2003 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 746 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 43 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlights, switchMar 30, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V136000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineAug 28, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 02V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
746 reports, newest first.
Power train, Dec 15, 2010
TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER ONLY 102,000 MILES 2003 HONDA PILOT. *TR
Power train, Dec 15, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION RECALL IN OCT 2004 AND TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION GEAR PRESSURE SWITCH IN DECEMBER 2010. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK ABNORMALLY AND WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO INSERT THE KEY, HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OVER AND THE WHEELS WOULD REMAIN LOCKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WOULD SPORADICALLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT HE WOULD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SO THAT THE KEY WOULD FIT INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS THE ORIGINAL KEY PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Equipment, Dec 3, 2010, fire
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH DVD PLAYER AND WIRELESS HEADPHONES. MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR TWO YOUNG KIDS WHO WERE WATCHING A DVD WITH THE HEADPHONES. THE KIDS STATED THAT THE HEADPHONES STOPPED WORKING AND STARTED MAKING A WHITE NOISE SOUND. A FEW MINUTES LATER WE SAW SMOKE COME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD, THROUGH THE TAPE DECK AND OTHER OPENINGS. WE WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND HAD LIMITED VISIBILITY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT WRECKING. WE ALL GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LET THE SMOKE CLEAR. AFTERWARDS, WE TOOK IT TO THE CHARLESTON, SC DEALERSHIP. EVEN THOUGH THEY FOUND BURNT PARTS IN THE DVD PLAYER, THEY REFUSED TO HELP. THEY WANTED OVER $1000 TO PUT IN A NEW DVD PLAYER. WE TOOK THE PAPERWORK AND LEFT, WHILE THE DVD HEADPHONES STILL DO NOT WORK TO THIS DAY. I EVEN FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB, WITHOUT SUCCESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED FUNCTIONING AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Power train, Nov 19, 2010
CAR CLUNKED WHEN ACCELERATING, SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, HAPPENED HERE AND THERE AND THEN HAPPENED MORE OFTEN. TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Nov 16, 2010
I PURCHASED THE 2003 HONDA PILOT IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. AT ABOUT 32,000 MILES, A "SHUTTERING" BEGAN TO OCCUR AT LOWER SPEEDS. (15 TO 35 MPH.) I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO 3 DIFFERENT HONDA DEALERS OVER TIME AND NONE ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. STATING IT IS NOT OBSERVED WHEN IN SHOP. I HAD MENTIONED TO THE LAST DEALER THAT A CLOSE FRIEND PURCHASED A 2009 HONDA VAN THAT IS NOW BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME "SHUTTERING" OF THE TRANSMISSION AND HE WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO HAVE A PROGRAM UPDATE. THE DEALERSHIP, DAVENPORT IN ROCKY MOUNT ,NC ACTED AS IF THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS RECALL AND DID AS THE OTHER DEALERS, NOTHING. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2010
TRANSMISSION BEGINNING TO GO BAD. A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2003 HONDA PILOT. HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THIS AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO MOTOR MOUNTS GOING BAD. *TR
Child seat, Oct 31, 2010
MY CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT COMES EQUIPPED WITH A LATCH STRAP WITH A STATED LIMIT OF 80 LBS (SUPERLATCH). WHEN I INSTALL THE SEAT USING THE SUPERLATCH STRAP, I AM REPEATEDLY FINDING THAT WITHIN TWO DAYS OF NORMAL USE, THE INSTALLATION BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY LOOSER-SOMETIMES AS MUCH AS 2-3 INCHES OF MOVEMENT. AS A CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE SEAT IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND TIGHTLY TO BEGIN WITH. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON REPORTING THIS FOR THIS SEAT. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE SUPERLATCH CLIP/HOOK MECHANISM COME DETACHED FROM MY VEHICLE'S LATCH ANCHOR BARS SEVERAL TIMES, DESPITE HEARING AN AUDIBLE CLICK WHEN INSTALLING THE SEAT AND PULLING ON THE STRAP TO ENSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT AT THE TIME ON INSTALLATION. THE SUPERLATCH STRAP ADJUSTER IS FAILING TO MAINTAIN TIGHTNESS AND THE CONNECTORS ARE NOT REMAINING SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE LATCH BARS, BOTH OF WHICH ARE UNACCEPTABLE. THE MANUFACTURER'S "SOLUTION" IS TO INSTALL WITH THE VEHICLE BELT AND/OR REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SUPERLATCH STRAP WITH A STANDARD 40-48 LB LATCH STRAP. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2010, MAKE=NISSAN, MODEL=SENTRA). *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 137,000 MILES ON IT AND IT VIBRATES SOMEWHERE AROUND 35-45 MPH. MY MECHANIC RECOMMENDED WE HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED AS HE HAS SEEN 3 OR 4 OTHER PILOTS DO THE SAME THING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES TO THE POINT WHERE I JUST GOT USED TO IT. WITH THE THOUGHT OF A NEW TRANSMISSION LOOMING, I DECIDED TO SEARCH IF OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE AND AM SHOCKED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE DEALT WITH THIS. I HAVE BEEN A HONDA OWNER ALL MY DRIVING LIFE AND SEEING THIS ISSUE SO PROMINENT DEFINITELY MAKES ME RETHINK ANOTHER ONE. I DO HOPE HONDA WILL RECTIFY THIS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT, TRANSMISSION SLIP BETWEEN 25 AND 40 MPH ALMOST LIKE IT'S SLIPPING INTO NEUTRAL, USUALLY WHEN IT'S SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD. HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WITHOUT WARNING. USUALLY STALL FOR SEVERAL SECONDS SOMETIMES CANNOT PROCEED CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD IN TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. ALSO TOLD THAT MOTOR MOUNTS NEED REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON PROBLEM CAN'T AFFORD REPAIR. TRANSMISSION COOLER THAT HONDA INSTALLED WAS OBVIOUS PATCH TO ATTEMPT TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF A FAULTY DESIGN. ARE WE GOING TO LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS ? *TR
Power train, Oct 20, 2010
OWNER OF 2003 HONDA PILOT. ABOUT A YEAR AGO "D" LIGHT STARTED BLINKING ON THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT NO PROBLEMS FOUND. ABOUT THREE MONTHS LATTER, CAR STARTED HESITATING WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND - 3RD GEAR. WENT BACK TO DEALER AND TOLD THAT NO PROBLEMS FOUND WITH TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM BECAME WORST AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR AT ABOUT 30 MPH. I WOULD HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT BACK IN GEAR TO CONTINUE DRIVING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THIS TIME THEY FLUSHED THE TRANS FLUID AND SAID THAT THIS SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WELL IT DIDN'T. NOW THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND IT WILL COST ME $3221.79 TO REPLACE THE TRANS (THIS IS AFTER THE $1,300.00 THAT HONDA CORP AGREED TO PAY). I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY HONDA WOULD TAKE SO LONG TO DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM, IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. MAYBE IT WAS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I FIRST COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2010
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION FAILED IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. THE "D" LIGHT WAS BLINKING SO IT TOOK IT TO HONDA OF NANUET AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION? THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION THAT THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED, BY ADDING A FUEL KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM? IT DIDN'T WORK! I HAVE RESEARCHED MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS E.G. (EMONDS.COM). CAN ANYONE HELP THE CONSUMERS IN THIS CASE AGAINST HONDA? HONDA WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER 5,000 TO FIX IT? VIN# [XXX] FIXED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A PRIVATE AUTO SERVICE FOR 4,120 BECAUSE I FELT IT WAS HONDA FAILED TO OWN UP TO THERE RESPONSIBILITY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2010
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 HONDA PILOT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM IN JUNE 2010. ON A MODERATE UPHILL CLIMB, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 35 MPH AND I FELT VIBRATION AND SHAKING. FROM A STANDING STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE SHIFTING TO THE 2ND GEAR, AND THEN AGAIN BEFORE SHIFTING TO THE 3RD GEAR. THE PROBLEM CAME OFF AND ON UNTIL YESTERDAY. I WAS AGAIN DRIVING ON A MODERATE FREEWAY UPHILL CLIMB WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS, SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 50 MPH, VIBRATED BEFORE SHIFTING AGAIN AND PICKED UP SPEED. I GOT FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND DID NOT HIT MY VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE 'D' INDICATOR WAS FLASHING AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT OFF FROM THE FREEWAY AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR. WHEN I TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON, THE FLASHING 'D' DISAPPEARED. I TOOK IT BACK TO COMMUNITY HONDA TODAY WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS I TOLD THEM IN JUNE, PLUS WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY. I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT MY HONDA PILOT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION, TO THE TUNE OF $4,100 PLUS TAX. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER 2003 HONDA PILOTS AND I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. WHAT INFURIATES ME IS THAT HONDA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (06-003 DATED JUNE 9, 2007) FOR THE 2003 ACURA MDX WHICH IS BASICALLY THE SAME AS THE 2003 HONDA PILOT. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. BECAUSE OF HONDA'S FAILURE TO ISSUE THE SAME SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE 2003 HONDA PILOT, I BELIEVE THAT HONDA SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT ON MY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT EX-L: THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND HESITATES BETWEEN 35 - 50 MPH. I WAS TOLD BY A HONDA SERVICE DEPT. THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND 2 MOTOR MOUNTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4162. THIS PROBLEM IS TOO COMMON TO NOT BE CONSIDERED AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE. I HOPE NO MAJOR INJURIES ARE CAUSED FROM THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Sep 21, 2010
OUR HONDA PILOT WILL SHUTTER WHILE ACCELERATING PASSING THROUGH SPEEDS OF 20 TO 50 MILES PER HOUR. THE SHUTTER WILL CONTINUE IF THROTTLE IS KEPT IN, IF I BACK OF THE PEDAL SHUTTER DISSIPATES AND I CAN RESUME ON ACCELERATING. I CAN FEEL A SLIGHT VIBRATION UPTO 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HONDA ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAY THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. IT LOOKS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE PILOT/MDX OWNERS. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS SOON, BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IGNITION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK. THE DEALER FOUND THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *JB
Power train, Sep 9, 2010
I HAVE A HONDA 2003 PILOT. THIS WEEK, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO 1ST GEAR FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN STOP (WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS), I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY SEVERAL VEHICLES WHICH WERE TRAVELING BEHIND ME. I KEPT DRIVING AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN 4 MINUTES LATER. I EVENTUALLY MADE IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY, THE SAME PATTERN CONTINUED BUT MORE OFTEN. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, DUE TO AN "INTERNAL TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION", 3RD PRESSURE SWITCH FAILURE, AND INCORRECT GEAR RATIO. THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THAT CODES P0845 AND P0730 WERE GENERATED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON APRIL 2004 FOR A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE/YEAR, "NHTSA 04V176000", IN WHICH THE DEALER WOULD VISUALLY INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND SUBJECTIVELY DECIDE WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR REMEDIATION; EITHER A 1) A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OR 2) ?PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE?. IN MARCH 2004, 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING RELEASED, I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THEY ?SERVICED? THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THIS COMPLAINT. THREE MONTHS LATER, IN JUNE 2004, I AGAIN COMPLAINED ABOUT SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THIS TIME, THE DEALER NOTED THE RECALL AND CHOSE REMEDIATION NUMBER 2. CURRENTLY, HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, BUT QUESTION THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH ONLY 139,000 MILES ON THE CAR. ALSO, THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY ACCORDING TO HONDA SCHEDULE. *TR
Power train, Aug 29, 2010
FREQUENTLY THE HONDA PILOT WILL SHUTTER WHILE ACCELERATING PASSING THROUGH SPEEDS OF 20 TO 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE SHUTTER WILL CONTINUE IF THROTTLE IS KEPT IN, IF I BACK OF THE PEDAL SHUTTER DISSIPATES AND I CAN RESUME ON ACCELERATING. I CAN FEEL A SLIGHT VIBRATION UPTO 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HONDA ABOUT THIS AND THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION. IT LOOKS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE PILOT/MDX OWNERS. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS SOON, BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2010
THE IGNITION KEY FOR THE 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS BEEN GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION CAUSING IT NOT TO START FOR OVER A YEAR. IF I WIGGLED THE STEERING WHEEL, THE KEY AND PUMPED THE BRAKES THE KEY WOULD TURN AND THE TRUCK WOULD EVENTUALLY START. ON AUGUST 25, 2010 THE THE KEY REMAINED JAMMED IN THE IGNITION AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED AND REPAIRED. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER 2003 PILOT OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION KEY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY THE 2003 PILOT OWNER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START THE TRUCK IN A TIMELY MANNER. *TR
Power train, Aug 25, 2010
MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT HAD A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SYSTEM FAILURE AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Aug 24, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 PILOT WITH OVER 130,000 MILES, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A PROBLEM WHILE ACCELERATING WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD STICK AND REV UP, IF I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR IT WOULD CORRECT. NOW IT IS STICKING, REVS UP, AND IT WILL NOT CORRECT AT ALL. I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE "D" LIGHT HAS STARTED FLASHING AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. NOW I HAVE TO HAVE THE TRANS REPLACED FOR @ $4000. *TR
Power train, Aug 23, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 136,000 MILES BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY JERK INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30 AND 60 MPH. THE JERKING WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WANTED TO SHIFT GEARS. RPM WOULD REV, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ALSO HAD DIFFICULTY MOVING GEAR SHIFT PAST D DOWN TO D3. ON THE 5TH DAY OF THIS OCCURRING INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK CONSTANTLY. CAR BEGAN TO REV AND SEEMED GEAR WAS STUCK. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CAME ON AND D GEAR DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THIS JERKING/JOLT MOVEMENT OCCURRED ON HIGHWAY AND STREET ROADS WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS POSES A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WE DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MAY HAVE BEEN A PART OF A RECALL FOR A FAULTY TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER THE FIX DESCRIBED ULTIMATELY DID NOT PREVENT THE INEVITABLE....THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. MOST CONSUMERS END UP REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. HONDA AMERICA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. CONSUMERS EXPECT TO RECEIVE MORE THAN 200,000 MILES ON A HONDA VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2010
ON MY 2003 PILOT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A VIBRATION/GRINDING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING THROUGH 35 TO 40 MPH. THE NOISE WOULD LAST FOR 10 TO 15 SECONDS AND THEN STOP. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND OTHER SHOPS MANY TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR AND THEY ALWAYS SAID THEY COULDN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. STARTED HAVING SOME IDLING PROBLEMS SO TOOK IT TO AUTO SERVICE CENTER AND HAD TO REPLACE ALL MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, AND IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. AFTER WE GOT IT BACK AND LESS THAN 90 MILES LATER, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED WHINING WORSE THAN BEFORE AND THEN ACTED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING THEN BUCKED VIOLENTLY AND THE "D" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NOW THE TRANS MISSION NO LONGER SHIFTS. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2010
THE 2003 HONDA PILOT STOPPED WITH LOUD CLANKING NOISE. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN ON BUT WOULD CONK-OUT WHEN PUT IN GEAR. THE CAR HAD A BROKEN ENGINE MOUNT AT 2 PLACES. THIS WAS REPLACE AT THE DEALER. ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN ON THE ROAD. THIS TIME AGAIN THE CAR WOULD TURN ON BUT WILL CONK-OUT WHEN PUT IN GEAR. THE DEALER SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES (SINCE AROUND 35000 MILES) BECAUSE THE CAR WAS MAKING GROWLING NOISE AROUND 1500 RPM. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I STOPPED GOING TO THE DEALER OUT OF FRUSTRATION. I KNEW AT SOME POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE MOUNT AND TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY HONDA ON 2003 PILOT. *TR