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.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 19, 2013
THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON ON ALL HONDAS AND HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED. THE POWER DOOR LOCK MOTORS CONSISTENTLY GO BAD. SO FAR, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS ON MY PILOT. THE HONDA DEALER IS ASKING FOR $300 PER DOOR!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. *TR
Engine, Apr 19, 2013
I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE AND ON OTHERS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE MOUNTS BREAKING. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND, SURE ENOUGH, MY ENGINE MOUNT HAS BROKEN. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS DRIVEN ON SMOOTH ROADS DAILY. THIS IS A DANGER TO THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
Engine, Apr 15, 2013
I OWN A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 57,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER TAKING IT TO A HONDA SPECIALIST FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT & SIDE ENGINE MOUNT ARE BOTH BROKEN, WITH A REPAIR ESTIMATE OF $503.30. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN A COLLISION, HAS HAD ALL ITS SCHEDULED SERVICES AND IN NO WAY SHOULD THE ENGINE MOUNTS BE BROKEN. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND HONDA SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO REPAIR AS IT SEEMS TO NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED TO BE BROKEN WITH SUCH FEW MILES. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2013
OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS NOW STUCK US TWICE. MY WIFE WAS STUCK IN A PARKING LOT THE OTHER NIGHT FOR OVER AN HOUR TRYING TO GET HER KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE PREVIOUS WEEK THE KEY DID THE SAME THING BUT EVENTUALLY WENT IN AND THEN DIDN'T WANT TO TURN TO THE START POSITION. UNFORTUNATELY THE AREA MY WIFE GOT STRANDED AT THE OTHER NIGHT POSED A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. WE ARE CONCERNED SHE WILL BE ATTACKED AND NOT BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE NOW CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THE HONDA CORP FOR HELP. NEITHER GAVE ME HELP. THEY ONLY TOLD ME TO CONTACT YOU GUYS AND REPORT THE INCIDENT. THEY REALLY DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT MY WIFE'S SAFETY. HONDA BELIEVES IT IS A PART THAT JUST "WEARS OUT". IF IGNITION CYLINDERS WORE OUT WE WOULDN'T BE DRIVING CARS OVER TEN YEARS OLD. WE FIND HONDA'S ANSWER UNACCEPTABLE. ACTUALLY HONDA CORP SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THE WAY THEY EVEN HANDLED THE SITUATION ON THE PHONE. I WAS TALKED TO LIKE A CHILD AND WAS NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED NOW HUNDREDS OF OTHERS ONLINE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP! THIS WILL COST US OVER $500 TO CORRECT. MY WIFE HAS HAD THE INCIDENT HAPPEN TWICE NOW AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING DONE BEFORE SOMEBODY IS ROBBED OR EVEN RAPED WHILE TRYING TO GET A CAR STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED OPERATING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V573000 ( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE SINCE THEY BELIEVED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH WITH SHIFT LEVER IN "D" THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT DOWN A GEAR VERY HARD AND THEN BACK INTO THE PREVIOUS GEAR. IT DOES THIS REPEATEDLY. WAS TOLD BY A HONDA DEALER REPAIR SHOP THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE TRANSMISSION ON A VEHICLE LIKE THIS WITH 160K MILES SHOULD NOT BE FAILING. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 23, 2013
KEY GOT DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEN AFTER A FEW DAYS THE KEY HAD TO BE JIGGLED TO TURN AND THEN AFTER TWO WEEKS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF YOU NEED TO START THE CAR QUICKLY OR IF YOU ARE THREATENED AND NEED TO USE YOUR CAR TO ESCAPE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD BECOME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 177,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR
Power train, Mar 18, 2013
SUDDEN DOWNSHIFTING AND SHUDDERING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DIFFICULTY IN SHIFTING. ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON AND OCCASIONAL SHIFTING PROBLEMS FOR A FEW WEEKS UNTIL CHECKED BY DEALER - PO740 AND PO730 NEEDS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE MOUNT. SAME PROBLEM AS A 100 OF OTHERS. ORIGINAL OWNER FULLY DEALER MAINTAINED FOR 10+ YEARS, EVEN WITH FAIRLY HIGH MILES WELL MAINTAINED TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT FAIL. HONDA DEALER QUOTED $5500 FOR HONDA REBUILT TRANSMISSION WITH NO MENTION OF ANY ASSISTANCE OR OF THE WELL KNOWN AND FREQUENT OCCURRENCE OF THIS ISSUE. A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AS SIMPLE LUCK THIS DIDN'T OCCUR ON THE HIGHWAY AT GREATER SPEED IN HIGH TRAFFIC I FREQUENTLY DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Mar 18, 2013
MY HONDA PILOT IS NOW AT 75,000 MILES. I OBVIOUSLY DON'T DRIVE IT A LOT. THANK GOODNESS BECAUSE IT HAS HAD SO MANY ISSUES. FOR THE LAST 25,000 MILES AND 3 YEARS, IT REVS UP AND DOWN WHEN STOPPED ANYWHERE LIKE A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR IN THE PICKUP LINE AT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL. I HAVE TO PUT IT INTO PARK AND PRESS THE BRAKE WHILE IN PARK TO BE SURE IT DOESN'T LEAP FORWARD INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I'VE HAD THIS LOOKED AT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND THEY FIX IT FOR ABOUT A DAY. I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS AN ONGOING KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. SO, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN ADDRESSED? *TR
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2013
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHEN I TRY AND PUT MY IGNITION KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT REQUIRES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE IT ACTUALLY GOES IN TO THE KEY SLOT WITHOUT RESISTANCE. IT IS AS IF ONE IS PUTTING THE WRONG KEY INTO THE WRONG KEY HOLE. WHEN IT DOES FINALLY GO IN, IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MORE ATTEMPTS FOR THE KEY TO FINALLY TURN AND START THE VEHICLE. *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.
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2013
I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE FROM WORK AND WHEN I TRIED ENTERING THE KEY IT GOT STUCK HALF WAY. I REMOVED IT AND TRIED AGAIN AND THE KEY WENT IT BUT WOULD NOT TURN. I HAD TO TRY MANY TIMES AND THEN CALLED MY HUSBAND, HE SAID TO TAKE THE KEY OUT AND WAIT COUPLE MINUTES THEN TRY AGAIN. I DID WHAT HE SAID AND AFTER THE SECOND TRY IT FINALLY TURNED. SINCE THAT DATE I KEEP HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND THOUGHT SINCE ITS A RECALL HONDA WOULD REPAIR AT NO COST TO ME. WELL TO MY SURPRISE I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM TO REPAIR. THE RECALL I RECEIVED SAID THE INTERLOCK LEVER IN THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY BECOME DEFORMED. :( *TR
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, Feb 4, 2013
UNABLE TO TURN KEY IN IGNITION. APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT MANY 2003 HONDA PILOT OWNERS ARE HAVING. THIS CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAN LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED IN A REMOTE AREA AS HAPPENED WITH ME. IF THE MALFUNCTION IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY PART THEN HONDA SHOULD BARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITY AND COST TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Jan 27, 2013
WHILE ON MY WAYBACK ON I95 FROM RICHMOND, VA TO SILVER SPRING MARYLAND, I SUDDENLY HEARD A NOISE FROM MY BACK WINDOW AND I SAW MY HONDA PILOT SPOILER FLY AWAY AND LAND IN FRONT OF THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC AND ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. TODAY, I STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THIS BACK SPOILER AND I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER HONDA PILOTS ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE CITY WITHOUT THIS BACK SPOILER. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2013
AFTER LOADING MY PILOT, TRIED TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT IT DID NOT GO EASY ON THE SWITCH AND ONCE IN THE SWITCH IT DID NOT TURN ON THE IGNITION. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND OR USE THE SPARE KEY UNTIL THE IGNITION SWITCH WORKED. SINCE JULY 16, 2012, EVERYTIME I START MY PILOT, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TO KEEP MY SPARE KEY ALL THE TIME TO AVOID THE ISSUE ON HAVING TO REENTER THE IGNITION SWITCH. EVERYTIME I FORGET TO KEEP THE SPARE KEY ON THE IGNITION SWITCH I HAVE TO SPEND ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO TRY TO REENGAGE MY KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO HAVE IT WORK. *TR
Power train, Jan 17, 2013, crash
I PARKED MY CAR OUTSIDE A LOCAL STORE WITH A NEARLY ZERO DECLINE. AFTER ENTERING THE STORE AND BEGINNING TO SHOP - A FELLOW SHOPPER CAME IN TO TELL ME THAT MY CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO MAJOR DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. WHEN I ENTERED MY VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN FACT IN PARK BUT THE CAR HAD ROLLED BACK ANYWAYS AND STOPPED ONLY BECAUSE IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2013
KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION DUE TO MISALIGNED WAFERS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN JUST OVER A YEAR WE HAVE HAD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. AT FIRST HAD TO JIGGLE KEY TO BE ABLE TO TURN IT, THEN CAN'T EVEN GET THE KEY IN ALL THE WAY. TAKEN TO LOCKSMITH. FIRST OCCURRED 10/2011, THEN 1/11/2013. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2012
THE KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO THE IGNITION WITHOUT FORCING IT SEVERAL TIMES, AFTER A FEW WEEKS, THE KEY WOULD NOT EVEN TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND THE CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF THE OWNER. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. HONDA CORPORATION SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 19, 2012
I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. I WAS STRANDED, WITH MY KIDS, AND IN THE COLD-UNABLE TO EVEN RUN THE HEAT. THE KEY ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO HONDA AND I WAS WAITING FOR HELP FROM THE COMPANY DUE TO THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THE KEY/IGNITION TUMBLERS, AS WIDELY REPORTED TO ME BY A LOCKSMITH AND A DEALER. HONDA HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THIS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. I FOUND MYSELF STRANDED, WITH 4 YOUNG CHILDREN, AND IN THE COLD-UNABLE TO EVEN RUN THE HEAT. THE KEY ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO HONDA AND I WAS WAITING FOR HELP FROM THE COMPANY DUE TO THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THE KEY/IGNITION TUMBLERS, AS WIDELY REPORTED TO ME BY A LOCKSMITH AND A DEALER. HONDA HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THIS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, PLACE HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SHE HAD REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION PRIOR TO SHIFTING INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Power train, Oct 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A RESIDENTIAL CARPORT. APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES LATER, THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER PARKED IN THE CARPORT BUT HAD ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE CRASH SCENE. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS TO THE EXTERNAL DAMAGES OF THE HATCH BACK DOOR AND REAR BUMPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE ROLL AWAY FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000. UPDATED 12/06/12 *BF UPDATED 12/06/12