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
746 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jul 25, 2013
2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN LOW GEAR AFTER ENGINE WARMED UP. WHENEVER VEHICLE IS GOING FROM A STOP TO MOVEMENT, SUCH AS RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS AND TRAFFIC, VEHICLE DOE NOT CLICK INTO GEAR RIGHT AWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER WHO STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4100 + 12 HRS LABOR FOR INSTALLATION. VEHICLE ONLY HAS @78,00 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY MY TRANSMISSION HAS NOT SEIZED AS MANY OTHERS HAVE ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING GRAVE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2013
DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT STALLED AND WOULD NOT RE-START. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC WHO HAS BEEN SERVICING OUR VEHICLE. HE STATES THAT THE TIMING BELT PULLEY HAD RIPPED OUT THE WATER PUMP AND CAUSED A BOLT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2013
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND DOES NOT TURN. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS IT FINALLY TURNS AND THEN I CAN START THE CAR. I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE, CALLED UP HONDA AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS SYMPTOM. *TR
Power train, Jul 22, 2013
WE PURCHASED OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT EX-L NEW AT DANBURY HONDA ON FEBRUARY 20, 2003. WE HAVE HAD ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE "D" OR DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW AND HAD IT CHECKED AT THE DEALER EACH TIME, WITH A REPORT BACK THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND IT WOULD GO AWAY. THE DEALER HAS DONE ALMOST ALL OF THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TO OUR VEHICLE AND WE ALSO DO PROACTIVE CARE TO OUR VEHICLE. MOST RECENTLY WE SPENT A GOOD AMOUNT OF MONEY ON REPAIRS TO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH HONDA DEALERSHIPS IN DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA (DISASTER THERE) AND DANBURY, CT. WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, ONLY MONTHS AFTER PUTTING A LOT OF MONEY INTO THE CAR. HAD WE KNOWN WE WOULD BE SPENDING THIS KIND OF MONEY (ABOUT $5K), WE WOULD HAVE TRADED THE CAR IN. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOW CAUGHT IN A FINANCIAL BURDEN WITH HAVING TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE 2003 PILOT, WHICH WE THINK SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL BASED UPON ALL THE ON-LINE RESEARCH WE'VE DONE. CAN ANYONE PLEASE ASSIST? *TR
Tires, Jul 21, 2013
YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER H/T-S GO51 P235/70R16 CRACKING AND SEPARATION OF TIRE TREAD AROUND ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF TIRES. ALL 4 TIRES PURCHASED 6/26/09 AND ONLY 27K MILES. THESE WERE NOT DRY ROT CRACKS. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2013
KEY CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO IGNITION SWITCH. TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO INSERT KEY AND ONCE FULLY INSERTED KEY WON'T TURN IGNITION. TAKES NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS AND EVENTUALLY KEY WILL TURN IGNITION. *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2013
WE BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA PILOT IN 2006. 3 MONTHS AGO WE FOUND OUT IT HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 2004 FOR THE POWERTRAIN. THAT APPARENTLY WAS FIXED AT THAT TIME. IN APRIL, WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE RPMS SHOWING 3000 WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ONLY 35 MPH. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THE POWERTRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COST US OVER $6,000 TO REPLACE INCLUDING OVER $700 TO LEASE A CAR. AMERICAN HONDA SAID THAT THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT AND THAT IT WAS A HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. OUR QUESTION IS WHY WOULD THE POWERTRAIN HAVE TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME WITHIN A 9 YEAR PERIOD. THE 109,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE IS WITHIN IF NOT LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. GRANTED, A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WILL PROBABLY NOT STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IF THE POWERTRAIN WAS FIXED UNDER THE RECALL IN 2004, SHOULD IT NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFT INTERLOCK LEVER AND FAILED TO INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2013
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION, VERY FRUSTRATING WHEN THE KEY DOES NOT WORK. THIS EFFECTS THE LOCK CYLINDERS(TUMBLERS). THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY, STRAIGHT FORWARD ISSUE HONDA WOULD ADDRESS. ALSO HAVE A 2011 PILOT (IN ADDITION TO HONDA MINIVAN) AND CONCERNED THIS WILL OCCUR WITH NEW CAR. UNDERSTAND WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THIS IS A BASIC FUNCTION FOR IGNITION. HONDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE 10 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,000.
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2013
BROKEN IGNITION TUMBLER: I HAD JUST FINISHED RUNNING ERRANDS AND WAS STARTING HOME WHEN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAD NO WARNING THERE WAS A PROBLEM, ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST WOULD NOT TURN...... NOT EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED WITH MY FIVE CHILDREN. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST HONDA DEALERSHIP..THAT ALONE HAS SET ME BACK A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS...NOW DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME I HAVE A BROKEN IGNITION TUMBLER AND IS QUOTING ME $500 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE CONCERNING THIS SAME ISSUE. TO SAY THE LEAST, I AM NOT TOO HAPPY TO BE STUCK HOLDING THE BAG FOR THIS, NOT TO MENTION BEING STRANDED WITH MY CHILDREN, WHICH I THINK IS EVERY MOTHERS WORST NIGHTMARE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 19, 2013
THE MOTOR MOUNTS ON MY WIFE'S 2003 HONDA PILOT WERE REPLACED IN 2010 AND I WAS INFORMED TODAY BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE HAD APPROX 93500 MILES ON IT WHEN IT WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AND NOW THREE YEARS LATER HAS 140,939. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THE MOUNTS ARE WARRANTED FOR 12 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE IS USED BY MY WIFE TO DRIVE 20 MILES ROUNDTRIP TO WORK AND ON OUR TRIPS. THE VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR TOWING AND IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A TOW RECEIVER. ADDITIONALLY, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED WITH A SPLIT WAFER MECHANISM WHICH ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TWO LOCAL LOCKSMITHS WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND CAUSES JAMMING OF THE IGNITION CYLINDER AS WELL AS WEDGING OF THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. LASTLY, WHEN A TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS DONE ON THE CAR IN 2005, IT WAS DONE IMPROPERLY. THE RECALL SPECIFIED A OIL JET BE INSTALLED ON THE TRANSMISSION TO LUBRICATE THE 2ND GEAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE HOSE USED TO CONNECT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SUPPLY LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION USED A STRAIGHT TRANSMISSION HOSE WHICH HAD TO BE BENT 90 DEGREES IN A DISTANCE OF APPROX 2 INCHES TO BE INSTALLED. THIS CAUSES THE HOSE TO BE KINKED AND RESTRICT THE FLOW OF FLUID. HONDA WON'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE REPAIR SHOULD HAVE INCORPORATED A FORMED ELBOW HOSE INSTEAD OF A STRAIGHT HOSE TO ENSURE PROPER FLOW. NOW HONDA IS TELLING ME THEY DON'T HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW MEXICO THAT I CAN SPEAK TO ABOUT THE ABOVE ISSUES. MY CASE NUMBER W/HONDA IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Jun 18, 2013
TRANS. SHUDDERED AT 30-40 MPH. RECALL #04-021 DONE 8/23/04 (OIL JET KIT INSTALLED). DIDN'T SOLVE PROBLEM, WHICH HAS GOTTEN WORSE UNTIL NOW (06/13) AND HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDAS OF THAT YEAR (2003). CAR NOW HAS 125K MILES, HONDA REFUSES TO FIX AS RECALL, WANTS TO REPLACE TRANS. AT MY EXPENSE. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2013
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT TWICE. THE LAST REJECTION, WAS VIA TELEPHONE, IN WHICH HE WAS TOLD THE SYMPTOM FIXED AT HIS EXPENSE WAS A STICKY TUMBLER. THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDED AN INITIAL INTERLOCK FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH HIM BEING ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS NOT IN PARK. A MONTH OR TWO LATER, THE KEY STARTED TO STICK IN THE IGNITION WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION, AND A FEW WEEKS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL EVENTUALLY LOCKED WITH A STUCK KEY. THE CONSUMER AS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE.
Air bags, Jun 10, 2013
AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAS COME ON THE DASH BOARD. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE PASSENGER SIDE RELAY SPEAKER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR
Electrical system, May 24, 2013
KEY WILL NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH,IT IS ALSO DIFFICULT TO INSERT AND REMOVE THE KEY ,TAKE 6 MIN MAX SOMETIMES, CHANGE KEYS AND THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL. SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT GOING TO COST ME $500 OR MORE MATERIAL $200 AND REST IN LABOR I IS THERE A RECALL IN THIS AREA?THIS START TO HAPPEN AFTER I TAKE MY VEHICLES FOR A RECALL ,SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE VEHICLES MOVE WENT THE KEYS INSIDE. *TR
Engine, May 21, 2013
I ALSO HAD BOTH MY FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS GO BAD AND I HAD TO FIX THE PROBLEM I PAID $934.00. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN THAT SIT IN THIS VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES SO IF I KNOW THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE ESPECIALLY WITH THE MOUNTS THAT HOLD MY ENGINE I HAVE TO FIX IT WENT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER DEALT WITH THE RECALLS THAT CAME UP AND HAD THEM SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SINCE IT WAS THERE. I AM SURE THAT I GOT ROBBED BUT, WHAT CAN I DO HAVE TO KEEP MY KIDS SAFE. HUSBAND SAID, THAT THE MOUNTS SHOULD LAST ALOT LONGER HE KNOWS A LOT ABOUT CARS HAVE OTHER CARS OVER 180K AND MOUNTS ARE STILL ORIGINAL WHAT IS GOING ON HONDA GETTING JUNKY ON US. I HOPE THEY CAN FIX WHAT IS GOING ON TOO MANY TRANNY PROBLEMS AND ENGINE ISSUES. SHAME ON YOU NOT HAPPY AT ALL BEEN A CIVIC, ACCORD OWNER ALSO.... *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2013
KEY WILL NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION. IT IS ALSO DIFFICULT TO INSERT AND REMOVE THE KEY. ASSUMED THIS WAS WHAT THE IGNITION RECALL WAS FOR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED AND THAT THEY CANNOT FIX THE RECALL ITEM UNLESS I FIRST GET THE IGNITION FIXED. *TR
Engine, May 20, 2013
THE KEY HAD TROUBLE TURNING IN THE IGNITION. IT GOT WORSE OVER TIME. EVENTUALLY THE KEY WONT TURN AT ALL. LOOKED UP ONLINE AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL AND MAKE OF OUR VEHICLE. HAD IT FIXED IN 2011 AND IT COST OVER $500. NOW IN MAY OF 2013 IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT TAKES OVER 10 MINUTES TO GET THE CAR STARTED WITH TRYING TO TURN THE KEY OVER AND OVER AGAIN WHICH I'M SURE IT'S JUST MAKING IT WORSE AND WORSE. *TR
Engine, May 13, 2013
ENGINE REVS AT 25-30 MPH, AND RPM'S SHOOT UP. IT APPEARS IT WON'T CHANGE GEARS. *TR
Electrical system, May 6, 2013, crash
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HER HUSBAND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE 30 MINUTES LATER, HE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE IN THE PARKING LOT, COMING TO REST AGAINST ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE FRONT OF THAT VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR WAS NOT IN PARK. THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND INFORMED HER, THERE WERE THREE OTHER OCCURRENCES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS, ANYWHERE FROM A FEW FEET TO A FEW YARDS.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V573000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECENTLY, THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SECURED IN PARK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.
Power train, Apr 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,805. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2013
I WAS ABOUT TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BUT IT COULD NOT GET IN. THE KEY MEETS RESISTANCE AND GETS IN AFTER I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION, IT WONT BUDGE AND ACTED AS IF IT WAS LOCKED. SINCE THEN, I DO NOT TAKE THE KEY OFF THE IGNITION BECAUSE I AM AFRAID I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IT IN. IT IS A REALLY SAFETY ISSUE AND HONDA REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT VOLUNTARILY. I WENT ON LINE AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OWNERS WHO ARE LEFT ALONE TO DEAL WITH THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. WHY DO I HAVE TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE WITH THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. HONDA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEIR FLAGRANT IRRESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE HELP US. THANK YOU. *TR