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, Jul 8, 2008
WE PURCHASED A USED 2003 HONDA PILOT IN APRIL 2007. WE WERE AWARE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION RECALL IN 2004 AND OUR VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED AS PART OF THAT RECALL. IT IS NOW JULY 2008 AND WE WERE JUST TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT SERVICES OUR CAR THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3700, AND THAT PRICE IS AFTER A $1000 CONTRIBUTION FROM HONDA. THE VEHICLE HAS 93150 MILES ON IT. CLEARLY THIS TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE. HONDA SHOULD OWN UP TO A SUBSTANDARD TRANSMISSION DESIGN AND STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH WHAT HONDA IS OFFERING US AND WILL CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM. WE HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE 2003 HONDA TRANSMISSIONS AND IT SEEMS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. A WIDER RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THESE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Seat belts, Jul 7, 2008
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ON 2003 HONDA PILOT CAME UNBUCKLED WHILE DRIVING. I THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS I HAD NOT BUCKED IT SUFFICIENTLY. WHEN TRIED TO PUT METAL PIECE ON BELT BACK INTO THE LOCKING DEVICE, IT WOULD NOT LOCK. CARRIED IT TO THE DEALER 7-7-08, AND HE HAD TO ORDER THE PART. *TR
Power train, Jun 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION TENDS TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. OCCASIONALLY, THE CONTACT HAS TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE IN ORDER FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT. SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Seats, May 15, 2008
MY 2003 HONDA PILOT IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE FRONT SEATS CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED. THAT IS, THEY MUST STAY DOWN AGAINST THE TOP OF THE SEAT AND CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED TO FIT THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD. HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THAT IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED. THIS MEANS THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND AN IMMEDIATE RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. HOW IS IT THAT YOU NEVER DISCOVERED THIS? HONDA SHOULD REPLACE ALL THESE VEHICLES WITH NEW SAFE VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM MEANS THAT IN A POTENTIAL REAR ENDED ACCIDENT, MY NECK WILL BE BROKEN. I NEED YOUR HELP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND ALERT ALL USA CITIZENS THAT HONDA BUILT AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Seats, May 14, 2008
REAR-ENDED. 2003 HONDA PILOT EX: FRONT SEAT HEAD REST IS NON-ADJUSTABLE, AND HITS HEAD ABOUT AN INCH DOWN FROM TOP OF MY HEAD. THERE IS NO CUSHIONING NOR PROTECTION FOR MY HEAD. HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THAT IF I TOOK AUTO TO DEALER, DEALER WOULD REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, THIS IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED. THUS THIS IS A DEFECT IN THAT THIS IS A TOTALLY UNSAFE HEAD REST (CONSTRAINT). *TR
Seats, May 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. HE CHECKED THE HEAD REST AND NOTICED THAT WHEN HE GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AGAIN, HE HIT HIS HEAD AT ONE SPOT ABOUT 1 INCH DOWN FROM THE TOP OF HIS HEAD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT HEAD RESTRAINTS CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEATS WERE FINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE HEAD REST WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,245. UPDATED 06/03/08. *LJ
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 3, 2008
THREE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON MY PILOT, ALONG WITH THE LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER DOOR. *TR
Suspension, Mar 13, 2008
NOTICEABLE CABIN VIBRATION WHEN CAR APPROACHES 70MPH, VERY NOTICEABLE. NO MODIFICATIONS OR REPAIRS AS OF YET. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 21, 2008
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE ON 2003 PILOT AT 53,000 MILES. HONDA REALIABILITY NOT AS GOOD AS PEOPLE THINK. *TR
Structure, Nov 29, 2007
I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE SRS SYSTEM CHECKED BECAUSE THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DID A 40 POINT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN THE RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT DUE TO A "FAILURE" IN THE SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THE MOUNTS (FRONT, SIDE AND BACK) FAIL ON THE HONDA ODYSSEY'S (NEWER MODELS, OURS IS AN '03) OFTEN. THE RESULT OF MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE IS EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE WHEN UNDER "LOAD." I WAS TOLD THAT MEANS THE ENGINE MOVES WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING BRAKING, SHARP TURNS, BUMPS AND ACCELERATION. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONCE ONE MOTOR MOUNT "BREAKS" THE OTHERS HAVE MORE TENSION AND WILL ALSO FAIL. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PART BE REPLACED BEFORE THE OTHER MOTOR MOUNTS FAIL AND CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS. THIS IS CURRENTLY NOT A RECALL OR FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY. OUR LOCAL HONDA MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL (ESPECIALLY ON SUCH A NEW CAR). HE SAID MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD OUTLAST THE ENGINE/CAR AND HE HAD NEVER IN ALL OF HIS EXPERIENCE SEEN A MOTOR MOUNT FAIL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2007, fire
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE APPROX 70 MPH FOR 150 MILES. THERE WAS A SMELL SIMILAR TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, NOTICED ACRID SMELL AND SMOKE OUT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE. LOTS OF SMOKE FOR 5 MIN THEN STOPPED COMPLETELY IN 30 MIN. ALL LEVELS OK, NO LEAKS, NO FAILURES, ALL WIRING COOL, NO SHORTS, ALL INSTRUMENT OK. WAITED APPROX 45MIN THEN DROVE 150 MILES HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR CHECKED OUT OK. THE FIRE BURNED APPROX 18 INCHES OF INSULATION AND SCORCHED THE PASSENGERS FIREWALL IN SEVERAL PLACES. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2007
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A STEADY 60MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATIONS OF ANY KIND. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR IN 2004 FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION FAULT BUT THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. THE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 27, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA PILOT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION AND EGR VALVE RECALLS SERVICES. AROUND 30,000 MILES, I NOTICE GROWLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAPPENS WHEN LIGHTLY ACCELERATING FROM 1300 RPM TO 1500 RPM. ONCE I HAD CAR JERKING WHILE STARTING FROM THE START. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE EGR VALVE TWICE ALREADY DUE TO THE CODE. IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY NOW. I HAVE 77,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY BY THE DEALER. *TR
Power train, Aug 4, 2007
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 73,000 AND I QUESTION IF RELATED TO THE RECALL AND I AM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Tires, Jul 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE COOPER MASTERCRAFT COURSER AWT, SIZE P235/70R16 (NA). THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 87,000.
Equipment, Jul 27, 2007
AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT ON 2003 HONDA CRV TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE PARTS WERE COVERED BUT HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *JB
Power train, Jul 10, 2007
(1)THE TRANSMISSION/GEAR LIGHT IN THE 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH 83,000 MILES (WHEN IN DRIVE) BEGAN BLINKING. WE CALLED THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER SAID THAT 90% OF THE TIME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION PRESSURE SWITCH. (2)THE CAR CONTINUED TO BE DRIVABLE. (3)THE PART WAS REPLACED BY THE MONTGOMERY, AL HONDA DEALER FOR $180.00. OUR CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, BUT IT IS PROBABLY NOT BEING REPORTED BY MANY CONSUMERS DUE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW COST OF REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Jun 25, 2007
I JUST GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AND WAS MAKING A SLOW TURN INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN THE INNER TIE ROD BROKE. I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING OR HIT ANYTHING, AND THE DEALER FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF SUCH. THE TIE ROD BROKE WHILE GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH , AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED, RENT A CAR, AND DID NOT PICK UP THE CAR UNTIL THE MONDAY NIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT. I LIVE 3 HOURS AWAY FROM WHERE THIS OCCURRED, AND HAD TO LEAVE THE TRUCK. THE DEALER WAS VERY SURPRISED AND HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. IT WAS SUCH AN UNUSUAL INCIDENT THAT NO DEALERS HAD THE PART AND IT HAD TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED.*AK HONDA AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PART ONLY AFTER I CALLED TO COMPLAIN BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY $467 IN LABOR AS WELL AS FOR THE RENTAL AND TOW. I CALLED HONDA DIRECTLY TO SEE IF THEY WANTED THE PARTS TO INSPECT ( I HAVE IT IN MY POSSESSION) AND INVESTIGATE BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR SHIPPING IT BACK TO THEM OR DELIVER IT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MAIN REASON I CALLED THEIR HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD MAKE THE EFFORT OR EXPENSE TO SEND IT BACK TO THEM FOR THEM TO SEE IF THERE IS A DEFECT, WHICH IN MY OPINION THERE IS. MY TRUCK HAD 48353 MILES AT THE TIME. THE REPAIRING DEALER GAVE ME THE PART AFTER I ASKED FOR IT. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING 55 MPH AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Equipment, Jun 24, 2007
HONDA ACCORD 2003 AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) FAILURE . A/C STOPPED WORKING DUE TO FAULTY COMPRESSOR CLUTCH, AND COIL . A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR OR WORK ANY LONGER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING TO KICK A/C ON. *AK
Air bags, Jun 22, 2007
SRS RED LIGHT STAYS ON, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER (ALLAN NOTT HONDA) IN LIMA, OH., SAYS AIRBAGS ARE NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED IN THE VEHICLE. THEREFORE, WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY IN OUR 4 YR. OLD PILOT. NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A WRECK. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN RECALL #04176000 CONCERNING THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE COOLING HOSE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT LIABLE AS IT WAS UNCLEAR IF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL. THE DEALER WAS WILLING TO APPLY THE PART FOR FREE BUT WILL CHARGE FOR LABOR. THE PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. *AK THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE AS WELL AS THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD AN OIL JET KIT WAS ALREADY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/13/07*TR
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2007, crash
MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD BEEN STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN LOSING COMPLETE POWER STEERING, BRAKES EVERYTHING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPAIR SHOP. DEC 2006. THEY COULD'NT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2007 MY DAUGHTER WENT FOR CHINESE FOOD. SHE BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE RELEASED HER FOOT, AND THE VAN STARTED JERKING THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA WHERE BLINKING SHE LOST ALL POWER THE VAN WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEICLE LANDED IN THE ENTRY WAY OF THE BUSINESS SMASHING ALL GLASS. SHE COULD NOT BRAKE SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THIS VAN.SHE SAID IT LOST ALL POWER SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TRYING TO STOP. NOTHING WORKED THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEICHLE ANYMORE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VAN IS UNDER INVESTGATION NOW. AND WILL BE FIXED AND TRADED IN.*AK
Steering, Mar 16, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SWUNG TO THE LEFT AND STRUCK A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE COMPONENT FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES.A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 8, 2007
AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A LOUD THUMPING THAT COMES FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT SCARES THE HECK OUT OF YOU AND YOU THINK SOMEONE HAS HIT YOU! TOOK IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THE HONDA DEALER IN BRANTFORD, ONTARIO AND ALTHOUGH HONDA ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM AS A RELATED TO FUEL TANK DESIGN THEY ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2003 HONDA PILOT EX-L'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON ALONG WITH THE VARIABLE TORQUE MANAGEMENT 4- WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT. SHE STATED THAT ON ANY GIVEN DAY OR AT ANY SPEED THESE LIGHTS MAY TURN ON TOGETHER OR ONE AT A TIME. THE CONTACT STATED DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CONTACT HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON 02/28/07. THE CONTACT FELT THISWAS A SAFETY PROBLEM, WILL SUBMIT FOLLOW UP INFORMATION FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER HER APPOINTMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46000.*AK