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: seats
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Seats, Dec 3, 2019
SPONTANEOUSLY SNAPPED MOUNTING BRACKET ON DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT, BETWEEN MOUNTED FRAME/SUPPORT AND ADJUSTABLE SEAT COMPONENTS. A POTENTIALLY LETHAL AND ORIGINAL SAFETY RECALL-ABLE ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER ADDRESSED BY HONDA, RIGHT FROM THE VERY START OF THE HONDA PILOT MODELS. I HAVE READ DOZENS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF EARLY YEAR PILOTS...
Seats, Jun 1, 2018
THE BRACKET WHICH HOLDS THE DRIVERS SEAT TO THE SLIDING BASE, SPLIT AND BROKE. THE BRACKET SPLIT AND BROKE AT THE TWO RIVET HOLES WHERE THE SEAT ATTCHES TO THE BASE. THE RIVETS ARE STILL IN PLACE ON THE PORTION OF THE BROKEN BRACKET WHICH REMAINS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT. INCIDENT OCCURED WHILE PARKED IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY. I WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND REACHED INTO THE MIDDLE PASSENGER AREA WHEN I FELT THE DRIVER'S SEAT COME LOOSE. I DO NOT KNOW THE MOUNTING BRACKET PART NUMBER, BUT ON THE INTERNET I SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM: THE BRACKET WHICH HOLDS THE DRIVERS SEAT TO THE SLIDING BASE, SPLIT AND BROKE.
Seats, Nov 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE SEAT INADVERTENTLY MOVED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT WOULD ROCK LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,193.
Seats, Apr 25, 2017
NOTICE WHEN WHILE STOPPED, MOVING THE DRIVER'S ELECTRIC SEAT EITHER UP AND THEN FORWARD, IT BEGAN TO ROCK. THE NEXT TIME, WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY, A ROCKING MOVEMENT WAS FELT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS DAMAGED, WITH ONE BOLT OFF. TWO OPTIONS 1) REPLACE FOR $2K OR 2) GET FRAME WELDED, NO GUARANTEE WILL FIX PROBLEM. POWER OPTIONS MAY NOT WORK. A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS NOT CURRENTLY ON HONDA OF AMERICA'S RECALL LIST. CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA TO REPORT THIS; NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. I ASKED IF THIS IS UNDER INVESTIGATION, AND THEY SAID NO. I ASKED WILL THERE HAVE TO BE A DEATH BEFORE ACTION OR RECALL? NO ANSWER. I AM CONTACTING THIS AGENCY AND MY STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, BECAUSE I FEAR THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY HONDA OF AMERICA.
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.
Seats, May 4, 2016
METAL BRACKET MOUNTING DRIVER'S SEAT TO BASE HAS SHEARED OR TORN AND THE SEAT NOW TILTS AND WOBBLES. VERY UNSAFE SITUATION AS THE SEAT TILTS BACK DURING ACCELERATION AND SHIFTS FORWARD DURING BRAKING.
Seats, Dec 10, 2014, crash
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN MARYLAND. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR EXTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAIN DAMAGE WAS TO MY NECK WHICH RECEIVED A SERIOUS STRAIN AND HAS HURT EVER SINCE THE ACCIDENT. BECAUSE THE HEADRESTS ON THE PILOT ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE, THE BACK OF MY HEAD WAS SEVERAL INCHES AWAY FROM THE HEADREST WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND. THIS IS A FAULTY DESIGN AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED OR REPLACED BY HONDA. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID WHIPLASH INJURY IN THIS CAR IF ONE IS HIT FROM THE REAR. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Seats, Dec 9, 2014, crash
THE CAR WAS MOVED INTO LOCATION, TURNED OFF, AND THE KEY REMOVED LEADING TO THE DRIVER THINKING THE CAR WAS IN PARK, HOWEVER THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CAR WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, ROLL OVER A TREE, AND CRASH INTO ANOTHER TREE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. *TR
Seats, Sep 13, 2014
I PICKED UP MY GRANDCHILDREN FROM SCHOOL WHICH IS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY. WHEN I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AFTER A STOP, I FELT THE BACK OF THE SEAT GO BACK. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE CAR TO A PLACE WHERE WE HAVE OUR OIL CHANGED AND TIRES ROTATED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE SUPPORT MOUNT BRACKET FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS BROKEN. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE TO FATAL INJURY HAD I BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE THIS WAS GOING ON. I HAD TO CROSS ROUTE 83 IN BENSENVILLE/WOOD DALE AREA IN ILLINOIS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Seats, May 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FRACTURED POWER SEAT FRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Seats, Mar 24, 2014
SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE. SEAT NOW IS NOT FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE FLOOR AND WILL ROCK BACK TO THE RIGHT WHEN SEATED. IT'S NOT SAFE IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. I KNOW THE CAR IS GETTING OLDER, BUT SOME IMPORTANT PARTS THAT COULD COMPROMISE DRIVER SAFETY SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER A FEW YEARS OF REGULAR USE. *TR
Seats, Jan 8, 2014
STEEL BRACKET OR WELD TO STEEL BRACKET HOLDING LEFT FRONT DRIVERS SEAT TO FLOOR BROKE RENDERING SEAT UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. HONDA HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, WEB RESEARCH SHOWS MULTIPLE YEAR HONDA PILOTS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. HONDA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. DEALER COULD DO NOTHING AND SUGGESTED I CALL AMERICAN HONDA WHICH I DID AND THE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PHONE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DUE TO AGE AND MILEAGE OF VEHICLE. THE REP SAID I COULD WRITE AND HAVE MY CASE REVIEWED. I WROTE ON 1/2 AND JUST RECEIVED A PHONE CALL TODAY, 1/8 FROM THE PA AREA CASE REP WHO TOLD ME, AND I QUOTE, "COMMON SENSE TELLS YOU THAT SOMETHING ALMOST 11 YEARS OLD WILL BREAK". I DO NOT BELIEVE A STEEL PART OR WELD HOLDING THE PART TOGETHER SHOULD BREAK. I WAS TOLD BY THE PA AREA CASE REP THAT THE PHONE CALL WAS MY RESPONSE AND I WOULD NOT BE RECEIVING A REPLY IN WRITING. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR
Structure, Seats, Nov 10, 2013
DURING NORMAL ACCELERATION FROM STOP I FELT MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SNAP AND GIVE ALLOWING MY BODY TO LEAN BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. VISUAL INSPECTION UNDER SEAT SHOW FATIGUED METAL BRACKET AT FORWARD OUTBOUND POSITION OF SEAT BASE/BRACKET JUST ABOVE RAILS. I WOULD ASSUME INTEGRITY/SAFETY OF SEAT IS COMPROMISED. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN DURING NORMAL ACCELERATION/USE. *TR
Seats, Nov 3, 2013
THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME SHEARED OFF ON THE FRONT BAR, LEFT SIDE. THE SEAT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FRAME. IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, I FEAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN. THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE INFLUENTIAL CAUSAL EFFECT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST BROKE. THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING, A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. THIS SEEMS TO PROBLEMATIC AMONG 2003 - 2006 HONDA PILOTS. HONDA NEEDS TO DO A RECALL? *TR
Seats, Mar 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Seats, Feb 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED AND THE SEAT WOULD MOVE AROUND WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,595.
Seats, Feb 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT-LEFT BRACKET OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE ERRATICALLY, LEADING TO TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. THE INCIDENT HAD THE POTENTIAL OF BEING MUCH MORE SERIOUS, HAD THERE BEEN MORE TRAFFIC AND/OR WERE I DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE QUITE COMMON AMONG HONDA PILOTS. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWS MANY PILOT OWNERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, SPECIFICALLY, FAILURE OF THE FRONT-LEFT DRIVERS SEAT BRACKET. AS A RESULT, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP, NORM REEVES HONDA, TO HAVE THE ISSUE REMEDIED. I WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $1,600 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, I AGREED TO THE PRICE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A SATURDAY MORNING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN THAT SATURDAY AND WAITED 8 HOURS IN LOBBY ONLY TO HAVE THE SERVICE ADVISOR TELL ME THAT THE REPAIR WOULD HAVE TO BE DELAYED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART ORDERED FOR THE REPLACEMENT WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS FACT ONLY FURTHER LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE WITH THIS PART OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Visibility/wiper, Sep 25, 2012
REAR HATCH WINDOW WIPER BLEW THE FUSE. THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY AIR BAGS OR MY SEAT SENSORS. A NEW FUSE FIXED THE WIPER BUT WOULD NOT TURN OFF SRS LIGHT. DEALER WANTED $100 PLUS DOLLARS TO CHECK SYSTEM AND TURN OFF LIGHT. INDEPENDENT MECH. CHECKED SYSTEM FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND RESET THE LIGHT. WHY IS A WIPER MOTOR TIED INTO THE SEAT SENSOR AND AIR BAGS? *TR
Seats, May 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED AND AS A RESULT, THE SEAT WOULD MOVE AROUND WHILE THE CONTACT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A BRACKET UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE FROM SIMPLE METAL FATIGUE. UPDATED 07/23/12
Seats, May 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BECAME SLIGHTLY DETACHED AND BEGAN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Seats, Jun 11, 2011
OWN A 2003 HONDA PILOT AND THE MIDDLE SEAT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE AND WON'T RECLINE OR GO DOWN. COULD CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE REAR PASSENGERS CAN'T GET OUT. *TR
Seats, Aug 17, 2010
PLASTIC PANEL HOUSING DRIVERS SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SEAT OF MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE SCREW THAT HELD IT IN PLACE IS STILL THERE BUT THE PLASTIC PANELING BEING HELD BY THE SCREW HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE PANEL. THIS HAPPENED IN THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE OWNED IT. TRIED TO GET IT FIXED. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. *TR
Seats, Aug 12, 2010
THE PLASTIC PANEL HOUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SEAT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE SCREW THAT HELD IT IN PLACE IS STILL SEATED, BUT THE PLASTIC PANELING BEING HELD BY THE SCREW HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE PANEL. *TR
Seats, Aug 12, 2010
THE DRIVER'S SEAT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE FRAME OR BRACKET IN THE FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE. THE SEAT ROCKS PRECARIOUSLY WHEN I DRIVE OR ACCELERATE. THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY HAZARD, AND I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM, AND WHETHER HONDA HAS AN OBLIGATION TO FIX IT. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Feb 16, 2010
THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES: 1. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITH THE KEY NOT FITTING PROPERLY AS IT ONCE DID, PERHAPS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. WHEN I TURN THE KEY OR PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WON'T TURN TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND IT DOESN'T MATTER. THE PILOT STILL WON'T START. WHEN READING THE MANUAL, IT'S A PUSH SIGN UNDER THE IGNITION BUT THIS ISN'T ADDRESSED IN THE MANUAL. IT DOESN'T TELL YOU THE PURPOSE OF THE PUSH SIGN. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AND I'VE LET OTHERS TRY ALSO. AND IT DOESN'T WORK FOR ANYONE. THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT BUT THE WHEELS ARE NOT AND IT WON'T TURN TO THE RIGHT IT ALL; IT'S LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WON'T GO IN NEUTRAL, SO I CAN ROLL IT OR NOTHING. 2. THERE IS KNOCKING NOISE THAT IS LOUDER WHEN YOU ACCELERATE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE PERHAPS IT'S COMING FROM THE DRIVE-TRAIN OR AXLE ON THAT SIDE, ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND MAY FALL OFF. 3. THE RADIO TURNS OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS RANDOMLY AND IT MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE AND SUDDENLY DOES ONCE AGAIN. 4. THE LOCK AND HANDLE TO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BROKE OFF AND CANNOT BE OPENED. 5. THE WIRE TO CONTROL THE HANDLES FOR THE REAR SEATS TO RECLINE AND FOLD DOWN BROKE FROM WITHIN THE SEATS. I LOOKED INSIDE IT'S THE PIECE OF PLASTIC TO HOLD THE WIRE IN PLACE THAT BROKE, THERE NEEDS TO BE A BETTER REPLACEMENT PART MADE OF STEEL NOT PLASTIC. 6. THE FLOOR MAT STICKS IN BUNCHES CAUSING THE CARPET TO SOIL CAN BE HAZARDOUS I.E. TOYOTA, ONLY REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE FLOOR MAT FOR THE TRUCK ENTIRELY, VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE... 7. WHEN IT REACHES 30MPH IT SHAKES AND YOU CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE LIKE YOU'RE DRIVING OVER SOMETHING RIDGED IT'S SCARY. 8. THE BUTTON FOR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT FUNCTION 9. THE CHROME ON THE DOOR HANDLES PEELED OFF TEARING THE SKIN CAUSING INJURIES TO THE HAND, MY FINGER STILL FEELS TINGLY AND NUMB. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR