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, Mar 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT THAT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT IS SLIPPING GEARS AND BOGS WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 16, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION: MY TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP IN 2ND GEAR. I HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS ITEMS ON THE VEHICLE - STEERING COLUMN, MOTOR MOUNTS, ETC. THE LIST IS NUMEROUS. I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ALMOST SINCE THE BEGINNING OF PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2006. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME THAT THE 2003 PILOT HAD ANY TYPE OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I KNOW AS A CONSUMER, I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY OWN RESEARCH, BUT I HAD ALWAYS HEARD EXCELLENT THINGS ABOUT HONDA. MY TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP, AFTER REVVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND EVEN THEN THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT PROBLEMS. I HAD MY REPAIRMAN LOOK AT IT BECAUSE I WAS CONCERNED. HE IS THE ONE THAT TOLD ME THIS VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS & ALL DEALERS WERE AWARE OF IT. I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR - BUT OF COURSE, IT IS NO LONGER VALID. I AM REALLY UPSET BECAUSE I DRIVE MY 2 CHILDREN AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL JUST STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC - WON'T LEAVE 2ND-3RD GEAR. IT JUST REVS AT ABOUT 20-30 MILES. IT HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN AND NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON. THE MESSAGE BOARDS SAY THIS IS THE END OF THE LINE. I WILL ATTEMPT TO SPEAK WITH MY LOCAL DEALER. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA WHO BASICALLY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. NOW, I AM LEARNING ABOUT THE HORRIBLE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED WITH THE HONDA 2003 PILOT TRANSMISSIONS AND AM JUST DISAPPOINTED THAT IN THE EFFORT TO MAKE MONEY, NO ONE THOUGHT OF CONSUMER SAFETY. OBVIOUSLY, HONDA RECOGNIZES THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND STILL THEY ARE NOT OFFERING ANY HELP TO CONSUMERS. IT IS APPALLING. MY CAR DID HAVE THE HONDA REPAIR PATCH FOR THE TRANSMISSION IN 2004 ACCORDING TO AMERICAN HONDA RECORDS, AS THE TRANSMISSION HAD A PROBLEM EVEN THEN. OF COURSE, I HAVE THE CAR FAX REPORT AND IT DIDN'T SHOW THIS INFORMATION. IS THERE SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT YOU CAN TRACK REPAIRS ON USED VEHICLES? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2010
I'M NOT OF THAT SCARED OF STICKING GAS PEDALS KIND ON PERSON. JUST WANT TO FILE THIS INCIDENT TO PROBABLY HELP OTHERS TO AVOID PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. AFTER CAR BEING PARKED FOR THREE WEEKS AT AIRPORT WHEN FIRST STARTED IT I HAD AND ISSUE WITH THE STUCK GAS PEDAL. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN THE PARKING GEAR WHEN I FIRST PRESSED THE PEDAL, OTHERWISE COULD BE AN ACCIDENT ON THE PARKING LOT IF I WAS IN THE DRIVE GEAR. I JUST PULLED THE PEDAL BACK WITH MY TOE AND PRESSED AND PULLED IT COUPLE TIMES MORE BEFORE IT STARTED WORKING OK. BEFORE THAT I FELT IT LITTLE MUSHY AFTER LONG PARKING PERIODS ESPECIALLY IN THE RELATIVELY COLD DAYS IN GEORGIA AUTUMN/WINTER BUT IT WAS COMING AWAY AFTER DRIVING THE CAR DAILY. WHEN I GOT BACK HOME I RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM BY POURING SOME OIL IN THE THROTTLE CABLE JACKET AND LUBRICATED THE PEDAL AXIS AS WELL. HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE THAN SO FAR. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS SURGING FORWARD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THE RPM'S STARTED TO REV-UP ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THECONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS MANY SAFETY PROBLEM AND THINKS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/06/10. *LJ THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDEERS AND IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE AND STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE KEY DOOR LOCK BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HEATER MOTOR FAILED. UPDATED 07/06/10.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2010
DRIVING HONDA PILOT 2003 WITH 84,000 MIL ONTO EXPRESSWAY ON RAMP--IT STARTED BUCKING---LIKE IT WOULD LURCH FORWARD AND THEN STOP---FINALLY WENT FORWARD. DROVE IT FOR 1 MORE WEEK AND THIS HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES. TOOK TO A VERY GOOD MECHANIC. THEY TESTED THE CAR AND NOTHING CAME UP AS WRONG. THEN YELLOW LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING--AND THE CAR WOULD LOSE POWER WHEN GOING SLOWLY THROUGH A SUBDIVISION--AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN REGAIN POWER. SOMETIMES I HAD TO PULL OVER AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN IN DRIVE TO GET IT TO GO. TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A CLOGGED GAS LINE. THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. COST WAS $400 FOR "CLOGGED GAS LINE" AND ANOTHER 400 FOR SOMETHING ELSE LEAKING. NO LIGHTS ON WHEN LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. ONE DAY LATER THE YELLOW LIGHT WAS BACK ON AND IT SOMETIMES LOSES POWER WHEN GOING SLOWLY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS OR ACCIDENTS YET---BUT IF ANYONE HAD BEEN FOLLOWING ME ONTO THE ON RAMP, THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME. THE CAR LOOKED LIKE A BUCKING BRONCO. I WANT YOUR HONDA DEALERSHIP IN WAUKESHA WI ----WILDE HONDA TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION---THIS IS NOT NORMAL--AT YOUR COST. I DRIVE PEOPLE AROUND FOR A LIVING---I AM A REALTOR AND IT WAS VERY EMBARRASSING WHEN WE SWUNG INTO THE SUBDIVISION AND I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE I HAD NO POWER. IMAGINE THAT ON A HIGHWAY WITH A SEMI BEHIND ME. THIS IS A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2010
SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING. HAD CAR TOWED TO HONDA DEALERSHIP. HONDA FOUND BURNT CONNECTOR IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. REPLACED ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SWITCH PART NUMBER 35012-S5A-307, 7743875-35999 SET, COMBINATION SWITCH. *TR
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Feb 16, 2010
THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES: 1. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITH THE KEY NOT FITTING PROPERLY AS IT ONCE DID, PERHAPS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. WHEN I TURN THE KEY OR PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WON'T TURN TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND IT DOESN'T MATTER. THE PILOT STILL WON'T START. WHEN READING THE MANUAL, IT'S A PUSH SIGN UNDER THE IGNITION BUT THIS ISN'T ADDRESSED IN THE MANUAL. IT DOESN'T TELL YOU THE PURPOSE OF THE PUSH SIGN. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AND I'VE LET OTHERS TRY ALSO. AND IT DOESN'T WORK FOR ANYONE. THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT BUT THE WHEELS ARE NOT AND IT WON'T TURN TO THE RIGHT IT ALL; IT'S LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WON'T GO IN NEUTRAL, SO I CAN ROLL IT OR NOTHING. 2. THERE IS KNOCKING NOISE THAT IS LOUDER WHEN YOU ACCELERATE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE PERHAPS IT'S COMING FROM THE DRIVE-TRAIN OR AXLE ON THAT SIDE, ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND MAY FALL OFF. 3. THE RADIO TURNS OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS RANDOMLY AND IT MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE AND SUDDENLY DOES ONCE AGAIN. 4. THE LOCK AND HANDLE TO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BROKE OFF AND CANNOT BE OPENED. 5. THE WIRE TO CONTROL THE HANDLES FOR THE REAR SEATS TO RECLINE AND FOLD DOWN BROKE FROM WITHIN THE SEATS. I LOOKED INSIDE IT'S THE PIECE OF PLASTIC TO HOLD THE WIRE IN PLACE THAT BROKE, THERE NEEDS TO BE A BETTER REPLACEMENT PART MADE OF STEEL NOT PLASTIC. 6. THE FLOOR MAT STICKS IN BUNCHES CAUSING THE CARPET TO SOIL CAN BE HAZARDOUS I.E. TOYOTA, ONLY REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE FLOOR MAT FOR THE TRUCK ENTIRELY, VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE... 7. WHEN IT REACHES 30MPH IT SHAKES AND YOU CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE LIKE YOU'RE DRIVING OVER SOMETHING RIDGED IT'S SCARY. 8. THE BUTTON FOR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT FUNCTION 9. THE CHROME ON THE DOOR HANDLES PEELED OFF TEARING THE SKIN CAUSING INJURIES TO THE HAND, MY FINGER STILL FEELS TINGLY AND NUMB. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2010
I OWE A 2003 HONDA PILOT. IN 2007 I COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA SERVICE CENTER OF A GRINDING NOISE SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. ON 2/6/2010 MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER COULD NEVER FIND A PROBLEM. NOW SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED IT IS MY PROBLEM. I HAVE READ OF THE SAME SITUATION HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE AND BELIEVE IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HONDA TRANSMISSION. *TR
Air bags, Feb 10, 2010
MY '03 HONDA PILOT WAS IMPACTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY A DRIVER BACKING UP A BIT FAST AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGED DONE TO THE FRONT FENDER TO THE EXTENT OF BUCKLING ONE OF THE FENDER CORNERS. SHORTLY AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. CALLED DEALER ABOUT THE SRS LIGHT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS PROBABLY A DEFECT WITH THE AIRBAGS, AIRBAG SENSORS OR A MODULE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT CAN BE AS MUCH AS $1000 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED AFTER PARTS AND LABOR. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DISCOVERED PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. I BELIEVE THERE IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED FREE OF CHARGE BY HONDA. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 9, 2010
MY HONDA PILOT HAS AN UNFIXABLE LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. IT IS STICKING GAS PEDAL. USUALLY IT STICKS AFTER THE NIGHT IN THE GARAGE AND I NEED TO IDLE UNTIL THE ENGINE IS HOT AND THEN THE PEDAL UNSTICKS. BUT SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. THIS DEFECT MAKES THE CAR ABSOLUTELY UNPREDICTABLE WHILE DRIVING AND COULD EASILY LEAD TO THE FATAL ACCIDENT. ACTUALLY, ONE TIME OUT OF FOUR WHEN IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING I WAS VERY CLOSE TO SUCH ACCIDENT. FIRST TIME I ENCOUNTERED THIS DEFECT WHEN MY NEW CAR WAS STILL ON WARRANTY NOV 4, 2004. SINCE THAN THE AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX THIS DEFECT MORE THAN FOUR TIMES. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY BUT ALL THE ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I?M VERY CONCERNED AND SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR AT THIS POINT AS THIS DEFECT NOT ONLY DIRECTLY JEOPARDIZES MY LIFE BUT ALSO THE LIFE OF MY 6-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS ALMOST ALWAYS WITH ME IN THE CAR. THE AMERICAN HONDA STATED THAT IT WAS NOT ANYMORE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT BECAUSE IT?S UNFIXABLE AND ANYTHING ELSE CONCERNING THIS DEFECT FROM NOW ON IS MY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2010, crash
MY CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION RECALL NOTICE IN 2004. I TOOK THE CAR IN JULY 2004 AND SUPPOSEDLY THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. HOWEVER, AFTER THAT TIME, MY CAR SEEMED TO DOWNSHIFT VERY ROUGHLY AND WAS JERKY WHEN PUTTING INTO GEAR. LAST YEAR MY TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL. WHILE, THE CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME, MY ABRUPT HALT CAUSED AT LEAST 3 CARS BEHIND ME TO REAR END EACH OTHER. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BUT I AM STARTING TO FEEL SOME OF THE OLD SHIFTING ISSUES AGAIN. I'M HOPING IT DOESN'T DIE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010
DURING THE FREEZING WEATHER IN JACKSONVILLE. FL. SPECIFICALLY ON THE 7TH & 8TH JAN. 2010, THE GAS PEDAL ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT WAS STICKING. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, I HAD TO APPLY EXTRA FOOT DOWNWARD PRESSURE TO MAKE THE GAS PEDAL MOVE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING THE 2 WEEKS THAT IT WAS FREEZING ON CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN THIS AREA. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2003 AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM ARISE UNTIL THIS TIME. THE PROBLEM 'SEEMS' TO DISAPPEAR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING & WARMED UP. I ALSO CALLED HONDA 800-999-1009 AND INFORMED THE HONDA CUSTOMER REP. ABOUT THE ISSUE. HONDA INFORMED ME TO TAKE IT TO HONDA SERVICE OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC.*CW
Power train, Jan 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS FAMILIAR WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE LACK OF ACCELERATION COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Power train, Jan 7, 2010
2003 HONDA PILOT EX-L RES; AUTOMATIC, 112,700 MILES. TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND-3RD WITH THE SELECTOR IN DRIVE. SHORTLY THERE AFTER AT ROUGHLY 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WE EXPERIENCED A JARRING DOWNSHIFT FROM 5TH TO 2ND GEAR WITH A LOUD MECHANICAL "THUNK", THEN IMMEDIATELY BACK TO A HIGHER GEAR, MAYBE 4TH. THE TRUCK DECELERATED SO FAST AND HARSHLY THAT MY WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN WERE THROWN FORWARD INTO THEIR SEAT BELTS AND ALL ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR AND BACK SEAT WERE THROWN INTO THE FRONT OF THE CABIN. THIS MISHAP WAS UNSAFE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I COULD HONESTLY SEE THIS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR INSTANCE, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY. THE MAINTENANCE INDICATOR LAMP ("MIL") ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION MODE SELECTOR BEGAN FLASHING THE DRIVE ("D") INDICATOR. WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AT OUR HOME A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY. THE CLUTCH SLIPPED BETWEEN THE FIRST 3 GEARS BELOW 40 MPH ON THE SHORT DRIVE HOME. THE DEALERSHIP PULLED CODE P0780. NO ASSOCIATED FLUID LEAKS AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS STILL PINK AND DIDN'T SMELL BURNT. 3 SERVICE TECHNICIANS TEST DROVE IT. AS SOON AS THE TRANSMISSION WARMED UP, IT DISPLAYED THE SAME BEHAVIOR REPORTED ABOVE AND THE LAST TEST DRIVE BARELY MADE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION FOR $4,293.00. THE TRUCK WAS SERVICED PER HONDA'S RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE/SERVICE SCHEDULE WITH HONDA GENUINE FLUIDS AND PARTS. THE LAST TRANSMISSION/ REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000 MILES AGO IN JANUARY, 2009. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID JET KIT PERFORMED IN 2004. I WILL ALSO BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU DUE TO THE UNUSUALLY HIGH AMOUNT OF 2003/2004 HONDA PILOT FAILED TRANSMISSION REPORTS I HAVE READ ON A NUMBER OF ONLINE FORUMS. MOST VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES HAD BETWEEN 90K-130K MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD REACH CLASS ACTION LEVEL. *TR
Structure, Dec 29, 2009
2003 HONDA PILOT EX WITH 101,054 MILES FRONT, SIDE AND REAR MOTOR MOUNTS WERE CRACKED AND LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID. HONDA DEALER REPLACED ALL THREE MOTOR MOUNTS COSTING $600.00. HONDA DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THEM (THEY ARE NOT ALL RUBBER). *TR
Seats, Dec 11, 2009, crash
TRAFFIC ON A SURFACE ROAD CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE 2004 FORD F150 DID NOT STOP IN TIME AND REAR-ENDED OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT ALONG THE RIGHT HALF OF THE BUMPER. THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO SHOVE THE RIGHT FRAME RAIL FORWARD SEVERAL INCHES, WRINKLING THE ROOF AND PUTTING THE DRIVERSIDE REAR DOOR IN TENSION SO THAT IT COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE TWO FRONT SEATS WERE OCCUPIED BY ADULTS. BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BACKS FAILED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED NO INJURIES, BUT THE PASSENGER SUFFERED BRUISING FROM THE B-PILLAR AND STRAINED BACK FROM THE COLLAPSING SEATBACK.
Power train, Nov 15, 2009
2003 HONDA PILOT LX 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND CHANGING GEARS ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2009
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT HAS CRACKED ENGINE MOUNTS. IT CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE. THE FRONT AND BACK MOUNTS WERE REPLACED AT 97,000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2009, crash
FAILED IAC VALVE IN 2003 HONDA PILOT CAUSED ENGINE SURGE DURING PARKING. THIS RESULTED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2009
2004 HONDA PILOT, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS!!! HONDA SAID WE NEED TO REPLACE YOUR TRANSMISSION... WE HAD A FLASHING D LIGHT FOR MANY YEAR ON & OFF AGAIN... THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS DONE.. MY REPAIR RECORD AS FOLLOWS: HONDA WEST AUGS 1/2003 A INTERMEDIATE MAINTENANCE, THROTTLE BODY SERVICE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE, AC REPLACE VENTILATION FILTERS, INVOICE TOTAL PAID BY US $353.10. 10/03/2006 HAD FRONT BRAKES DONE AT STAR IMPORT SERVICE, THEY NOTED {NO CODES STORED FOR ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. POSSIBLY CLEARED @ DEALER ???) 08/13/2007 STAR IMPORTS SERVICE TO CHECK TRANS LIGHT FLASHES ON SOMETIMES, THEY SCAN TRANSMISSION FOR CODE AND STATED ON INVOICE NONE PRESENT..02/18/2009 HONDATRONICS SERVICE, CHECK TRANSMISSION OPERATION, CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID TWICE, WE PAID 198.13.. JUNE 16, 2009 CHECK D LIGHT FLASHING.. IT IS NOW 10/2009 AND D LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN AND WE ARE TOLD WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 10, 2009
FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, I AM HAVING THIS BLINKING "D" LIGHT ON THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT SUV. I BELIEVED THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO PASSENGERS AND YET THERE IS NO RECALL YET BY HONDA AMERICA TO ALERT THE OWNERS OF THIS SERIOUS DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ON THIS 2003 HONDA PILOT CAR. *TR
Seats, Oct 7, 2009
THE 2ND ROW LH (DRIVER'S SIDE) PASSENGER SEAT IN MY 2003 HONDA PILOT PURCHASED 1/2/2003 WITH ABOUT 90K HAS HAD TWO RELATED PROBLEMS ON THIS SEAT. THIS SEAT IS RARELY SAT IN AND ALMOST NEVER MOVED. IT BECAME JAMMED IN THE UPRIGHT AT SOME POINT IN TIME, LIKELY MUCH EARLIER THAN I DETECTED IT IN JULY 2009. I ATTEMPTED TO FOLD THE SEAT DOWN VIA THE TOP LEVER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO. THE RESULT WAS THE TOP LEVER PLASTIC HANDLE BROKE OFF THE CABLE ACTUATOR. I PAID OVER $200 AT THE DEALER (PRIORITY HONDA IN HUNTERSVILLE NC, 28078 - 704.875.3100) TO HAVE IT FIXED EVEN THOUGH I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE JAMMED CAUSING THE TOP LEVER TO BREAK OFF. AT REPAIR, NOTHING WAS FOUND THAT WOULD CAUSE THE JAM SUCH AS A FOREIGN OBJECT OR ANY DAMAGE. RECENTLY I TRIED TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD (SIDE LEVER ENGAGES BOTH BACK FOLD DOWN AND BASE RELEASE) TO ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO EXIT FROM THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND FOUND THAT THIS LEVER WAS NOT WORKING AS WELL. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DEALER THE EVENING OF 8/24/09 AND LEFT IT WITH THEM UNTIL THE EVENING OF 8/24. ED JENKINS THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT HE PERSONALLY WORKED WITH THE MECHANIC TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE SPENDING THREE HOURS WORKING ON IT AND COULD NOT REPAIR IT. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT A NEW SEAT FRAME WAS REQUIRED TO MAKE THE SEAT OPERATIONAL. A SEAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER 6 YEARS WITH LIGHT USE AND IN MY OPINION SHOULD LAST AS LONG AS OR EXCEED THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IN THE US IS ABOUT THIRTEEN YEARS I CONSIDER THIS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE AS PASSENGERS MAY BECOME ENTRAPPED IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT. ANY DELAY IN EXITING ESPECIALLY IF THE OTHER SIDE IS OCCUPIED OR SOMEHOW BLOCKED COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH IN AN EMERGENCY. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2009
2003 HONDA PILOT W/45,500 MILES HESITATION/SURGING WHILE MAINTAINING SPEED OR WHILE LIGHTLY ACCELERATING FROM MAINTAINED SPEED. HUMMING NOISE DURING HESITATION/SURGE. VERY NOTICEABLE BETWEEN 25-40MPH. ADVISED BY HONDA DEALER THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Sep 28, 2009
TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW TO TRANSITION TO 3RD GEAR WHILE GOING APPROX. 30-35 MPH. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE "D" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, BUT WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF, IT DID NOT GO ON AGAIN. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THINKING IT WAS A "3RD SWITCH" ISSUE I HAD READ ABOUT ON CAR SITES. MY MECHANIC SAID ONE SOLENOID WAS COLD, WHILE ANOTHER WAS HOT. HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO RUN THE CODES AND GET A SECOND OPINION. THE DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY MECHANIC PICKED THE CAR UP AND ON THE WAY BACK, IT STARTED SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 1ST OR 2ND GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY. HE SAID HE ALMOST SMACKED HIS HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD IT JERKED SO HARD. THIS MARKS A VERY RAPID DECLINE OVER LESS THAN A WEEK AND AFTER MY MECHANIC THOUGHT THE ISSUE WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE THE CAR WAS PART OF THE 2004 TRANSMISSION RECALL WHICH WAS SERVICED BY A HONDA DEALER. *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2009
200 HONDA PILOT... TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING... HOLDING GEAR BEFORE LURCHING TO NEXT GEAR... SAME WITH SLOWING DOWN... PRETTY ALARMING... WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF AROUND $3000... CAR ONLY HAS 88,000 MILES ON IT... VERY FRUSTRATING... HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THESE ON THEIR DIME. *TR