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.
Service brakes, Oct 24, 2012
A NEW MASTER CYLINDER FROM AMERICAN HONDA INSTALLED BY A HONDA DEALERSHIP FAILED LESS THAN 1/4 MILE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE WAS DETECTED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN PRESSED THOUGH THIS WAS NOT VERY NOTICEABLE. PRESSING THE BRAKE CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY CAUSED ENOUGH LOSS SO THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH THE FRONT-LEFT BRAKE CYLINDER DUE TO THE FRONT-LEFT BRAKE CYLINDER STICKING CLOSED ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE ORIGINAL BRAKE CYLINDER FAILURE CAUSED ENOUGH SMOKE TO CAUSE THE DRIVER TO INITIALLY BELIEVE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN, PREVENTING HER FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION 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 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN IT TRAVELED OVER A CURB ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK FIRST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. ...UPDATED11/21/12 *BF UPDATED 11/30/2012 *JS
Power train, Oct 10, 2012, crash
I PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. IT ROLLED DOWN A SMALL HILL AND SMASHED INTO A VEHICLE IN THE LOT BELOW. *TR IT APPEARS THE STEERING COLUMN ALLOWED ME TO REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH UPON REMOVING, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL AND CAME TO A STOP ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE GEAR WAS THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK. THERE WAS CURRENTLY AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE12026 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 10/31/12*LJ
Steering, Power train, Oct 6, 2012, crash
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND BEING ABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT IN PARK THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS. ITS LED TO AN ACCIDENT AND A NEAR ONE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY SEIZED IN THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,568.
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
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2012
IGNITION LOCKED UP. THE CAR COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. DEALER WANTED $900 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Sep 20, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION OF MY 2003 HONDA PILOT DIED. WHEN I WENT TO A MESSAGE BOARD AT EDMUNDS.COM I FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2003 PILOTS BEGINNING WITH 90,000 MILES. HONDA CHECKED MY SECOND GEAR THAT THEY DID RECALL BUT CLAIM THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THAT GEAR. A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC THAT REBUILDS TRANSMISSIONS, RECOMMENDED BY TWO MECHANIC FRIENDS OF MINE, AGREES WITH HONDA, THAT IT HAS FAILED COMPLETELY. FOR A COMPANY THAT PRIDES ITSELF FOR A SUPPOSED EXCELLENT MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE REPUTATION, I AND A LOT OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS ARE SORELY DISAPPOINTED. *TR
Power train, Sep 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN PREVIOUSLY TO THE DEALER IN 2004 FOR A RECALL REPAIR UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTING SLIPPING WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND STRUGGLED TO GET OVER A VIADUCT WITH NO POWER TO ACCELERATE. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE THE PILOT SLOWLY HOME AND TOOK TO SHOP. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN CHANGED AT 90K. THE PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE CHANGED BUT DID NOT WORK FOR SLIPPAGE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKE AND NEEDED REPLACING. THIS VEHICLE HAD ALL RECALLS COMPLETED. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Sep 11, 2012
I HAVE BEEN HAVING A HARD TIME TURNING THE IGNITION WITH MY KEY. NOW THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THERE MAY BE A SITUATION WHERE THE CAR MAY NEED TO BE MOVED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CANNOT BE TURNED. I FOUND THIS WEBSITE FROM 23 OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS WEBSITE ALONE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2012
2003 HONDA PILOT IGNITION - AT FIRST WE WERE HAVING ISSUES INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THEN IT PROGRESSED TO NEEDING TO JIGGLE THE KEY IN ORDER TO GET IT TO TURN TO ANY POSITION OF THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULD GO IN BUT IT'D TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, OF A MINIMUM OF 10 TO 15 MINUTES, BEFORE WE COULD GET THE IGNITION TO START. WE READ THE MANUAL AND UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE WHEELS STRAIGHT - THAT SEEMED TO HELP FOR A FEW ATTEMPTS. NOW THE KEY GOES IN BUT DOESN'T TURN AT ALL. WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED ABOUT THIS ISSUE FROM HONDA CUSTOMERS AND THE VOLUME OF CUSTOMERS IT IS AFFECTING WHY ISN'T HONDA DOING THE 'RIGHT THING' AND ISSUING A VOLUNTARY RECALL?! *TR
Power train, Engine, Aug 19, 2012
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2003 HONDA PILOT FROM [XXX] OF COLERAIN IN OHIO. THE CAR HAS 137,000 APPROXIMATE MILES ON IT. THEY WANTED ME TO PAY OVER 15,000 FOR THE CAR AND FINALLY AFTER DEBATING FOR HOURS OVER 4. THEY SOLD ME THE CAR OUT THE DOOR WITH NO WARRANTY OFFERED FOR 10,500. I WAS VERY HAPPY AND I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND ONE ON THE WAY. I BOUGHT THE CAR ON AUGUST 5, 2012 LESS THAN TWO WEEK GO BY AND I AM DRIVING HOME GOING 65MPH ON 71 AND THE CAR JERKS DOWN GEARS TO 30 MILES AN HOUR IN A SPLIT SECOND. MY NECK AND MY BACK ARE BOTH HURTING AND I DO NOT WANT TO SUE NOR TRY TO GET RICH OFF OF THIS. MY COMPLAINT IS, I TOOK THE CAR TO[XXX] OF COLERAIN THE NEXT MORNING THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. SO BASICALLY THEY SAID I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A $7,000 DOLLAR REPAIR. I LEFT THE CAR THERE AND CAME HOME DID ALL KINDS OF RESEARCH FOUND THAT CAR IS UP FOR RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THEY EVEN HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE DEDICATED TO FIXING THIS PROBLEM! HOW CAN HONDA KEEP THESE VEHICLE'S ON THE ROAD? IF MY 17 MONTH OLD WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR WITH ME SHE WOULD HAVE MAYBE BROKE HER NECK. GO DRIVE 65MPH AND THROW THE CAR IN REVERSE THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME! AND THEY SAID I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED USED HONDA? SO WHAT DO I DO ? WHO DO I CALL? AND WHY CAN THEY SELL ME A CAR IN SUCH A STATE? WITH OVER 4 RECALLS ON PARTS AND ONE BEING POTENTIALLY FATAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 17, 2012
CAR "SHUDDERS" AT 40-45 MPH. HONDA HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 PILOT AND ODYSSEY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR SHAKES LIKE IT IS FALLING APART. APPROX. COST TO REPAIR $4,000.00. *TR
Power train, Aug 16, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE AND EARLY WAS SLIPPING WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGH WAY. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2012
2003 HONDA PILOT IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM- THE FIRST DAY I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS INSERTING KEY INTO IGNITION AND HAD TO JIGGLE IT AROUND IN ORDER TO TURN IT TO START THE ENGINE. THE NEXT DAY THE KEY WOULD GO IN BUT IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES TRYING TO START THE IGNITION. I WAS GETTING STUCK IN STORE PARKING LOTS AND AT HOME. NOW THE KEY GOES IN AND DOESN'T TURN AT ALL. THE STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO LOCKED AS WELL AS THE GEAR SHIFT SO THERE IS NO WAY TO PUT IN NEUTRAL TO TOW IT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 12, 2012
THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT SLIDE INTO THE IGNITION WITHOUT A GREAT AMOUNT OF EFFORT AND TIME. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. I WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *TR
Structure, Aug 11, 2012
THE CHROME FINISH ON THE DOOR HANDLES FROM THE INSIDE, THIS CHROME FINISH IS A THINK LATER OF MATERIAL ALMOST LIKE FLEX METAL - IT'S VERY SHARP AND EASILY CREATES CUTS IN HAND WHEN OPENING THE CAR DOORS. APPROX 3 DAYS AGO, I WAS MOVING MY HAND AS I WAS DRIVING AND MY FINGER TOUCHED THE PEALING CHROME FINISH CREATING A DEEP CUT CAUSING PAIN AND BLEEDING. I HAVE KIDS AND THEY MAY GET HURT BY THIS. *TR
Power train, Aug 7, 2012
2003 HONDA PILOT EXL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AT 101,950 MILES IN JUNE OF 2012. THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH A SINGLE TRANSMISSION SLIP AND SEVERE HARD (SHIFT) ENGAGEMENT WHILE ACCELERATING BETWEEN 40 AND 45 MPH. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED IN OCCURRENCE. THEN REVERSE GEAR SELECTION STARTED SLIPPING AND FAILING TO ENGAGE. FROM THAT POINT ON, THE PILOT TRANSMISSION BEGAN CONSISTENTLY SLIPPING AND SLAMMING (HARD SHIFTING) ALL GEARS (INCLUDING WHILE IN D1,D2 AND D3) AND THE LONGER IT WAS DRIVEN, THE WORSE IT GOT, EVEN SLIPPING AND SLAMMING THE DOWNSHIFT GEAR CHANGES MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND DRIVE ON THE ROAD. THE HARD SHIFTING WAS BECOMING SO SEVERE THAT IT FELT LIKE TRANSMISSION GEAR TOOTH FAILURE WAS EMINENT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, NO FLASHING 'D' OR TROUBLE CODES ON THE PCM WERE FOUND, EVEN WITH ALL OF PROBLEMS. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS REGULARLY SERVICED RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH A 'REMANUFACTURED HONDA TRANSMISSION' AT A COST OF OVER $6400, WITH NO ASSISTANCE FROM HONDA CORPORATE. FILING A COMPLAINT WITH HONDA CORPORATE ONLY ADDED TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT, WHERE THE HONDA REPRESENTATIVES I DEALT WITH APPEARED TO BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT TRYING TO TURN A PROFIT ON REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION RATHER THAN BEING CONCERNED ABOUT TREATING THEIR CUSTOMER FAIRLY AND OR LOSING CUSTOMER LOYALTY. NOTE, THIS PILOT HAD THE TRANSMISSION 2ND/3RD GEAR OIL-JET KIT RECALL PERFORMED IN 2004 AND APPARENTLY, IT ONLY POSTPONED FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO, THIS PILOT WAS NEVER ABUSED, ALWAYS DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS, NEVER TOWED ANYTHING AND NEVER HAD TO USE THE VTM-4 WHEEL DRIVE LOCKUP MODE. THE TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS WERE REPLACED EVERY 30,000 MILES WITH HONDA FLUIDS PER THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2012
THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I WAS STRANDED AT WORK FOR SEVERAL HOURS. HONDA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY $600 FOR A REPAIR THEY ARE WELL AWARE DO TO A PARTS DEFECT. PREVIOUSLY THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD STARTED TO ROLL BACK ON THE INCLINED DRIVE WAY WHEN I REMOVED THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFTER STILL IN DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2012
VEHICLE SHUDDER/SHAKE STARTING AT 50 MPH. ADVISED NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION. CALLED HONDA TO CHECK IF RECALL OR WOULD BE REIMBURSED. TOLD NO AND SAID WANTED PROBLEM ON RECORD. REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT OWN EXPENSE $3045. DRIVE LIGHT PERIODICALLY FLASHES. HAVE NOT REPAIRED AS >$300. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 18, 2012
THE PILOT SHUDDERS GOING AT SLOWER RATES OF SPEED AT PRETTY REGULAR INSTANCES. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, POSSIBLY THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2003 HONDA PILOTS. *TR
Power train, Jul 18, 2012
HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW. HAD THE 2ND GEAR RECALL DONE AS REQUIRED AT ABOUT 30,000. AT 96,000 THAT TRANNY WENT OUT AND HAD A "REBUILT" INSTALLED BY SUNSET HONDA SLO, CA. UNDER WARRANTY. AT ABOUT 150000, D INDICATOR FLASHED MEANING SENSORS ON TRANNY NEEDED REPLACEMENT.NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF DRIVE, SOMETIMES WHEN COMING OUT OF STOP, ENGINE JUST REVVING BUT NO DRIVE, ALSO, AS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE YESTERDAY, WHEN GOING AT ABOUT 35, LOSS OF POWER/DRIVE OCCURRED. THIS COULD SHOW THAT I NEED AN ACTUAL DECENT NEW TRANNY PUT IN! I HAVE YET TO VISIT MY WELL QUALIFIED AND NON HONDA DEALER MECHANIC! I HAVE BEEN A HONDA OWNER SINCE 1992 AND THIS WILL BE MY LAST HONDA EVER! THE RELIABILITY IS OVER WITH AND THEY ARE WAY OVERPRICED. *TR