLY ON ACCELERATION, AROUND 20-30 MILES AN HOUR.

  2. Power train, Nov 18, 2016

    ON MAY 26, 2015, I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I-5 AT 60 MPH WHEN THE WHEELS OF MY CAR SEIZED. AT WHICH POINT THE CAR BEGAN A RIGOROUS SLIDE, BLACK SMOKE BILLOWED AS THE TREAD OF MY TIRES PEELED OFF. THE FORCE OF THE SLIDE EVENTUALLY JAMMED THE TIRES SIDEWAYS CAUSING THE CAR TO HOP AS IT PROPELLED FORWARD, FINALLY COMING TO A STOP ABOUT A MILE FROM THE STARTING POINT. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS A HORRIFIC RIDE, WHICH STILL CAUSES ME SOME STRESS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO BILL'S TECH TRANS WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. BILL'S SENT THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION TO THE MAKER. AT THAT TIME I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL ON HONDA PILOT 2003 TRANSMISSIONS. AFTER HEARING OF THE RECALL A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER, I INFORMED AMERICAN HONDA OF MY INCIDENT. THEY REQUESTED RECEIPTS PERTAINING TO THE INCIDENT WHICH I PROVIDED IN FULL 3 TIMES. ONE OF THE FOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES HAD LOST SOME OR ALL OF THE PAPERWORK THAT I HAD SENT. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF OF DEALING WITH AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY CONTINUE TO PUT ME OFF, EVEN CLOSING THE CLAIM AT ONE POINT; THEY SENT A LETTER WHICH STATED, "WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT YOU IN REGARDS TO YOUR REQUEST, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU." I CALLED IMMEDIATELY AND THEY INFORMED ME THEY HAD CLOSED THE CLAIM DUE TO MY LACK OF RESPONDING TO THEIR PHONE CALLS. I TOLD THEM THAT BOTH MY HOME PHONE AND CELL PHONE KEEP LOGS OF WHO CALLS AND THAT THEY ARE NOT ON EITHER ONE. AMERICAN HONDA REOPENED THE CASE. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN REBUFFED REPEATEDLY. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS TOLD SOMEONE WAS REVIEWING THE CASE FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE. IT SEEMS AS IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON THE 2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP? AMERICAN HONDA RECALL CASE NO. 04263486

  3. Steering, Power train, Oct 21, 2016

    I DRIVE BETWEEN 20-40MPH AND MY HONDA SHAKES AND SHUDDERS FOR 8 SECONDS THEN GOES AWAY. ANY IDEA WHAT CAN THAT BE.

  4. Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 19, 2016

    MY HONDA PILOT IS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I WILL BE MOVING IN A FEW WEEKS AND TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYDAY. A FEW DAYS AGO I CALLED HONDA AFTER LOOKING UP RECALLS AND THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL NUMBER 04V176000. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND IF IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IT WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT HONDA TOLD ME AND THEY SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. (CODE P0740) THE SUPERVISOR WAS GOING TO CALL HONDA AND GET BACK TO ME. I FEEL VERY FRIGHTENED TO TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH ONLY 130,000 MILES WOULD HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR TORQUE CONVERTER !! IF IT IS CAUSING GEARS TO CHIP OR BREAK I DON'T WANT TO BE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND POSSIBLY BE INJURED OR EVEN KILLED ! OR CAUSING INJURY TO OTHERS. *TR

  5. Power train, Oct 19, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

  6. Power train, Sep 9, 2016

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 150K CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND WAS UNSAFE. HAPPENED QUICKLY.

  7. Power train, Structure, Jul 29, 2016

    HAD TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AND BELT PAYED FOR IT AT HOMDA DEALER THEN NOTICED IT HAD A RECALL ON IT DEALERSHIP DIDNT NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL. NOW I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMITION DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM BUT IT ALSO HAS A RECALL. BUT WHEN I SEARCHED MY VIN IT SAID NO RECALLS WERE FOUND. THE TRANSMITION PERIODICALLY COMES OUT OF GEAR IF I STOP QUICKLY OR 1ST THING IN THE MORNING OR IF I GO OVER A SPEED BUMP SLOWLY OR SOMETIMES RANDOMLY IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I CAN SWITCH IT INTO 1ST 2ND OR 3RD AND GET IT MOVING AGAIN. IT HASN'T HAPPEND AT HIGH SPEEDS YET. AND THE THE METAL UNDER THE SEATS IS ALL RUSTED. AT THIS RATE THE TRANSMITION WILL CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEATS WILL COME OFF AND THE AIRBAGS THAT HAVE ALSO BEEN RECALLED WILL KILL US IM HIGHLY DISSAPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE.

  8. Power train, Jun 23, 2016

    THIS GOES WITH THE COMPLAINT # 10876282, I JUST ENTERED. I NEEDED TO CORRECT MY VIN # BY ADDING THE NUMBER 2 IN THE FRONT OF THE NUMBER. ON THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT I STARTED THE VIN# WITH H, NOT 2.

  9. Power train, Jun 23, 2016

    WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS IN TRAFFIC AND SLOW TO 29 OR 39 MPH I FEEL A SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. ALSO INTERMITTENTLY MY "D" LIGHT FLASHES WHEN TURN ON MY PILOT BUT THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT NEVER COMES ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE 160,000 MILES

  10. Power train, Electrical system, Seats, Jun 21, 2016

    WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE/ SPEED UP THE VEHICLE QUICKLY THE DRIVER SEAT BOUNCES BACKWARDS/MOVES AND IT FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO COME OFF THE FRAME ITS MOUNTED TO LIKE SOME BOLTS MAY BE BROKE OR SOMETHING. THE CAR LOCKS ARE MESSED UP. THE BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS HAVE TO BE UNLOCKED WITH A KEY. THE INSIDE UNLOCK MECHANISM ONLY UNLOCKS THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE TRUNK. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER FRONT AND THE PASSENGER REAR LOCKS A WINDOW HAS TO BE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU HAVE TO REACH IN AND MANUALLY UNLOCK IT AND THOSE ALSO HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED BACK WHEN YOU EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE PASSENGER AIR UNIT DOES WORK. IT DOES NOT BLOW OUT AIR EVEN WITH THE REAR CONTROL ON. THE INSIDE CAR LIGHTS HAVE TO BE MANUALLY CUT ON AND OFF AND NOT SET TO COME ON WHEN THE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES BECAUSE IT RUNS THE BATTERY DOWN. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. AND THE POWER PORT TO CHARGE PHONES, ETC. WORKS BUT ANYTHING PLUGGED INTO IT GETS HOT REAL FAST. ALL THAT POINTS TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE AIR BAG LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON AND GOING OFF. THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING D AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL FLUID AND FILTER WAS CHANGED. SO FAR THAT SEEMS TO HAVE HELPED. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH ACT DEFECTED. THE KEY HAS TO REMAIN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE SPARE KEY HAS TO BE USED TO UNLOCK THE CAR BECAUSE IF THE KEY IS REMOVED, IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK INTO THE SWITCH TO CRANK THE CAR. THE SWITCH DOES NOT WANT TO ACCEPT THE KEY AND TURN TO CRANK THE ENGINE ONCE IT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SWITCH. EVEN TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PRESSING THE BRAKE TO RELEASE THE SWITCH DOESN'T WORK. AND THE GEAR SHIFT STICK/SHAFT ACTS ALMOST LIKE IT'S NOT PARK, BUT IT WAS PUT IN PARK.

  11. Power train, May 9, 2016

    SECOND GEAR FAILURE AND SHIFTING ISSUES, 4TH GEAR PRESSURE SWITCH FAILURE, TC CLUTCH FAILURE; ALL RESULTING IN SEIZING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR, UNEXPECTED SHIFTING INTO A LOWER GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. ALL ITEMS WERE EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ROADS AND WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD.

  12. Power train, Apr 7, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

  13. Power train, Service brakes, Mar 29, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWO FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SPEED SENSORS AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 195,000.

  14. Power train, Mar 15, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

  15. Power train, Jan 30, 2016

    WHILE DRIVING, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND STARTED TO INCREASE MY SPEED. THE RPM'S INCREASED AT A VERY RAPID RATE, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SHIFT. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE MY SPEED AND THERE WAS A WHIRLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. I TRIED MANUALLY SHIFTING INTO A LOWER GEAR, BUT I WAS STILL UNABLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT THE RPM'S RISING. I EVENTUALLY HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL THREE TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT.

  16. Power train, Dec 30, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

  17. Power train, Engine, Dec 8, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

  18. Power train, Nov 30, 2015

    TRANSMISSION WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL BUT WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT 168,000 MILES. LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65 MPH WITH NO WARNING. HONDA REFUSING TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF MY CAR, DESPITE THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION.

  19. Power train, Jun 25, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE AND A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE FOR 20 MINUTES. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  20. Power train, Jun 11, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN 2004 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE OIL COOLER, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER FULLY REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

  21. Power train, Structure, Engine, Apr 19, 2015, crash

    OWNER DRIVER WAS STOPPED ON RED LIGHT ALONG WITH 20 OTHER CARS , THE DRIVER WAS LAST IN THE LANE AND OTHER DRIVER DID NOT APPLIED BRAKES, THIS VEHICLE WAS BANGED FROM THE BACK. BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED BY WESTMINSTER HONDA IN COSTA MESA . CALIFORNIA, BODY REPAIR COST OF $ 3,500 WAS PAID BY INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE PERSON WHO WAS AT FAULT, THE AUTO TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT COST OF $ 6,500 WAS RECOVERED FROM THE ME WHO WAS NOT AT FAULT. THE QUESTION IS AT THAT TIME THE AIR BAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF FAULT? AFTER THAT I GOT RECALL NOTICE FROM AMERICAN HONDA FOR TWO AIR BAGS DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE, THE NOTICE CAME IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2015, FIRST THEY DELAYED THE REPAIR TASK BY MAKING AN EXCUSE THAT THEY ARE VERY BUSY AND FIRST APPOINTMENT IS AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 28 TH AT AUTO NATION HONDA IN GILBERT AZ THEN I GOT AN E MAIL AND A CALL FROM DEALER THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER, AND THEY WOULD NOT KNOW WHEN PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. AFTER THAT I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA, THEY HAVE INTERVENED AND ASSURED ME THAT AUTO NATION HONDA WILL CALL ME TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT AGAIN. THEN I GAVE 4 - 5 CALLS TO AUTO NATION HONDA, TILL TODAY AS OF APRIL 19TH THIS REPAIR IS NOT FIXED EVEN THOUGH ALL PARTIES KNOW THAT THIS IS CRITICAL TO THE LIFE OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS IN THIS VEHICLE. NOW I AM IN ROUND ROCK TEXAS, SO I WILL NEED TO SEE NEW DEALER WILL SOMEBODY CONTROL THESE AUTO COMPANIES AND DEALER FOR COMPLIANCE? THANKS *TR

  22. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2015

    DRIVING VEHICLE ON FREEWAY, WENT TO ACCELERATE VEHICLE DID NOTHING. TOOK MY FOOT OFF GAS, TRIED AGAIN, NOTHING. GOT IN SLOW LANE, FINALLY ENGAGED BUT HAD TO GO SLOW ON FREEWAY. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. NEXT DAY VEHICLE WONT SHIFT FROM 3RD GEAR, CAN ONLY GO 35 MPH AND ENGINE REVS UP. THE DRIVE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. NEXT DAY CANT SHIFT INTO REVERSE EITHER. TAKE TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, THEY SAY NO REVERSE, NO 3RD GEAR, FLUID IS FULL BUT SMELLS BURNT. PULLED CODES P0730 INCORRECT GEAR RATIO AND P0780 SHIFT MALFUNCTION. RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION REPLACE. I ONLY HAVE 139,000 MILES AND DON'T DRIVE IT CRAZY. ALSO FOUND THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL ON THIS YEAR PILOT. I CALL HONDA SO THEY CAN LOOK IT UP, HE SAYS YES IT WAS DONE TO MY CAR, BUT DOESN'T SHOW ON MY CARFAX REPORT? *TR

  23. Power train, Feb 8, 2015

    WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE GAS TO PICK UP SPEED THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND HESITATED TO SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR, ONCE IT DID ENGAGE IT THEN SLIPPED AND DOWN SHIFTED CAUSING SPEED TO DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-55 MPH. LATER THE D LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SLIP AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND AT TIMES DOWN SHIFT. HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE D DASH LIGHT AFTER DRIVING IT 3 DAYS PROBLEM HAS NOW STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN AND LIGHT HAS AGAIN COME ON ON DASH. *JS

  24. Power train, Jan 5, 2015

    VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A FLUTTERING NOISE UNDERNEATH AND HAS CONTINUED TO BE PROBLEMATIC WHEN DRIVING FROM 35-50 MPH. TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION ISSUE. MECHANIC SAYS CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE TRANSMISSION MAY LOCK UP, CAUSING POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

  25. Power train, Dec 11, 2014

    THIS IS A 2003 HONDA PILOT THAT I HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL I HAD TO TRAVEL ALMOST 2 HOURS--ONE WAY--FOR MY JOB. ON THE WAY HOME OF MY 4 HOUR TRIP MY PILOT LIKE GOT HOT AND THEN JUST STOPPED PULLING. HONDA OF RICHMOND KENTUCKY PUT ONE TRANSMISSION IN ALREADY, BUY THE 2ND OR 3RD OIL CHANGE AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, WE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. NOT ITS ABOUT 1 THOUSAND MILES FROM ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN. HELP WHAT DO I DO?? *TR