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, Sep 3, 2004
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR. EARLIER, TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED FOR DIRT IN THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER STATED ON THE RECALL THAT OIL JET WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, AND DID NOT NEED SERVICING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO DISCOLORATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID.*AK
Power train, Sep 3, 2004
AFTER THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL 04V17600 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED WHEN SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *AK
Structure, Aug 30, 2004
WHEN OPENING THE TAILGATE THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SPOILER HIT THE REAR WINDOW AND THE ROOF. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *AK THE SUNLIGHT CAUSED HEAT SWELLING OF THE PLASTIC TAILGATE SPOILER. WHEN THE TAILGATE WAS OPENED, THE SPOILER WOULD STRIKE THE ROOF WHICH RESULTED IN SCRATCHES AND DAMAGE TO THE ROOF. *NM
Power train, Aug 27, 2004
TRANSMISSION RECALL 04V176000, HONDA 718-720-0075. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2004
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE, WHICH CAME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE. VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Structure, Aug 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH SPOILER FELL OFF INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER STATED THE PART WAS WARPING AND PRODUCED ONE INCH GAP. *AK
Tires, Aug 3, 2004
TIRES HAVE WORN OUT AFTER 22,000 MILES ON NEW CAR-2003 HONDA PILOT. REAR TIRES ARE FEATHERING AND FRONT TIRES ARE WORN UNEVENLY. TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T 235/70 R16. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2004
HONDA PILOT HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHT TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. ONLY A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE ARE ILLUMINATED, AND A SHARP CUT-OFF LINE BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS IS CLEARLY VISIBLE AT A DISTANCE THAT IS NOT FAR ENOUGH TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT.*AK
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2004
CONCERNS INVOLVING 2003 HONDA PILOT RECALLS. *MR *SC
Service brakes, Air, Jun 30, 2004
SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER BUYING OUR CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2002, WE NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN WE USED THE BRAKES WHEN GOING FORWARD. WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL AND OCCURRED AFTER HAVING JUST BACKED UP. IT WAS A TRANSFER OF THE BRAKES FROM BACK TO FRONT. I HAD THE SERVICE TECH LOOK AT THEM AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUES AND HONDA WOULD NOT ADDRESS IT. I HAVE SINCE TALKED TO SEVERAL HONDA OWNERS WHO HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY, MY BRAKES ARE GETTING WORSE AND MAKE THE SOUND EVEN IF I DON'T BACK UP FIRST. *AK
Air bags, Jun 24, 2004
WHEN USING A LAP TOP COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS HAD BEEN DEACTIVATED. THE ELECTRONIC WAVES HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT CAUSING THIS DEFECT. *NM THE PROBLEM HAPPENED REPEATEDLY WHEN THE LAP TOP WAS USED IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE DEALER TURNED THE AIRBAGS ON, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT CANNOT STOP THE OCCURRENCE. *SC *JB
Air bags, Equipment, Jun 23, 2004
ON SATURDAY NIGHT, 6/19/2004, WE PURCHASED A USED 2003 HONDA PILOT WITH APROX 17K MILES ON IT. AS PART OF THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, HANLEES TOYOTA INCLUDED AN AFTERMARKET LEATHER UPGRADE FOR THE CLOTH INTERIOR. SUBSEQUENTLY, ON MONDAY (6/21/04) WE WERE INFORMED BY AMERICAN HONDA MOTORS THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER UPGRADE WAS BOTH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS AND WOULD VOID OUR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. CONSEQUENTLY, ON TUESDAY, 6/22/04, WE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, WITH THE INTENTION OF A REFUND OF OUR $5000 DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION OF THE SALE. HOWEVER, HANLEES WAS NON COOPERATIVE IN THIS REQUEST. REACHING AN IMPASSE, WE LEFT WITH THE CAR AND ARE NOW SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE. HERE IS THE INFORMATION FROM HONDA REGARDING THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER UPGRADE: HONDA SERVICE NEWS, NO AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS WITH SIDE AIRBAGS, NEVER INSTALL AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS ON HONDA VEHICLES WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. HERE'S WHY: THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM (OPDS) SENSORS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT-BACK FOAM ARE CALIBRATED TO SENSE THROUGH THE SEAT COVER. IF THE COVER MATERIAL CHANGES, THE ODPS COULD MALFUNCTION OR TURN ON THE SRS INDICATOR. SIDE AIRBAGS THAT DEPLOY THROUGH THE SEAT BOLSTER SEAM ARE SEWN WITH A SPECIAL THREAD THAT BURSTS AND POSITIONS THE SIDE AIRBAG TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. THIS THREAD ISN"T AVAILABLE TO THE AFTERMARKET, WHICH MEANS YOU MUST REPLACE THE SEAT COVER WHENEVER A SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYS OR A SEAT COVER IS DAMAGED. ALSO, WHEN I POINTED OUT THE SAFETY ISSUE OF THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER UPGRADE I WAS SOLD, THE RESPONSE FROM THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AT THE DEALER WAS WELL SIDE AIRBAGS ARENT EVEN MANDATORY, ANYWAY BOTTOM-LINE, I THINK IT IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THIS DEALER TO OFFER POSSIBLY HAZARDOUS AFTERMARKET UPGRADES TO ITS CUSTOMERS WITHOUT WARNING THEM OF THEIR UNSAFE NATURE. *AK THE ONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESOLVE THE SAFETY ISSUE AND AS PART OF THE RESOLUTION HE WOULD LIKE TO WITHDRAW HIS COMPLAINT. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. *AK ON MAY 19TH 2004, THE BRAKES WERE VIEWED AND A SERVICE TECH ADDED PARTS BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE BRAKES. *SC *JB
Seats, Jun 8, 2004, fire
1. CAR WAS PARKED AT A MARINA FOR APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS 2. ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN DRIVERS AUTOMATIC SEAT CONTROLLER STARTED A FIRE AND DESTROYED SEAT AND DOOR 3. HONDA SAID IT WAS MY FAULT AND SAID TO HAVE MY INSURANCE PAY FOR IT - I'M ELECTING TO TAKE THEM TO COURT.*AK
Air bags, Jun 2, 2004
CONSUMER STATED WHEN USING LAPTOP ON THE PASSENGER'S SEAT SRS LIGHT CAME ON. AS A RESULT, AIR BAGS DISENGAGED. *AK
Tires, Wheels, May 26, 2004
VEHICLE HAS VIBRATION / SHIMMY AT 40-45 AND 70-80 MPH THAT IS QUITE ANNOYING. NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, BALANCED TWICE, STILL NO LUCK, VIBRATION PERSIST IN STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE COMPARTMENT.
Seats, May 25, 2004
FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTS DO NOT ADJUST UPWARD FOR TALL PEOPLE (5'-11') AND TALLER CAUSING HEAD RESTRAINT BAR TO REST ON TOP OF PERSONS HEAD. THIS POTENTIALLY WILL CAUSING NECK OR SPINAL INJURY INJURY IF VEHICLE IS HIT FROM THE REAR. THE TOP BAR ACTS AS A PIVOT POINT WITH NO REAR NECK SUPPORT.
Service brakes, Air, May 25, 2004
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS WARPED FROM NORMAL USE, LOW MILEAGE (21,000 MILES) CAUSING EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND POTENTIAL LOSS OF VECHICLE STABILITY AND CONTROL WHEN BRAKING
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 21, 2004
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PULSATION AND SHAKING IN STEERING WHEN SLOWING DOWN. *LA THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE CUT AND RESURFACED. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE DEALER BLAMED THE BRAKE PROBLEMS ON HIGH MILEAGE BUT THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM OR THAT THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *NM
Steering, May 17, 2004
THERE IS A DISTINCT AND CONSTANT VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY 2003 HONDA PILOT WHEN IT REACHES SPEEDS BETWEEN 70 AND 75 MPH. HONDA HAS TRIED BALANCING TIRES, ALIGNING FRONT END, ROTATING TIRES, REPLACING TIRES, ETC. AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL PRESENT. THEY HAVE HAD MY PILOT FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS TRYING TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION. *AK
Structure, May 16, 2004
LIFTGATE GLASS ON 2003 HONDA PILOT ESSENTIALLY "SHATTERED". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT BY ANY OBJECT. LOCAL HONDA DEALER STATES IT IS NOT COVERED. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS DEFECTIVE GLASS OR INSTALLED BY MANUFACTURER INCOORECTLY.*AK
Suspension, May 14, 2004
WE BOUGHT A NEW HONDA PILOT IN JULY 2003. WE DO NOT TOW ANYTHING WITH IT. WE DO NOT TAKE IT OFF ROAD. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. WE LIKE THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, ON MAY 13TH WHILE DRIVING THE PILOT A LOUD SNAP WAS HEARD IN THE REAR OF THE PILOT. WE LOOKED AT IT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF FROM THE CHASSIS. IF THAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE ON THE FREEWAY A SERIOUS ACCIDENT VERY WELL MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN.*AK
Steering, May 6, 2004
SUSTAINED VIBRATION AT 73MPH & 78MPH. VIBRATION FELT THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. DEALER CHECKED TIRE BALANCE TWICE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS.
Seats, May 5, 2004
THE RIVETS HOLDING THE DRIVER SEAT TO THE SEAT FRAME HAVE POPPED AND THE SEAT BECOMES UNSTABLE. DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2004
LOUD "CLANK" NOISE FROM BRAKE CALIPERS THE FIRST TIME BRAKES ARE APPLIED AFTER CHANGING DIRECTION (FORWARD TO REVERSE OR REVERSE TO FORWARD). THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW; THE DEALER SERVICE REP STATES "THEY ALL DO THAT", AND SAID HE WAS SURPRISED HONDA HAD NOT COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF FIX BECAUSE THEY WERE GETTING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE VERY DISCONCERTING NOISE.*AK