2003 Honda Pilot

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Power train is the leading concern among 746 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 746

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

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

What owners report most often

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

Recalls and investigations

  1. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

    Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

    Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

    An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

    Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

    An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

    Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

    Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.

    Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

    Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Air bagsNov 4, 2014

    American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Air bagsJun 20, 2014

    American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.

    Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Exterior lighting, headlights, switchMar 30, 2012

    HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.

    IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 12V136000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008

    HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.

    WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.

    OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

    Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004

    ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

    GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

    Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Engine and engine cooling, engineAug 28, 2002

    ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

    IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

    Campaign 02V226000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

746 reports, newest first.

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2005

    SINCE I BOUGHT MY PILOT LAST NOV. EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES, GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH, BUT MORE THAN 5 MPH, MY BRAKES POP VERY LOAD, IT CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ALL DAY. I BOUGHT IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S SUPPOSE TO DO THAT. I TALK TO PEOPLE THAT OWN PILOTS AND HAVE KNOW PROBLEM WITH LOAD POPPING NOISES WHEN THEY APPLY THE BRAKES. *JB

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2005, crash

    FOR OVER A YEAR, I HAVE BEEN REPORTING BREAK FAILURE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I EXPLAINED THAT WHEN I TRY TO STOP WHILE GOING OVER A BUMP AT 25 MPH OR LESS, THE BREAKS FAIL AND THE ABS DOES NOT KICK IN, I.E. THE CAR FAILS TO STOP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEREFORE, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THIS MORNING I WENT OVER A BUMP AT ABOUT 22 MPH, TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AS I WAS GOING OVER THE BUMP BECAUSE THERE WAS A CAR STOPPED ABOUT 150-200 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. THE BREAKS FAILED OR LOCKED AND THE ABS NEVER KICKED IN. I RAPIDLY SLID INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. *NM

  3. Electrical system, Oct 11, 2005

    BEGINNING ABOUT 1-1-1995, I HAVE HAD ELEVEN (11) INCIDENTS OF THE BRAKE-LIGHT SOLENOID FAILING. THIS HAS OCCURRED IN MY 1995 ACCORD (6 TIMES), 2001 ACCORD (3 TIMES), AND 2003 PILOT (2 TIMES). I CURRENTLY OWN THE 1995 ACCORD AND THE 2003 PILOT. IN ALL INSTANCES THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. WHEN SOMEONE IS WITH ME AND I AM STATIONARY, I HAVE THEM CHECK THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO SEE IF THEY WORK WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE, AND THEY DON'T WORK AT THE SAME TIMES I CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. TOMORROW MORNING THE PILOT GOES BACK TO THE SHOP TO GET THE SOLENOID REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. MY DEALER HAS REPORTED THIS TO HONDA BUT THEY DON'T SEEM TOO INTERESTED IN TRYING TO FIND A PERMANENT FIX TO THE PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY OTHERS WILL REPORT SIMILAR INSTANCES SO WE CAN GET SOME CORRECTIONS MADE. BESIDES THE ANNOYANCE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK WHILE TRAVELING. *JB

  4. Air bags, Oct 4, 2005

    DT: THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH PANEL. THIS CAME ON WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS INCIDENTS OR PROBLEMS. THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL ON A SEPARATE ISSUE, AND WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE SRS LIGHT. THE DEALER MADE THE DETERMINATION THAT THE AIRBAG WAS NOT WORKING. THE DEALER BELIEVED CELL PHONE USE HAD SHORTED THE SENSOR OF THE SRS. HE TRIED TO RESET IT. TWO MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, THE LIGHT AGAIN ILLUMINATED AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE THIS TIME. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE REPAIR WOULD COST 300 DOLLARS. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK

  5. Air bags, Sep 24, 2005, crash

    WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND A CAR HIT ME FROM BEHIND AT 45 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS CAUSE ME TO HAVE SEVERE NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN. *NM

  6. Suspension, Sep 5, 2005

    I WAS DRIVING NEAR MY HOUSE MY WIFE'S HONDA PILOT SUV AND THE REAR SUSPENSION SUDDENLY BROKE DOWN. THE FORK AND WHEELS SUPPORT ARE BROKEN AND UNWELD (UNSOLDER) *JB

  7. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 5, 2005

    MY BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE CONTINUALLY HAD PROBLEMS SINCE ABOUT 4,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY 2003 HONDA ACCORD LX, AND THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN SERVICED 9 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED; ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND ALSO REPLACED THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD. THE BRAKES GRAB WHEN APPLIED, WHICH HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS NEW. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN THE BRAKES MADE A POPPING NOISE; ALWAYS VIBRATE WHEN APPLIED, AND A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS WHERE THE CAR ALMOST DID NOT STOP.*JB

  8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 24, 2005

    DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. A SQUEAKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES. AFTER THIS HAPPENED THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THIS PROBLEM STARTED NEAR THE END OF JUNE OF 2005. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *AK

  9. Service brakes, Air, Aug 24, 2005

    THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS REQUIRED RE-GROUNDING AFTER WARPING HAD OCCURRED WHICH CAUSED A PULSATING SENSATION WHEN BRAKING. THE ROTORS WERE RE-GROUND AT 34K, BUT THE PULSATING BEHAVIOR BEGAN SOMEWHERE AROUND AN ESTIMATED 28K. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN ROTATED TWICE AND BOTH TIMES WERE SECURED USING FACTORY TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS, SO INCORRECT LUG NUT SETTINGS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. NO EVIDENCE OF GLAZING FROM RIDING THE BRAKES WAS PRESENT, NOR HAS THE CAR EVER BEEN DRIVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVEN WITHIN NORMAL TOLERANCES SINCE WE PURCHASED NEW IN 6/03 AND HAS BEEN USED MORE FOR COMMUTING MODE RATHER THAN A LOT OF STOP AND GO USEAGE. THE FACTORY REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 10% REMAINING (WEAR TAB JUST STARTED WARNING 10 MILES EARLIER), WHILE THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE NEARLY 70% ORIGINAL MATERIAL REMAINING. I HAVE INSTALLED RAYBESTOS CERAMIC PADS ON THE REAR, BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW AND NOT DRIVEN MIS-USE/ABUSE AND THAT I'LL LIKELY HAVE TO REPAY FOR THIS REPEATEDLY IF I'M TYPICAL OF OTHERS WHO'VE COMPLAINED OF WARPED ROTORS ON THE 03 ACCORD EX - 6 CYL.

  10. Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2005

    THE GAS TANK HAD A LEAK. ENOUGH THAT FUEL WAS DRIPPING TO THE GROUND WHEN THE TANK WAS OVER HALF FULL. THE LEAK POINT WAS AROUND A SEAM AT THE FUEL INTAKE WHERE THE TANK WAS ASSEMBLED. HONDA REPLACED THE TANK BUT BECAUSE THE CAR HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HONDA APPLIED A GOODWILL WARRANTY AND PAID FOR THE PARTS. WE PAID ALMOST 300 DOLLARS FOR LABOR.

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2005

    HONDA PILOT FRONT ROTORS GET WARP WITH NORMAL USE, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGH SPEED THE CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND CAR IS OUT OF CONTROL, HAVE TO REMOVE FOOT FROM BRAKES TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR BACK, HONDA WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. *NM

  12. Air bags, Aug 4, 2005, crash

    DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 1, 2005 . UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

  13. Power train, Aug 3, 2005

    ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE SHIFT INTERLOCK WILL NOT LET THE CAR OUT OF PARK, UNLESS YOU HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL 20-30 TIMES. HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED DUE TO HONDA NOT BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM

  14. Suspension, Jul 24, 2005

    SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE IN 8/2002, THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT VIBRATION AT SPEEDS AROUND 70 MPH. SINCE CHSNGING THE TIRES RECENTLY, THE PROBLEM IS MORE PRONOUNCED, BUT ONLY WHEN COLD. THE VIBRATION BORDERS ON A SHAKE, AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL AS THE FLOORBOARDS.

  15. Air bags, Jun 10, 2005

    SRS ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WAS DISRUPTED BY ELECTRONIC ITEM BEING PLACED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF THE 2003 HONDA PILOT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *NM

  16. Structure, May 26, 2005

    DT: WHEN OPENING THE TAILGATE THE HINGE FAILED, AND THE HATCHBACK FELL DOWN ON CONSUMER. IT APPEARED THAT PISTON WAS TOO SMALL FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR, AND THE ATTACHMENT SHOULD BE PLACED IN A POSITION WHERE IT COULD SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF DOOR. NO INJURIES OCCURRED. CURRENTLY, THE HINGES COMPLETELY FAILED.*AK

  17. Power train, May 24, 2005, fire

    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON REVERSE SHIFT WASN'T WORK PROPERLY. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN THE MORNING WHEN I FIRST START. THE CAR WOLUDN'T MOVE AND LOCKED UP. I NEED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE GEAR THAN REVERSE. SOME OTHER TIME I HAVE TO TURN OFF ENGIN THAN TURN ON TO MOVE THE GEAR. THIS WAS HAPPEN AFTER RECALL FOR MY HONDA POLIT 2003.

  18. Tires, May 17, 2005

    THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE TIRE SEEMED TO SPONTANEOUSLY SPLIT WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDE WALL WHICH RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE BLOW OUT. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED AT THE TIME SO NO CRASH OCCURRED. WE HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS TIRE IS UNSAFE TO USE AT WARMER TEMPERATURES EVEN THOUGH IT IS Q99 RATED. THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK 215/70QR16 THAT IS ON A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED AND WAS JUST PUT ON NOVEMBER OF 2004.

  19. Electrical system, Apr 26, 2005

    DASHBOARD SWITCH FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTS DOES NOT ILLUMINATE IN 2003 HONDA PILOT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURER SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLES I OWN ARE HONDA AND THE SWITCH IS ILLUMINATED SO IT CAN BE SEEN IN THE DARK.*AK

  20. Air bags, Apr 7, 2005, crash

    (1) INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND A ROLLOVER.2) NONE OF THE FRONTAL OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

  21. Air bags, Mar 30, 2005

    2003 HONDA PILOT EXPERIENCED MINOR PROBLEMS. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE'S SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ON DAY AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. *NM

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2005, fire

    WHILE PARKED IN A LOT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE . THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, BUT WAS NOT SURE. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM. NO HESITATION NOR ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 1000 MILES WHEN THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *BF *NM

  23. Visibility, Mar 25, 2005

    SPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACKS, RIGHT LOWER WINDSHIELD AND LEFT LOWER WINDSHIELD AT 13 MONTHS OF PURCHASE AND 15 MONTHS OF PURCHASE CONSECUTIVELY. MILLER HONDA OF WINCHESTER, VA REFUSES TO FIX SAYING THE CRACKS OCCURRED FROM A STRIKE FROM ROCK OR SOMETHING. WEBSITE FOUND CONTAINING SEVERAL C/O HONDA ELEMENT CRACKED WINDSHIELDS. MILLER HONDA STILL REFUSES TO FIX. *AK

  24. Air bags, Mar 11, 2005

    I AM A 57 YR OLD WHITE MALE DRIVING A 2003 HONDA EX VIN. [XXX] ON RT41 IN THE TAMPA AREA WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ROAD WAS CLEAR,,CAR CHECKED BY DEALER,,CAR HAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE UNDER OR ON SIDE. HONDA STATES AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY BY THEMSELVES. MINE DID. CAR IS 18 MONTHS OLD BUT HAS 40K ON IT.PURCHASED A $1400.00 HONDA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT COVERED. BOTH DEALER AND HONDA CARE SUGGESTED I CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY.BOTH WERE VERY DISINTERESTED IN MY PROBLEM. WOULD THEY BOTH FEEL THAT WAY IF IT HAPPEND 20 MINUTES LATER AND A SMALL CHILD THAT I WAS ABOUT TO PICK UP IN MY DAIUGHTER'S CAR POOL WAS SITTING THERE. THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT. I JUST DO NOT THINK THIS SHOULD HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT IS 18 MONTHS OLD.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  25. Power train, Mar 9, 2005

    RECALL CAMPAIGN: 04V176000 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. TRANMISSION SLIPPING. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED TWICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISION, ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR CHARGES.