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: power train
226 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND PROCEEDING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THERE WAS SUDDENLY A 3-5 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IT REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS OPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Power train, Jul 8, 2008
WE PURCHASED A USED 2003 HONDA PILOT IN APRIL 2007. WE WERE AWARE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION RECALL IN 2004 AND OUR VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED AS PART OF THAT RECALL. IT IS NOW JULY 2008 AND WE WERE JUST TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT SERVICES OUR CAR THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3700, AND THAT PRICE IS AFTER A $1000 CONTRIBUTION FROM HONDA. THE VEHICLE HAS 93150 MILES ON IT. CLEARLY THIS TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE. HONDA SHOULD OWN UP TO A SUBSTANDARD TRANSMISSION DESIGN AND STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH WHAT HONDA IS OFFERING US AND WILL CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM. WE HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE 2003 HONDA TRANSMISSIONS AND IT SEEMS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. A WIDER RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THESE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Power train, Jun 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION TENDS TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. OCCASIONALLY, THE CONTACT HAS TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE IN ORDER FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT. SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Power train, Oct 29, 2007
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A STEADY 60MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATIONS OF ANY KIND. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR IN 2004 FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION FAULT BUT THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. THE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 27, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION AND EGR VALVE RECALLS SERVICES. AROUND 30,000 MILES, I NOTICE GROWLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAPPENS WHEN LIGHTLY ACCELERATING FROM 1300 RPM TO 1500 RPM. ONCE I HAD CAR JERKING WHILE STARTING FROM THE START. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE EGR VALVE TWICE ALREADY DUE TO THE CODE. IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY NOW. I HAVE 77,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY BY THE DEALER. *TR
Power train, Aug 4, 2007
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 73,000 AND I QUESTION IF RELATED TO THE RECALL AND I AM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Jul 10, 2007
(1)THE TRANSMISSION/GEAR LIGHT IN THE 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 83,000 MILES (WHEN IN DRIVE) BEGAN BLINKING. WE CALLED THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER SAID THAT 90% OF THE TIME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION PRESSURE SWITCH. (2)THE CAR CONTINUED TO BE DRIVABLE. (3)THE PART WAS REPLACED BY THE MONTGOMERY, AL HONDA DEALER FOR $180.00. OUR CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, BUT IT IS PROBABLY NOT BEING REPORTED BY MANY CONSUMERS DUE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW COST OF REPAIR. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN RECALL #04176000 CONCERNING THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE COOLING HOSE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT LIABLE AS IT WAS UNCLEAR IF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL. THE DEALER WAS WILLING TO APPLY THE PART FOR FREE BUT WILL CHARGE FOR LABOR. THE PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. *AK THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE AS WELL AS THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD AN OIL JET KIT WAS ALREADY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/13/07*TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 21, 2007
2003 HONDA PILOT RECALLED DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS; AVERY GREEN MOTORS IN VALLEJO CA PURPORTEDLY "FIXED" THE RECALL PROBLEM. TWO YEARS LATER, THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, AT MY OWN COST OF $4,700. HONDA REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE COST, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS APPARENT THEIR "FIX" AT TIME OF RECALL WAS DEFICIENT. AT SAME TIME, AVERY GREEN DID A PERIODIC MAINTENANCE CHECK, OR WHICH I WAS CHARGED SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. 3 MONTHS LATER, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AVERY GREEN FAILED TO DETECT ANY PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP DURING THE MAINTENANCE CHECKUP. I AM TOLD THE REPAIR WILL BE VERY COSTLY AS IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE BOTH THE PUMP AND THE DRIVE TRAIN TO WHICH IT IS CONNECTED. THIS CAR IS A LEMON, AND HONDA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DO COMPETENT REPAIRS UNDER RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE CHECKS. *NM
Power train, Nov 28, 2006
I WAS COASTING TO A STOP WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 HONDA PILOT SUDDENLY AND ABRUPTLY DOWN SHIFTED. IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE SUDDENLY JABBED THE BRAKES ON MY CAR. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT THE SAME DAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON THE WAY TO THE SHOP. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN SECOND GEAR, THE LIMP HOME MODE, AND WOULD NOT UPSHIFT. THE ONLY WAY I COULD KEEP THE TRANSMISSION FROM VIOLENTLY DOWN SHIFTING OR STICKING IN SECOND GEAR WAS TO MANUALLY SHIFT THROUGH THE GEARS. THE DEALER REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION WITHIN ONE WEEK AT A LITTLE OVER 48,000 MILES BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DEALER NOW CLAIMS AFTER MY COMPLAINT THEY WILL WARRANT THE REPLACEMENT REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR 36,000 MILES AND THREE YEARS. THIS HELPS, BUT HONDA SHOULD GIVE ME THE SAME EXTENDED 93 MONTH AND 109,000 WARRANTY THAT WILL BE GIVEN TO NUMEROUS OTHER HONDA AND ACURA OWNERS DUE TO A CLASS ACTION SUIT. TODAY THE AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY SAID THEY WILL NOT EXTEND MY WARRANTY. HOPEFULLY, SOMEONE WILL START ANOTHER CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR HONDA PILOTS. THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IS THAT THIS POOR HONDA TRANSMISSION DESIGN THAT IS PRONE TO DEFECT IS ALSO A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT CAN TAKE FULL VEHICLE CONTROL AWAY FROM OPERATORS WITHOUT NOTICE. PERHAPS ALL AFFECTED HONDAS AND ACURAS SHOULD RECEIVE NEW REDESIGNED TRANSMISSIONS. *NM
Power train, Nov 20, 2006
STEPPED ON GAS TO ACCELERATE, SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOISE - THOUGHT SOMETHING GOT CAUGHT UNDER CAR, BUT WHEN I PULLED OVER, THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION & THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE HONDA DEALER AS THIS MAY BE PART OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES. SO I TOOK IT TO BALL HONDA ON FRIDAY, 11/17 & HAD HENRY AS THE SERVICE ADVISOR. WHEN I SPOKE WITH HENRY OVER THE PHONE, HE SAID THAT WHAT WAS STATED ON THE RECALL AS THE WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO ORDER THE TRANSMISSION BUT HAD TO WAIT FOR APPROVAL BECAUSE OF THE HIGH MILEAGE ON MY CAR. HE THEN SAID THAT IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM, HE JUST NEEDS IT APPROVED. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED BACK TODAY, 11/20/06, I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, SCOTT MOSES AND WAS TOLD THAT HONDA WILL NOT COVER IT AS IT WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL PROBLEM. THEIR INITIAL DIAGNOSTICS WAS THIS: CHECKED 2ND GEAR CAMPAIGN - CHECKED CUSTOMER'S CONCERN ON RACK NOISE COMING FROM INSIDE TRANSMISSION. NEEDS TRANSMISSION. B: CHECK 2ND GEAR CAMPAIGN. CHECKED 2ND GEAR WITH LED LIGHT. 2ND GEAR SHOWS SLIGHT DISCOLORATION. HE (SCOTT) THEN PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, AND THAT, DUE TO MY HIGH MILEAGE, I'VE VOIDED THE WARRANTY. *JB
Power train, Oct 20, 2006
OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT WAS PART OF THE HONDA RECALL OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO CARL HOGAN HONDA IN COLUMBUS MS WHEN WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE TRANSMISSION FOR HEAT DISCOLORATION AND INSTALLED AN OIL JET KIT. IN EARLY 2006 WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR PILOT. IT WILL INTERMITTENTLY SURGE AND JERK BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR AND AT TIMES IT SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. WHEN THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR, THE DRIVE LIGHT WILL FLASH A FEW TIMES THEN GO OUT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE COMING ON AGAIN. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN HAS HOOKED OUR VEHICLE UP TO A COMPUTER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT EACH TIME HAS FAILED TO GET A CODE. THE FIRST TIME THEY HOOKED IT UP THEY DID NOT GET A CODE AND WHEN WE GOT THE CAR BACK THE SRS LIGHT WAS ON. WE THEN HAD TO GET THAT REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM IS NOW A WEEKLY OCCURRENCE AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THE DEALERSHIP CAN DO UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEY CAN RETRIEVE A CODE. THE JERKING AND SURGING IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AND WE FEEL IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. WE WERE DRIVING WITH OUR TWO SMALL CHILDREN TODAY AND MADE A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE JERKED, SLOWED DOWN AND SURGED. AN ONCOMING CAR NARROWLY MISSED US. *NM
Power train, Oct 16, 2006
MY HONDA PILOT 2003 EX 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS "REPAIRED" UNDER A PRIOR RECALL BY DEALER IN SEPTEMBER 2004. ON OCTOBER 6, 2006, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 M.P.H. WITHOUT ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD SUDDENLY AND HARD, SUCH THAT MY SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH ME AND LOCK AND PUSHED ME INTO THE DRIVERS WHEEL. WHEN I GOT HOME, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD ME THAT SINCE THEY HAD FIXED IT IN 2004 I WOULD HAVE TO PAY BETWEEN $4,000 AND $5,000 FOR A "NEW" TRANSMISSION. I WAS NEVER TOLD OF THIS DEFECT WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, ALTHOUGH I WAS OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH AMERICAN HONDA'S REPRESENTATIVE SAID I SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED AND THAT SAID OFFER SHOULD HAVE WARNED ME OF THE TRANSMISSION DEFECT. I ASKED AMERICAN HONDA TO REPAIR IT WITHOUT COST TO ME, AS THE FIRST REPAIR WAS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE, AND I WAS TOLD A "MANAGER" WOULD GET BACK TO ME IN 48 HOURS. I HAVE NOW GONE 10 DAYS WITHOUT MY CAR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. HAD TRAFFIC NOT BEEN LIGHT, THE INCIDENT ON 10-6 COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Power train, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN 2004, THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA RECALL # 04V176000 PERTAINING TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO INSTALLED AN OIL JET KIT. THIS SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, ON 10/02/06, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED AS IF LOSING POWER THEN JERKED VIOLENTLY WHILE ENTERING SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE FOR THE LABOR. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH BOTH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE MANUFACTURER, WITH NO SUCCESS.
Power train, Oct 6, 2006
IN THE SUMMER 2004, I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. INVOLVING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL. MY CAR WAS SERVICED FOR THIS RECALL ON 10/12/04 BY RENSSELAER HONDA, MY ORIGINAL DEALER. THEY INSPECTED MY 2003 PILOT FOR THE DEFECT AND INSTALLED AN OIL JET KIT AT 42,112 MILES. THIS PAST SUMMER(7/2006), NOW WITH 76,100 MILES, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A VIBRATION OR STUTTER WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND AGAIN AT 50 MPH WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED. ON 7/6/06, I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND ASKED THAT THEY CHECK THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE TRYING TO SWITCH GEARS JUST LIKE THE RECALL HAD STATED. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE PGK VALVE AND ASSURED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED RENSSELAER HONDA TO SEE IF THEY COULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND AGAIN ASKED THAT THEY CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. THEY VERIFIED MY CONCERN AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NOISE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN LOCK UP AND THE LOCK- UP CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DIRECTOR OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PARTS, BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1046.47 IN LABOR COSTS. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS TRANSMISSION RECALL, I BECAME AFRAID TO TRANSPORT MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I READ THAT CERTAIN 2003 PILOT 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS HAD ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAWS THAT HAD NOT BEEN FULLY CORRECTED AS PART OF THE RECALL PROCESS AND THAT GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. *JB
Power train, May 17, 2006
AFTER RECEIVING THE TRANSMISSION RECALL 04V176000 UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 PILOT EX-L FAILED. THE PROBLEM CONSISTED OF THE VEHICLE NOT CHANGE TO AND FROM SECOND GEAR PROPERLY. AMERICAN HONDA IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND ABOUT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Aug 3, 2005
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE SHIFT INTERLOCK WILL NOT LET THE CAR OUT OF PARK, UNLESS YOU HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL 20-30 TIMES. HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED DUE TO HONDA NOT BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, May 24, 2005, fire
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON REVERSE SHIFT WASN'T WORK PROPERLY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN THE MORNING WHEN I FIRST START. THE CAR WOLUDN'T MOVE AND LOCKED UP. I NEED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE GEAR THAN REVERSE. SOME OTHER TIME I HAVE TO TURN OFF ENGIN THAN TURN ON TO MOVE THE GEAR. THIS WAS HAPPEN AFTER RECALL FOR MY HONDA POLIT 2003.
Power train, Mar 9, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN: 04V176000 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. TRANMISSION SLIPPING. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED TWICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISION, ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR CHARGES.
Power train, Dec 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS NOISE IN THE FRONT AXLE. IT GOT LOUDER WITH MORE SPEED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *TC
Power train, Nov 1, 2004
04 V 176 000/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THIS RECALL HONORED BY DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING SINCE SEPTEMBER 4, 2004 AND THE PARTS WERE STILL UNAVAILABLE. *JB
Power train, Oct 25, 2004
RECALL TRANSMISSION</A> ISSUE, DEALER IN AREA DID NOT WANT TO DO REPAIRS. *BF CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR HER VEHICLE. RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V176000 *TC
Power train, Sep 29, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V176000 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. MECHANIC REPLACED THE OIL SET PUMP. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Power train, Sep 3, 2004
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR. EARLIER, TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED FOR DIRT IN THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER STATED ON THE RECALL THAT OIL JET WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, AND DID NOT NEED SERVICING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO DISCOLORATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID.*AK
Power train, Sep 3, 2004
AFTER THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL 04V17600 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED WHEN SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *AK