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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 746

Of the 2003 reports, 43 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernPower train226 reports · 30% of complaints
Owner complaints746Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train226
  2. Electrical system130
  3. Air bags121
  4. Structure49
  5. Seats40
  6. Engine and engine cooling37
  7. Steering33
  8. Exterior lighting32

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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 passenger’s 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

  9. 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 passenger’s 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  1. Seats, Aug 17, 2010

    PLASTIC PANEL HOUSING DRIVERS SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SEAT OF MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE SCREW THAT HELD IT IN PLACE IS STILL THERE BUT THE PLASTIC PANELING BEING HELD BY THE SCREW HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE PANEL. THIS HAPPENED IN THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE OWNED IT. TRIED TO GET IT FIXED. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. *TR

  2. Power train, Aug 16, 2010

    WE WERE DRIVING WITH OUR 2 YOUNG KIDS AND OUR 2 DOGS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH IN OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 130,000 MILES ON IT. WE HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD BANG AND JERK AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. WE PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO COLLISION. FROM THEN ON WE WERE UNABLE TO GET ANY GEAR TO ENGAGE (EVEN PARK). HAD CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP AND ARE AWAITING ESTIMATE FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAD HONDA SERVICE THE VEHICLE AND DO ALL 100,000 MILE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE. WE FEEL VERY FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE HAD A COLLISION ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR. HONDA KNEW THEIR TRANSMISSION WAS FLAWED AND JUST PUT A BAND-AID ON IT WITH THE RECALL IN 2004. I GUESS ENOUGH OF A BAND-AID TO GET THEM THROUGH THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I BELIEVE THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAULTY AND DANGEROUS TO HAVE ON THE ROAD. *TR

  3. Electrical system, Aug 16, 2010, crash

    2003 HONDA PILOT IGNITION INTERLOCK FAILED. THE CAR WAS STOPPED, TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE KEY WAS REMOVED AND THE DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED DOWN THE STREET AND STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A BRICK MAIL BOX 2 BLOCKS AWAY. HONDA DEALER TOLD US THAT THE DRIVE MUST HAVE FORCED THE KEY OUT TO BE ABLE TO REMOVE IT WHILE IN DRIVE GEAR AND DAMAGE THE IGNITION. DRIVE DISPUTES THIS. SAID THE KEY CAME RIGHT OUT. WE HAD ROUGHLY $2500 DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR AT THE TIME. CHOSE NOT TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT OUR COST. HONDA DID NOT REPLACE OR REPAIR THE IGNITION. IT IS STILL BROKEN. *TR

  4. Power train, Aug 16, 2010

    MY 2003 HONDA PILOT SHUDDERS WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 35-45 MPH. IT FEELS LIKE DRIVING OVER A BUMPY ROAD. *TR

  5. Structure, Aug 16, 2010

    I HAD REPEATED VISITS TO BABYLON HONDA IN BABYLON , NY FOR A REAR TAILGATE SPOILER PROBLEM. WHEN OPENING THE TAILGATE (REAR DOOR) THE SPOILER WOULD HIT AND GRIND AGAINST THE ROOF PANEL. BABYLON HONDA ADDRESSED THE ISSUE BY TIGHTENING THE SPOILER MOUNTS WHICH WORKED FOR AWHILE, BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THIS PAST JULY WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 91 AT 65MPH, THE SPOILER FLEW OFF MY CAR AND NEARLY HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. I AM WAITING FOR BABYLON HONDA'S RESPONSE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM - THE SPOILER MOUNTS CRACKED. *TR

  6. Power train, Aug 12, 2010

    I OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT WHICH WAS RECALLED UNDER CAMPAIGN #04V176000. THE OIL JET KIT WAS REPLACED, YET THE TORQUE CONVERTER ON THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOW FAILED. I HAVE PERFORMED ALL MAINTENANCE AS DICTATED BY THE MANUFACTURER, WITH A CERTIFIED HONDA TECHNICIAN. THE LOCK-UP ON THE TRANSMISSION IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

  7. Seats, Aug 12, 2010

    THE PLASTIC PANEL HOUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SEAT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE SCREW THAT HELD IT IN PLACE IS STILL SEATED, BUT THE PLASTIC PANELING BEING HELD BY THE SCREW HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE PANEL. *TR

  8. Electrical system, Aug 12, 2010, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER WAS NOT IN PARK. HE DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK WHEN HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE MINOR DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR $564 AT HIS EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. HE WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT IF IT DOES BECOME A RECALL TO KEEP HIS RECEIPT AND HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

  9. Seats, Aug 12, 2010

    THE DRIVER'S SEAT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE FRAME OR BRACKET IN THE FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE. THE SEAT ROCKS PRECARIOUSLY WHEN I DRIVE OR ACCELERATE. THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY HAZARD, AND I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM, AND WHETHER HONDA HAS AN OBLIGATION TO FIX IT. THANKS. *TR

  10. Electrical system, Aug 11, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE KEY WILL NOT SLIDE INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLIDE THE KEY IN PARTIALLY IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WHOLE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE WEAR AND TEAR IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WOULD GET WORSE IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

  11. Power train, Aug 9, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND HE HEARD A HIGH PITCHED WHISTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE SECOND GEAR SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED MOVING FOR A FEW MOMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE BROKE THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

  12. Power train, Aug 7, 2010

    2003 HONDA PILOT STARTED "JUDDERING" AT 35-40 MPH WHEN IT HIT AROUND 45K MILES. NUMEROUS VISITS TO DEALER AND A MECHANIC EVEN RODE WITH ME WHILE I DROVE AND DUPLICATED PROBLEM, BUT WHEN IT WENT BACK INTO THEIR SHOP THEY DENIED A PROBLEM. I GAVE UP WHEN WE MOVED OUT OF THE AREA. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND WE JUST LET OFF THE GAS THEN GIVE IT MORE AND IT CORRECTS. NOW, THOUGH, THE GEAR SHIFTER IS GETTING "STUCK" OR NOT FULLY GOING INTO "P" AND ROLLING, IF THE ER BRAKE IS NOT ON AND THE GEAR IS NOT SHIFTED INTO "R" AND THEN "P" AGAIN. ACURA BULLETIN #06-003 ADDRESSES EXACT ISSUE AS A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACING. LOCAL DEALER CLAIMS NO AWARENESS OF ISSUE AND WON'T DO ANYTHING SINCE CAR HAS OVER 100K AND IS OUT OF EVEN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BY NHTSA BEFORE SOME 2003 PILOT TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FAILS AND SOMEONE IS KILLED! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SO MY TRANSMISSION CAN BE REPLACED!! *TR

  13. Power train, Aug 3, 2010

    MY 2004 HONDA PILOT MAKES A LOUD RATTLING OR VIBRATING NOISE THAT I CAN FEEL WHEN THE CAR IS GOING ABOUT 35 - 60 MPH. I NOTICE IT DAILY ON MY WAY TO AND FROM WORK. SINCE I LIVE WHERE THERE IS NO HONDA DEALER NEARER THAN 150 MILES, I'VE ASKED LOCAL MECHANICS TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE VIBRATION. I'VE FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER, AND WILL BE QUITE COSTLY TO REPAIR. *TR

  14. Power train, Aug 2, 2010

    2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 90000. SEEMS THAT THE RECALL FIX DID NOT WORK. JUST DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND YOU WILL SEE HOW MANY OF US HAVE HAD TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR HONDA TRANSMISSIONS. SECOND TO THIRD GEAR IS THE PROBLEM. YOU DID FORCE THEM TO RECALL THE ODYSSEY PROBLEM IT IS TIME FOR ACTION FOR US PILOT OWNERS. *TR

  15. Electrical system, Jul 19, 2010

    THE IGNITION KEY CYLINDER ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT JAMMED AND YOU CANNOT TURN THE KEY. ONCE OUT, YOU CANNOT PUT KEY IN IT AGAIN. *TR

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2010

    I OWN A HONDA PILOT 2003. 2 WEEKS AGO OUR AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR DIED. WE WERE ON OUR WAY ON VACATION WHEN IT WENT. THE MECHANIC SAID WE COULD HAVE LOST A LOT MORE HAD THE BELT SNAPPED. DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE BUT FIGURED ITS WORTH REPORTING. *TR

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2010

    2003 HONDA PILOT EX FAILED MOTOR MOUNTS. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 11, 2010

    THE KEY DOES NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. WE HAVE TO WIGGLE IT OR MESS WITH IT MANY TIMES TO GET IT TO TURN, SOMETIMES IT TAKES TOO LONG FOR US TO GET TO IT TURN, WHICH CAUSES MANY INCONVENIENCES FOR US. THE DEALER WANTS $700-$900 TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT OR MISTAKE IN THE ENGINEERING DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. AND WE KNOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDAS. PLEASE RECALL PILOTS FOR THIS VERY INCONVENIENT DEFECT. IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET TO THE HOSPITAL QUICK, NOT BEING ABLE TO START YOUR CAR BECAUSE THE KEY WON'T TURN WILL BE CATASTROPHIC. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF QUICKLY BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

  19. Electrical system, Jun 7, 2010

    IGNITION LOCK FAILURE, KEY STOPPED WORKING CAR WON'T START LEFT US STRANDED. *TR

  20. Power train, May 10, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD GEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2010

    FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED REPLACING. *TR

  22. Power train, Apr 26, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MOVED IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN HE RESTARTED IT, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000.

  23. Power train, Apr 8, 2010

    I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 128,000 MILES. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, SPEED ABOUT 60 THE CAR SLAMMED AND THE SPEED CAME DOWN 20 MPH IN A COUPLE OF SECONDS. I WAS LUCKY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

  24. Power train, Apr 2, 2010

    CONSUMERS 2003 HONDA PILOT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. CONSUMER FOUND AN AFFORDABLE AUTO SHOP AND LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THE INFORMATION WAS PROVIDE TO HONDA CONSUMER WAS DENIED WARRANTY SERVICE. A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION IN RELATION TO THE SECOND GEAR, THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE, AS A NOTICE NEVER CAME IN THE MAIL. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE MET THE RECALL OUTLINED IN THE NOTICE HE FOUND ONLINE. HONDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE PROBLEM DID NOT MEET THE RECALL REQUIREMENTS ISSUED IN 2004. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS STATED THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED. IT ALSO STATED A LIST OF PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, MAINLY THE SECONDARY SHAFT 2ND GEAR AND THE COUNTER SHAFT 2ND GEAR. *JB

  25. Power train, Mar 23, 2010

    I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT THAT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT IS SLIPPING GEARS AND BOGS WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE NOTICE THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR ANDI GUESS IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIT.