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, Apr 30, 2009
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I TRAVEL FREQUENTLY AND CURRENTLY HAVE 157,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED AS REQUIRED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED. IT HAS ALWAYS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS WITH HARSH SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS, BUT DUE TO LACK OF ANY CODE WARNINGS, I'VE BEEN ADVISED BY THE DEALER AND PERSONAL MECHANICS THAT THERE WERE NO CONCERNS. AS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF A VEHICLE, ONE CAN SENSE ANY CHANGES IN HOW AN AUTOMOBILE DRIVES AND AT 50,265 MILES, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A CHANGE WITH THE SHIFTING OF GEARS. AGAIN AT 87,767 I EXPRESSED CONCERN, BUT STILL NO CODES. AT 103,226 MILES, MY CONCERNS GREW AND FURTHER CHECKING AND DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THERE IS HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS, BUT NO INDICATIONS THAT A REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. ON APRIL 18, 2009 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE 'REVVING' AS THOUGH IT WAS IN NEUTRAL - THERE WAS NO POWER. I HAD A TOTAL OF 6 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. I MANEUVERED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. ON APRIL 29, 2009, MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION COMPANY TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT A COST OF $3,500. I PURCHASED THE PILOT CONFIDENT THAT I INVESTED IN A VEHICLE THAT WILL PROVIDE ME ASSURANCE OF NO MAJOR POWERTRAIN ISSUES. I FELT STRONGLY ABOUT HONDA'S REPUTATION SO THIS IS QUITE A DISAPPOINTMENT. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM 2003 PILOT OWNERS WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURES (SEE EDMUNDS.COM FORUMS). IS ANYONE REVIEWING THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY INVOLVED WITH THE FAILURES OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS? ESPECIALLY SINCE I'VE EXPERIENCED THE LOSS OF POWER AND NAVIGATION ABILITY! A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. ARE THERE DISCUSSIONS FOR A TRANSMISSION RECALL? *TR
Structure, Apr 28, 2009
THE CHROME PLATING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE OF OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT IS FLAKING AT THE FRONT EDGE. IT IS A DANGEROUS CUT HAZARD. OUR PILOT HAS ONLY 69077 MILES. THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE A RECALL, AS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED. THE REPAIR COST IS $39.00 LABOR AND $20.00 FOR HANDLE. THE DEALER SERVICE WRITER SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE, AND HAS EVEN EXPERIENCED IT HIMSELF. *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2009
WHILE DRIVING 2003 HONDA PILOT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE REVVED UP WHILE SEEMING TO COAST AND THEN JOLTED FORWARD. CAR HAS 109,000 MILES. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION AND FAILURE OF CONTROL MODULE. ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO DEALER REPAIR SHOP IT WAS CODED AS AN INCORRECT GEAR RATIO. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND ONLY DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS. *TR
Power train, Apr 24, 2009
CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH AT 75K MILES WITH "D" LIGHT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER MIS-IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 5K MILES BUT EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT THE CAR NEEDS AN ENTIRE NEW TRANSMISSION. CAR NOW HAS JUST OVER 80K MILES. VERY SHORT LIFE FOR A TRANSMISSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2009
THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT IS CRACKED AND ONE OF THE SIDE MOUNTS IS TORN AND ABOUT TO CRACK. MY HONDA PILOT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN FEBRUARY 2003 AND HAS 84,000 MILES ON IT. HONDA CLAIMS THAT THE ENGINE MOUNTS ONLY LAST FIVE YEARS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART, ESPECIALLY DUE TO THE VOLUME OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THE WEB. *TR
Power train, Apr 15, 2009
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT WAS RECALLED FOR A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE INSPECTION/REMEDY WAS PERFORMED IN 2004. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED WITH THE EXACT SAME FAILURE THE RECALL WAS INTENDED TO REMEDY. WHILE TRAVELING A DEALER IN MIAMI (BRICKELL MOTORS) WORKED WITH A REGIONAL HONDA REP AND OFFERED A 50% REDUCTION IN THE COST OF A REBUILD TRANSMISSION. UPON RETURNING HOME THE LOCAL DEALER (COGGIN HONDA) WORKED WITH A REGIONAL HONDA REP AND ONLY OFFERED A 5% REDUCTION. LEARNING THIS WE CONTACTED THE ORIGINAL DEALER (BRICKELL) AND WERE INFORMED THAT WE HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK (100 MILES AWAY) BEFORE THEY COULD ASK THE REP AGAIN FOR ASSISTANCE. NO GUARANTEE ON WHAT WOULD BE OFFERED. CONTACTING HONDA USA WE WERE INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD LIKE LIKELY BE NO FURTHER OFFERS BUT THE ORIGINAL DEALERS OFFER SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 30 DAYS. WE ESCALATED THIS TO A CASE MANAGER ASKING THAT THE 50% OFFER BE MADE GOOD AT OUR LOCAL DEALER (COGGIN). IN THE INTERIM WE MUST RETRIEVE THE CAR WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS RECALLED FOR A POTENTIAL CRASH HAZARD. THIS CAR SHOULD BE PROVIDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AS PER THE RECALL NUMBER 04V176000. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Apr 10, 2009
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT HAD A TRANSMISSION RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO, WHICH WAS REPORTEDLY PERFORMED BY HONDA. 3-14-09 IT WAS SERVICED BY HONDA, FOR A LIGHT THAT CAME ON INDICATING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. AFTER THE SERVICE, ON 4-2-09, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP THIS ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, ON 275 DURING RUSH HOUR IN CINCINNATI, DUE TO A SUDDEN SLOWING OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REAR BRAKE LIGHTS INDICATING STOPPING OR SLOWING. THIS IS AN INDICATION THAT EVEN WITH THE RECALL ALTERATIONS, THE PROBLEM OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A CRASH. DH, A FRIEND HAD A SIMILAR FAILURE CAUSING A CRASH WITH HER THREE CHILDREN ON BOARD, THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED INJURIES IN THIS ROLLOVER CRASH. HONDA WAS NOTIFIED AND SERVICE PERSONNEL WERE ADVISED AND THEY ARE NON RESPONSIVE. THIS VEHICLE IS DESIGNED FOR UP TO EIGHT OCCUPANTS MAKING THIS A SERIOUS POSSIBILITY FOR BODILY INJURY. AT THE TIME OF RECALL THE CORRECTION FOR THIS FAILURE WAS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THERE IS A 30 DAY WAIT FOR REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS, EVIDENTLY BECAUSE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. A FRIEND WITH THE SAME YEAR HONDA PILOT HAD THE SAME LOCK UP OCCUR WITH HER TRANSMISSION AND IT DID CAUSE THE PILOT TO CRASH AND ROLL OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH SIMILAR STORIES. UNFORTUNATELY HONDA WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM DESPITE THE SAFETY ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Apr 6, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 135,000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2009
I OWN A 2003 HONDA PILOT. TWO OF THE FOUR ENGINE MOUNTS ARE BAD. FROM PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY, MANY HONDA PILOTS. IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE DEFECTIVE FOR SO MANY PEOPLE TO BE HAVING THE SAME COSTLY PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2009
THE CAR MAKES GRINDING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE CAR GENTLY ACCELERATES FROM BELOW 1400 RPM TO 1500 RPM. IT STARTED TO HAPPEN AROUND 30000 MILES AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY NOW (97000 MILES). DEALER HAS REPLACED EGR VALVE 3 TIMES WITH NO AVAIL AND THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES THE GRINDING NOISE LASTS UPTO 5 SECONDS. THE TACHOMETER JUMPS UP AND DOWN AROUND 1500 RPM WHILE MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE. THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID WAS CHANGED BUT NOISE STILL HAPPENS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2009
2 FAILURES: 1) REAR AIR UNIT FAILED AT 50,000 MILES / 5 YEARS. 2) TWO MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN (FRONT AND SIDE) AT 60,000 MILES / 6 YEARS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2009
NOTICED THAT THE HONDA PILOT WOULD SHAKE WHEN DRIVING AT 60, THEN EVENTUALLY START FEELING THE BRAKES GOING INTO EFFECT AND THE SPEED DROPPING TO BELOW 40. HOWEVER, DRIVING AT 25 YESTERDAY, THE BRAKES LOCKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, I HAD TO PUSH DOWN THE BRAKES AND THEN THE CAR MOVED. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2009
I OWN A 2003 HONDA PILOT EXL,LATELY I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH NOT WANTING TO TURN ON OR UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL. WHAT SHOULD I DO...I'VE OWN TWO OTHER HONDAS AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.(98 ACCORD,98 CIVIC);THEIR WAS RECALL ON THEM. IS THEIR A RECALL ON THE HONDA PILOT SWITCH OR STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2009
1-FAILED IGNITION LOCK 2- CANNOT START THE CAR 3- REPLACE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *TR
Suspension, Jan 11, 2009
HAD TO REPLACE FRONT AND SIDE MOTOR MOUNTS ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT. THIS WAS AFTER ONLY 67,118 MILES. MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL MOTOR MOUNTS. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Structure, Jan 7, 2009
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT WAS CAUSING LACERATIONS TO THE HANDS AND FINGERS WHEN USING THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE DELAMINATING DOOR HANDLES. THE CHROME PLATING ON THE PLASTIC DELAMINATES AND HAS A VERY SHARP EDGE THAT SLICES THE FINGERS OR HANDS IF RUB AGAINST. ALL OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE HAD LACERATION INJURIES FROM THESE DEFECTIVE HANDLES. I HAVE POINTED OUT THE DEFECT TO HONDA BUT THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND NOT COVERED. I HAVE OLDER VEHICLES FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS THAT DON'T HAVE THIS ISSUE AND OBVIOUSLY DISAGREE WITH HONDA'S ASSESSMENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2008
HAD 2003 HONDA PILOT IN FOR SERVICE FOR THE TIMING BELT. SERVICE MGR CALLED AND STATED THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT AND SIDE MOUNT WERE BROKEN. HE STATED THIS IS A ONGOING OCCURRENCE WITH THE HONDA PILOTS....WE HAD 137,000 MILES. I AM BEING INFORMED THAT THIS OCCURS AROUND 60,000 MILES ALL THE TIME. *TR
Power train, Dec 19, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, HOWEVER, THERE IS NO EFFECT ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC BUT HE CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM WHEN HE PLUGS THE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INTO THE COMPUTER. WHILE THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT AFFECTED OUR USE OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY, WE ARE CONCERNED THAT ONE DAY THE TRANSMISSION WILL SEIZE UP. FOR INFORMATION, WE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION CHECK WARNING WAS ISSUED A FEW YEARS AGO (YEARS BEFORE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED) AND WE WERE TOLD BY OUR HONDA DEALER THAT OUR TRANSMISSION DID NOT FALL INTO THE CATEGORY THAT REQUIRED REMEDIAL WORK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND PROCEEDING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THERE WAS SUDDENLY A 3-5 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IT REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS OPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Structure, Nov 11, 2008
AT 100,000 MILES I WAS INFORMED BY THE HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT 2 OF 3 MOTOR MOUNTS WERE CRACKED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED ON MY 2003 PILOT. THIS WILL COST ME APPROX $400. SEEMS THAT MANY HONDA PILOT OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER "OLDER" CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND, LATER THAT DAY, IT WOULD NOT START. HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT EVENTUALLY STARTED. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND, AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,348 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Suspension, Tires, Sep 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE WERE DETERIORATING ON THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THEY PERFORMED A REALIGNMENT. HE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ADJUST THE CAMBER AND CASTER. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE FOUR SETS OF TIRES, IN WHICH ALL OF THEM HAD A LARGE AMOUNT OF TREAD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LIFETIME OF THE TIRES WERE 28,000 MILES. ALL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PROPERLY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 10-30-08 *BF UPDATED 10/31/08
Seat belts, Seats, Sep 18, 2008
WE BOUGHT OUR 2003 HONDA PILOT ASSUMING THAT IT WOULD BE A GREAT FAMILY VEHICLE. WE HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN AND ANOTHER ON THE WAY SO OUR CAR IS FULL OF CAR SEATS. WE HAVE A BACKLESS BOASTER SEAT IN THE THIRD ROW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, A BOASTER SEAT IN THE THIRD ROW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND A FORWARD FACING CAR SEAT IN THE SECOND ROW DRIVER'S SIDE. IT IS INCREDIBLE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET THE CHILDREN IN THE THIRD ROW BUCKLED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS ARE CONSTANTLY GETTING "STUCK" AND HAVE TO BE RETHREAD ALL THE WAY BACK. THIS IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE THEY GET CAUGHT ON THE BOASTER SEATS THAT THEN HAVE TO BE PICKED UP AND MOVED AROUND TO GET THE SEAT BELT OFF. ALSO, THE SEAT ON THE SEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS TOO NARROW AND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES VERY LOW, CLOSE TO THE SEAT AND IT ENDS UP UNDERNEATH THE BOASTER SEAT. THESE DIFFICULTIES MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY PRESCHOOLERS TO BUCKLE BY THEMSELVES AND FORCES ME TO CLIMB BACK IN THEIR SEAT TO FIX THE SEAT BELTS AND MOVE THE BOOSTER SEAT FORWARD TO BUCKLE THEM IN. IT IS INCREDIBLE DIFFICULT AND UNCOMFORTABLE FOR AN ADULT TO CLIMB INTO THE THIRD ROW SEAT, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT. WE HAVE TRIED MOVING THE SEATS AROUND AND CAN NOT FIND ANY BETTER POSITIONS FOR THE CAR SEATS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 24, 2008
THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT SEPARATED WHILE BEING DRIVEN OUT OF A PARKING LOT. THE FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. UPON INSPECTION, THE JOINT HAD NEVER BEEN LUBRICATED WHEN THE CAR WAS ASSEMBLED. THIS JOINT IS A "LUBED-FOR-LIFE" JOINT THAT CANNOT BE INSPECTED OR LUBRICATED ONCE ASSEMBLED. THE PROTECTIVE BOOT AND RETAINING CLIP WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION WHEN THE JOINT FAILED. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER (TENNESSEE LICENSE # 110751) AND HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL METAL FAILURE INVESTIGATIONS. I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS JOINT FAILED DUE TO HAVING NOT BEEN LUBRICATED AT THE FACTORY. THIS CAR HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY A HONDA DEALERSHIP AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR AND HAD ALSO BEEN SERVICED AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAD PASSED THEIR SUSPENSION CHECK. IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED 10 MINUTES EARLIER OR LATER WE WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR ABUSED IN ANY WAY. NEITHER HONDA USA NOR THE TWO DEALERSHIPS INVOLVED WOULD RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS FAILURE. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, HUB ASSEMBLY, AND STEERING KNUCKLE WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2008
ON OR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO MARCH 13,2008 I WAS LEFT THE PARKING LOT OF AN AREA BUSINESS, UPON PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD MARCH 13,2008 HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHEN PULLING OUT OF STORE PARKING LOT REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS, FUSES&RELAYS LOW BEAMS INOPERABLE HIGH BEAMS STILL WORKED DROVE HOME WITH INOPERABLE HEADLIGHTS MARCH 14,2008 PURCHASED REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT SWITCH FROM A HONDA DEALER MARCH 15,2008 FOUND MELTED WIRE / HARNESS CONNECTOR AND CONTACTED HONDA DEALER FOR RECALL/BULLETIN INFORMATION PICKED UP COPY OF BULLETIN NUMBER 07-027 DATED MAY 12,2007,WHICH CITES "HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED" MARCH 17,2008 CONTACTED HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE,REQUESTED GOODWILL CONSIDERATION-WAS DIRECTED TO HAVE A HONDA DEALER PERFORM DIAGNOSTIC AND SUBMIT FORM TO DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER MARCH 19,2008 TOOK VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER TO PERFORM SRS SAFETY RECALL,AND TO DIAGNOSE THE HEADLIGHT PRIOR TO MAY 12,2008 WAS TOLD TECH DID NOT CHECK HEADLIGHT PROBLEM ON MARCH 19,2008 MAY 12,2008 IN FRUSTRATION, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO HONDA DEALER TO PERFORM REPAIRS, PAID $3147 FOR THE PART,AND $9074 FOR THE REPAIR DEALER RETURNED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH,BUT KEPT THE MELTED CONNECTOR AND WIRE JUNE 20,2008 RETURNED VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER FOR SAME PROBLEM,THEY SAID HEADLIGHT SOCKETS WERE UNPLUGGED AND WERE WORKING FINE JUNE 20,2008 RETURNED VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER,INFORMED THEM THE LIGHTS STILL DID NOT WORK,THEY REPLACED THE MELTED WIRE AND HEADLIGHT SWITCH SOCKET AGAIN DEALER KEPT MELTED WIRES AND CONNECTOR AND SUGGESTED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 5 WEEK INTERVALS CAUSING ME TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH HIGH BEAMS OR NO HEADLIGHTS-CREATING AN UNSAFE CONDITION I GENERALLY DO NOT USE MY HEADLIGHTS ANYMORE CONSIDERING THE COSTS TO REPAIR THEM,AND THE POTENTIAL FIRE AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARDS COPIES OF RELATED REPAIR WORK ORDERS,RECEIPTS,AND THE SERVICE BULLETIN ARE ALL AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR