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, Jul 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2012
STEERING LOCK ALLOWS DRIVER TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT PLACING THE GEAR SELECTOR TO "PARK". CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. THERE (LUCKILY) WAS NO DAMAGE AND NO ONE WAS HURT. CAR WAS ALSO BROUGHT TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER TO REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH UNLOCKING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE CAR. KEY REGULARLY BECAME STUCK IN THE KEYHOLE. THIS COULD LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED REPAIR FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKING FROM WAS $518. THE REPAIR ALSO FIXED THE GEAR SELECTOR ISSUE (CAN NO LONGER REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT PLACING THE SELECTOR IN "PARK"). THE MAIN CONCERN HERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOMEONE REMOVES THE KEY AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS INTO AN UNSUSPECTING PERSON OR STRIKES ANOTHER VEHICLE. OF SECONDARY CONCERN IS FOR SOMEONE TO BE STRANDED BECAUSE THE MECHANICAL IGNITION MECHANISM FAILS. *JS
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO INSERT AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jun 19, 2012
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL 12V-136 CONCERNING LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS *TGW ON DECEMBER 7, 2011, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO THE A/C NOT WORKING. THE DEALER FOUND THE BLOWER MOTOR TRANSISTOR WAS FAULTY. THE AC TRANSISTOR WAS REPLACED AND RE-TESTED AND OPERATING NORMALLY. THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO REPLACE THE AC TRANSISTOR, THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE WORKING. THE VERY NEXT MORNING, SHE DISCOVERED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. ON DECEMBER 13, 2011 BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 142.06. IN APRIL 2012. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OFF FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN COME BACK ON AGAIN. ON MAY 10, 2012, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, STATING THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL WOULD BE REPLACED, AND IF NECESSARY THE COMBINATION LIGHTING SWITCH WOULD BE REPLACED TOO. ON THE SAME DAY SHE RECEIVED THE NOTICE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE DEALER, THE LOW BEAMS WEREN'T WORKING AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE LOW BEAM BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER ASKED THE DEALER, WOULD REPLACING THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL FIX THE PROBLEM, AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR RESPONDED BY SAYING NO, AS THE TERMINAL HAD NOTHING TO WITH THE LOW BEAM. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND LATER THAT AFTERNOON, THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS WERE WORKING AGAIN. ON MAY 21, 2012. THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS FAILED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE COMBINATION LIGHT SWITCH AND NOT THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL. THE LOW BEAMS ARE CURRENTLY NOT WORKING, WHICH IS FORCING THE CONSUMER TO USE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. *JB UPDATED 09/06/12. *JB
Power train, Jun 8, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE TO A HIGHER GEAR CAUSING THE ENGINE RPMS TO INCREASE DRAMATICALLY. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY THE AUTOMOBILE BEHIND ME. EVENTUALLY THE TRANSMISSION DID FIND 3RD GEAR. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL EPISODE. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ALWAYS OCCURS WITH THE SECOND GEAR. ONCE THE GEAR WOULDN'T CHANGE WHILE I WAS MERGING INTO INTERSTATE TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY DEALER, CROWN HONDA OF DURHAM, NC, BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED BY PILOT FROM THEM AS A NEW VEHICLE, HAD THE 2004 TRANSMISSION 2ND GEAR RECALL "FIX" PERFORMED BY THEM, AND HAD THEM PERFORM ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE FOR THE FIRST 5 YEARS. I ALSO HAD MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWING THAT I HAD PERFORMED ALL MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED BY HONDA FOR THE PAST 9.5 YEARS, INCLUDING HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THEY DIDN'T DENY KNOWING OF THE MANY TRANSMISSION FAILURES OF HONDA VEHICLES, THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT NO COST OR AT A DISCOUNTED COST. *JS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 6, 2012
SHUDDERING AND JERKING WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. ALSO DOES THE SAME IN REVERSE. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON HIGHWAY ON-RAMP. WHILE AT HIGH HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAR FELT LIKE IT FELL OUT OF GEAR AND LOST POWER, UNTIL THE GEAR ENGAGED AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2012
FRONT ENGINE MOUNT WAS BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW, AT 84105 MILES, THE SIDE ENGINE MOUNT IS BROKEN. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS SINCE 1975, AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY ENGINE MOUNT UNTIL THIS 2003 HONDA PILOT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 29, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S 2003 HONDA PILOT STOPPED AT LIGHT AND WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE AWAY STARTED TO SMELL GASOLINE VAPORS COMING INTO VEHICLE. DROVE HOME AND SMELL CONTINUED AFTER SHUTTING VEHICLE OFF. NEXT MORNING DROVE TO HONDA DEALER ON TYNDALL PARKWAY, IN PANAMA CITY FLORIDA, WAITED ALL DAY FOR AN ANSWER FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT, FINALLY 1500 HRS ON FRIDAY, THEY TOLD ME THE FUEL LINE HAD SEPARATED AT JOINTS AND COUPLINGS AND THAT WAS THE SMELL I EXPERIENCED. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN AWAITING PARTS TO REPAIR FUEL LINE. I WAS TOLD PARTS WOULD NOT ARRIVE UNTIL TUESDAY 5-29-2012, THEY STILL HAVEN'T, WAS TOLD AGAIN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON 5-30-12. THEY ALSO ADVISED ME IT WOULD COST$ 250, FOR PART AND TOTAL BILL WOULD BE $1300, WHEN I ASKED WHY SO MUCH, THEY STATED LABOR WOULD BE FOR 11 HRS AND COST $1150. BEING IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AGREED TO PAY AS MY WIFE HAS MS AND IS HANDICAP AND HAVING TO KEEP A WINDOW OPEN IN 90+ TEMP. WOULD CAUSE HER MS TO FLAIR AND POSSIBLE RELAPSE. .1). MY QUESTION IS WHY WASN'T THIS VEHICLE RECALLED AS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH POSSIBLE EFFECTS FROM GASOLINE FUMES EXPOSURE AND POSSIBILITY OF CATCHING ON FIRE OF VEHICLE WHICH BOTH COULD HAVE LEAD TO POSSIBLE DEATH OR INJURY OF HANDICAP INDIVIDUAL OR VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. AND IS IT COMMON FOR THE FUEL LINE TO BREAK IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE? 2). DOES HONDA ALLOW FOR 11 HRS TO REPLACE AND REPAIR THE FUEL, AND WHAT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MATTER OF THIS INCIDENT? NOT TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO FAULTY EQUIPMENT OF THEIR VEHICLES. I WANT A RESPONSE FROM HONDA ON THESE ISSUES. 3). AND A INVESTIGATION INTO THESE CONCERNS INVOLVING FUEL LINE BURST AND CONNECTIONS INVOLVED HERE. AND WILL THIS DEALER PROVIDE WRITTEN INFORMATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND WILL THEY NOTIFY HONDA HEADQUARTERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICES OF THIS INCIDENT? UPDATED IVOQ 06/06/12 ....UPDATED 06/18/12 *BF *TR
Seats, May 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED AND AS A RESULT, THE SEAT WOULD MOVE AROUND WHILE THE CONTACT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A BRACKET UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE FROM SIMPLE METAL FATIGUE. UPDATED 07/23/12
Exterior lighting, May 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LENSES CAME OFF INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT BRAKE LIGHT COVER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COVER WOULD FRACTURE EASILY ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 07/18/12
Engine, May 15, 2012
TOOK PILOT IN FOR HEADLIGHT RECALL WIRING REPLACEMENT. MINE HAD CONNECTOR COMPLETELY MELTED. REPLACED. WAS TOLD ON PICKUP THAT ALL THREE ENGINE MOUNTS WERE BROKE! THAT EXPLAINS THE CLUNK WITH ACCELERATION . I DRIVE THIS PILOT LIKE AN OLD LADY GOING TO CHURCH. HOW ALL THREE ARE BROKE AT THE SAME TIME THE ODDS ARE TOO HIGH FOR THAT! BAD DESIGN?? POOR MATERIALS???CALLED HONDA MUM IS THE WORD,NO RECALL ON ENGINE MOUNTS,GO FIGURE FOR SURE. *JS
Electrical system, May 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Power train, May 10, 2012
I ORIGINALLY HAD THE 45-50 MPH HORRIBLE SHUDDER, BUT HONDA DID FIX THAT ISSUE AND THEY SAID THE HUBS WERE DEFECTIVE. AT 117,000, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SKIP AND JERK HORRIBLY AND THE REVS SPIKED. I DROVE TO HONDA AND THEY SAID THE TRANS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $5,000. I HAD IT REBUILT BY AAMCO FOR $2,700. WITHIN 15,000 MILES, THE FLASHING D AND VTM-4 LIGHT WOULD START COMING ON. I DROVE IT TO AAMCO WHILE THE FLASHING D WAS OCURING AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES. I HAVE PRECEEDED TO DRIVE AND REPLACE THE TRANS FLUID EVERY 20,000 JUST IN CASE, TO BE SAFE. THE FLASHING D IS ANNOYING. I HAVE STARTED TO SENSE THE SHIFTING AT 2 AND 3RD GEAR TO BE GETTING ROUGHER OVER TIME. I FORESEE NUMBER 3 TRANSMISSION COMING SOON. HONDA AMERICA CORP WOULD NOT HELP SAYING THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FUNNY THING IS THAT I MENTIONED ALL THE PEOPLE ON-LINE COMPLAINING ABOUT TRANS ISSUES, THE REPLY: "HONDA DOES NOT SEE AN INCREASED AMOUNT OF CLAIMS ON ANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES ON THE PILOT". WHAT LIARS! I'VE OWNED 4 HONDAS BEFORE AND THE QUALITY IS GONE. I WON'T BUY HONDA AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, May 10, 2012
NEITHER OF THE KEYS WILL GO COMPLETELY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THEREFORE THE KEY CANNOT BE TURNED AND THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED. *TR
Seat belts, May 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CHILD WAS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE SEAT NEXT TO THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE SHOULDER BELT OF THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT AND THE SEAT BELT BECAME WRAPPED AROUND THE CHILD. THE SEAT BELT THEN LOCKED AND BEGAN CHOKING THE CHILD. THE CONTACT HAD TO SEVER THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE CHILD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN CUT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Power train, May 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ARRIVED AT HOME AND FORGET TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 124,000.
Power train, May 5, 2012
I AM EXPERIENCING SHUDDER OR PROBLEM CHANGING THE GEAR. THE ENGINE LIGHTS IS ON NOW AND NOT CLEARING UP. I HAVE SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM ON LINE FROM OTHER PEOPLE AND ALL POINTING TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION WITH THIS MODEL. *TR
Seats, May 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BECAME SLIGHTLY DETACHED AND BEGAN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Power train, Electrical system, May 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK AND THE WINDOWS SPORADICALLY FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE LIGHTS WITHIN THE BUTTONS ON THE DASHBOARD STOPPED WORKING AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE AIR CONDITIONER FAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/15/12 * BF
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLERS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 04/02/12 *BF
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 10, 2012
HAVING TROUBLE INSERTING KEY INTO IGNITION. HAVE TO TRY MULTIPLE TIMES, TURNING THE KEY UPSIDE DOWN, RIGHT SIDE UP, REPETITIVE IN & OUT, EVENTUALLY IT GOES IN, BUT AFRAID THAT EVENTUALLY IT WILL NOT WORK. CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AS I SAW MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE, BUT HONDA SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IT'S NOT WIDESPREAD ENOUGH FOR THEM TO TAKE NOTICE. I'M AFRAID THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO WORK, SO WILL TAKE IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR (APPARENTLY ONLY DEALERSHIP HAS TO FIX IT BECAUSE NEW KEYS WILL NEED TO BE PROGRAMMED. THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT CHOICES FOR COST, ONE TO JUST REPLACE THE IGNITION AND GET NEW KEYS, AND ANOTHER CHOICE IS TO ALSO CHANGE THE DOOR LOCKS SO THAT THE NEW KEYS WILL OPEN THE DOOR.) IF YOU'RE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, PLEASE LOG A COMPLAINT SO THAT IT BECOMES "WIDESPREAD ENOUGH TO TAKE NOTICE" AND MAY BE THOSE OF US WHO PAY/PAID TO GET THIS ISSUE REPAIRED CAN GET A REFUND. THANK YOU! *TR
Power train, Apr 9, 2012
WHEN THE CAR IS ACCELERATING, BETWEEN EITHER 2ND AND 3RD GEARS, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE RPM'S GO UP TO ABOUT 6000 BECAUSE IT IS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. IF THE CAR IS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE, THE PILOT WILL BEGIN TO DRIVE NORMALLY. IF THE DRIVER LETS UP OFF THE GAS COMPLETELY AND RPM'S FALL ALL THE WAY DOWN, IT WILL SOMETIMES RE-ENGAGE. THE PILOT HAS DONE THIS 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THERE WAS A RECALL ON PILOT TRANSMISSIONS BUT HONDA HAS NO RECORD OF IT BEING DONE AND WAS TOLD OURS DID NOT SHOW UP IN THEIR SYSTEM ALTHOUGH IT WAS ON ALL 2003 PILOTS. WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AFTER BUYING FROM A LOCAL HONDA DEALER. THE PILOT HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. *TR
Power train, Mar 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND GEAR OF THE TRANSMISSION BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH UPHILL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S STATEMENT AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 27, 2012
I TOOK MY PILOT IN FOR A SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD I HAD BAD MOTOR MOUNTS AND THAT WAS ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP. I SPENT APPROX. $3600.00 TO HAVE THE MOTOR MOUNTS FIXED, TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS, ETC. FIXED. THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, THIS TIME, GETTING A FLASHING "D" LIGHT. TOOK IT BACK IN FOR FAILURE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HAD 4TH GEAR PRESSURE GEAR REPLACED FOR COST. I NOW HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON POSTING A CODE OF P0730, "INCORRECT GEAR RATIO". I HAVE BEEN INTO HONDA 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE INCLUDING TODAY, AND I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY OF COURSE, BUT I KNOW THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT WAS BUILT POORLY. I AM WORRIED I MIGHT GET INTO A CRASH BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM CONTEMPLATING HIRING A LAWYER TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Mar 27, 2012
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WITH ONLY 115,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION FOR $4,000.00. I PURCHASED IT FOR RELIABILITY & THIS IS THE 4TH HONDA I'VE OWNED. LEAVES BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH. *TR