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.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2004
FOUND A WHINNING NOISE IN THE AREA OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON OUR 2003 PILOT WITH 9,000 MILES BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 5 DAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE TENSION PULLY ON THE TIMING BELT DID NOT FIX NOW THEY ARE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS *AK
Air bags, Apr 21, 2004
ON APRIL 8,2004, THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON IN MY PILOT. I PHONED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT MIGHT JUST NEED TO RESET ITSELF BECAUSE I HAD SOMETHING SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS FOR IT TO RESET. THE LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF. I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED ON APRIL 14, 2004. THE SERVICE TECH RESET THE SRS LIGHT AND I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IF THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. ABOUT 20 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT AFTERNOON WHERE THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT THE PILOT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE OVERNIGHTED AND MY VEHICLE WOULD BE READY THE NEXT AFTERNOON. ONE OF THE PARTS CAME IN BUT THE OTHER PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. MONDAY, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART IS ON "CRITICAL BACKORDER" AND HOPEFULLY WILL ARRIVE ON APRIL 26.2004. THE DEALERSHIP HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL VEHICLE..I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN A PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER, IT CAN TAKES MONTHS FOR THE PART TO BE AVAILABLE. I, TOO, LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER PILOT OWNERS, WAS TOLD THAT MY CELL PHONE PLUGGED IN , COULD HAVE CAUSED THE LIGHT TO COME ON. I THINK THAT MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT OF A STRETCH.*AK
Visibility, Apr 16, 2004
THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS LOUD AND CAUSED PRESSURE ON THE CONSUMER'S EAR DRUMS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. TS THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE NOISE WASN'T THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PHYSICAL PRESSURE AND PAIN ON EAR DRUMS WAS. *AK
Air bags, Apr 8, 2004
THE SRS LIGHT ON MY 2003 HONDA PILOT CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO AND HAS STAYED ON. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT, ORDERED A PART WHICH CAME IN OVER 3 WEEKS LATER, INSTALLED THE PART (I BELIEVE IT WAS A NEW AIRBAG SENSOR), AND STILL HASN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM. THEY ORDERED ANOTHER PART WHICH THEY SAID WOULD TAKE 3-4 WEEKS TO COME IN. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT CURRENTLY DUE TO THIS ISSUE.*AK
Air bags, Apr 8, 2004
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR THE FRONT AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS WERE CHECKED AND THE MECHANIC MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY CAMPAIGN BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER(S) WERE CONCERNED THAT REPAIRS WERE DONE TWICE, BUT PROBLEM COULD RECUR. *AK THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT REMAIN ADJUSTED. *SC *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 16, 2004
I OWNED A 2003 HONDA PILOT. IT'S A VERY GOOD SUV. EXCEPT THAT LAST YEAR, I MADE A COMPLAINT WITH GRAND HONDA DEALERSHIP IN ELMHURST IL. REGARDING AN ANNOYING NOISE COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK WHICH I BELIEVE IS VERY UNUSUAL. SPLASHING NOISE IS VERY STRONG WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS HALF TO ALMOST FULL TANK. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER IT IS NORMAL AND THERE WAS NO RECALL WHICH I STRONGLY DISAGREE. I BELIEVE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CHAMBERS TO CONTROL THE SPLASHING NOISE AND MIGHT CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE. PLEASE HELP!!! *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 10, 2004
I OWN A HONDA PILOT 2003, EVERY TIME I START MY SUV AND PRESS THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME I HEAR A LOUD NOCKING SOUND. USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE SUV IS NOT IN USE FOR A WHILE. I TOOK THE SUV TO THE DEALER FOR DIFFERENT ISSUE AND I ASKED THE SERVICE PERSON ABOUT THE PROBLEM, HE TOLD ME THAT THE SOUND IS COMMON ON PILOT. I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY TOLD THAT I NEED TO TAKE THE SUV FOR AN INSPECTION AND NOT TO GO BY WHAT THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE SUV TO THE DEALER YET. BUT, I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM, I DO NOT WHY THEY HAVE NOT REPORTED IT. THE PROBLEM IS ANNOYING BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE, EVERYTIME THE SUV IS MOVE AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME.*AK
Suspension, Mar 1, 2004
I CONSISTENTLY HEAR NOISE THAT SEEMS TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL OR LARGE BUMPS. MY DEALER (CLAIR INTERNATIONAL INC.) WAS UNABLE TO FIX AND CALLED HONDA TECH LINE. THEY WERE ADVISED BY HONDA TECH LINE (REF.# 1192151, ACCESS CODE 20710502012) THAT IT WAS NORMAL NOISE FROM REAR SHOCKS WITH POSSIBLE UPDATE IN THE FUTURE. A MONTH LATER I HAD DEALER REPLACE THE STRUT (PART# 52610-S9V-A01) BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 17, 2004
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL LINE AND THE "PLENUM GASKET THREE TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Visibility, Jan 31, 2004
REAR WIPER MOTOR SHORT, INCLUDES SRS LIGHT COMING ON SINCE ON ONE FUSE AND LOST OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID US CAPABILITIES. *JB
Air bags, Jan 30, 2004
3 TIMES WE HAD THE SRS LIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON IN OUR 2003 PILOT. THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR AGAIN (WARRANTY), BUT INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF RF INSIDE THE VEHICLE INTERFERRING WITH THE SRS SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER SEAT. THE TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT IT COULD BE THE USE OF CELL PHONE OR TELEVISION. WE HAD ROUTINELY USED A PORTABLE DVD PLAYER IN THE PILOT WITH AC POWER INVERTER PLUGGED INTO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER. WE USED THIS FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITH NO PROBLEMS. WE TRIED THE INVERTER ONE MORE TIME AND WITHOUT EVEN CONNECTING THE DVD PLAYER, THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THIS INVERTER WAS POWERED UNDER THE LIMIT LABELED ON THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER. THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE AIRBAG CONTROLLER THIS TIME WHICH I THINK PROBABLY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AND IS WHY IT KEPT RECURRING. BUT NOW WE ARE AFRAID TO TRY AGAIN SINCE WE GOT A FIRM WARNING FROM THE TECHNICIAN THAT WE AREN'T SUPPOSED OT USE INVERTERS IN THE LIGHTER AND IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, THEY WON'T COVER IT! I THINK THEY BUILD THESE SUV'S KNOWING THAT PEOPLE WILL USE THE RECEPTACLES FOR POWER, THEY EVEN LABEL THEM WITH VOLTAGE LIMITS. I THINK IF THERE ARE LIMITATIONS KNOWN, WE SHOULD BE INFORMED EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE SO WE DON'T HAVE TO ELIMINATE ALL USAGE.
Suspension, Jan 15, 2004
THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNTS. THEIR DESIGN CAUSES A RATTLE ON SMALL TO MODERATE ROAD IRREGULARITIES. I WAS FORCED TO MAKE A PERSONAL MODIFICATION TO THE MOUNT AS HONDA WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. OTHERS (NATIONAL WEB SITE) HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS, BUT HONDA SAYS THIS IS CHARASTIC OF VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN A MAJOR SUPPORTER OF HONDA IN PURCHASES AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS INCREDIBILY INSENSITIVE. MY NEXT PURCHASE MAY BE A VW OR VOLVO. SINCE I MODIFIED THE BRACKET, THE SOUND IS NOT THE ISSUE. THE VALUE HONDA HAS PLACED ON MY BUSINESS IS. I CAN DOCUMENT ALL EFFORTS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, HOWEVER HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. SURELY I CAN NOT BE THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH HONDA AS I HAVE REMAINED PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES. I WILL NOT LET THE ISSUE DIE. THERE SHOULD BE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS THAT SUPPORT SHOULD GO ALONG WITH PRODUCT LOYALTY. BILL PRICE
Tires, Jan 5, 2004
THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 63 MPH. *AK
Air bags, Dec 22, 2003, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN HEAD AND SIDE IMPACT AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED, AS THEY SHOULD. AS A RESULT MY WIFE RECEIVED NICK AND BACK INJURIES. HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE IF ANY. *AK
Suspension, Nov 30, 2003
MY WIFE AND I BOTH OWN 2003 HONDA PILOT'S. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE A THUMPING NOISE THAT SEEM TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL OR LARGER BUMPS.I HAVE CONTACTED THE HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT IT MAYBE GENERIC. I HAVE TALKED TO MY DEALER (WADE RAULSERSON, GAINESVILLE, FL) SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SAME THING. NO INFORMATION, IT MAY BE GENERIC. I HAVE CORRESPONDED OVER THE INTERNET WITH NUMEROUS OTHER PILOT OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. SEVERAL HAVE DONE CONSIDERABLE RESEARCH ON THEIR OWN AND THE BEST DIAGNOSIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT. YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT(#10023250) DETAILING A FAILURE ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER RESULTING IN INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THIS MAKE ME WONDER IF THERE IS AN INHERENT DESIGN FAULT WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION ON THE PILOT THAT COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT MAY CAUSE MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH.*AK
Steering, Nov 15, 2003
GREETINGS, WE JUST EXPERIENCED OUR SECOND POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE ON OUR PILOT. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 5,000 TOTAL MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WE SPECIAL ORDERED AND RECEIVED IN JANUARY 2003 (TODAY IS NOVEMBER 14, 2003). WE DO NOT DRIVE IT MUCH EXCEPT FOR FAMILY TRIPS. I HAVE A POTENTIAL THEORY TO BOUNCE OFF YOU GOOD FOLKS... BEING AN ENGINEER, I WAS A BIT CONCERNED ABOUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NOT BEING FLOODED BY THE FLUID RESERVOIR. I WAS EVEN MORE CONCERNED THAT THE RESERVOIR WAS BELOW THE PUMP. I WAS ASSURED BY THE SALESMAN THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE ARRANGEMENT. I LATER LEARNED ABOUT THE REPORTED PULLEY FAILURES. AGAIN I WAS ASSURED THAT WAS FIXED BY A NEW DESIGN. WELL, NOW WE HAVE TWO PUMP FAILURES WITH ONLY 5000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. BY FAILURE I MEAN THAT THE PUMP STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD WHINING NOISES CONSISTENT WITH DRY GEAR MESH NOISE. WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER PRIOR TO DRIVING TO THE POINT OF ACTUAL FAILURE. HERE IS THE THEORY... I SUSPECT THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP CANNOT HOLD ENOUGH VACUUM IN THE FLUID SUPPLY LINE TO MAINTAIN LUBRICATION OF THE PUMP. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS SET FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME, THE PUMP COULD LOSE IT'S PRIME AND BEGIN TO RUN DRY ON THE NEXT USAGE OF THE VEHICLE. IF NOT RUNNING COMPLETELY DRY, MAYBE THERE IS ENOUGH LOSS OF PRIME TO CAUSE CAVITATION IN THE PUMP. COULD IT BE THAT IF THIS IS NOT CAUGHT SOON ENOUGH THAT THE HEAT GENERATED CAUSES THERMAL EXPANSION OF THE GEAR SETS RESULTING IN THE PUMP SEIZING UP? IF THE PUMP SEIZES UP, WOULD IT THEN BE POSSIBLE TO PRESENT ENOUGH FORCE BY THE SERPENTINE BELT TO CREATE ENOUGH TORQUE TO SHEER OFF THE PULLEY? LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. I AM CERTAINLY GOING TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH MY DEALERSHIP ON THIS (AGAIN). *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 6, 2003
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY PRODUCED A NOISE. DEALER STATES THAT THE NOISE IS NORMAL. *AK
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 30, 2003, crash
WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH ANOTHER DRIVER TURNED IN FRONT OF MY PILOT WITHOUT SIGNALING. THE WHOLE RIGHT FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS PUSHED IN. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T LOCK. AS A RESULT I BOUNCED OFF STEERING WHEEL TWICE. 2 DAYS LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HONDA SAYING THAT AIR BAGS ARE NOT DEPLOYING OR DEPLOYING LATE. I BELIEVE THAT MY INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE HAD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND/OR THE SEAT BELT LOCKED. *LA
Seats, Sep 25, 2003
JUST BELOW THE LEATHER ON THE DRIVERS SEAT THE PLASTIC PANEL THAT HOLDS THE ELECTRONIC BUTTONS TO OPERATE THE SEAT MOTION HAS BROKEN TWO TIMES IN LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS, ALTHOUGH THE DEALER REPLACED IT BOTH TIMES, THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE SCREWS HOLDING THE PANEL IN PLACE.
Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2003
HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2003 HONDA PILOT ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HONDA KNOWS OF THE SITUATION AND WILL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION. *JB
Visibility, Jul 28, 2003
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLES DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT HAVE AUTOMATIC REVERSE. *AK *CB *NLM
Steering, Jul 24, 2003, crash
(HONDA REFLES MOTOR SCOOTER NSS250/A 2003)STEERING MECHANISM LOCKED FORCING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE.*MR *TS (LAWYER STEPHEN KANDELL ON BEHALF OF CLIENT DAVID CALRK) *JB
Air bags, Jul 18, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH HIT A POLE, AND NEITHER OF THE FOUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 18, 2003
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, THE DOOR JAMS UP AND DOES NOT OPEN. CRITICAL IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. FIRST NOTICE IN FIRST WEEK OF OCT 2002 WEEK AFTER BUYING THE CAR. SERVICE COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. HAS TO BRING IN AFTER SO MANY OCCURRENCES ON JULY 16, 2003. THEY SAID DOOR LOCK NEEDS ACTUATOR REPLACED.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 3, 2003
THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *MR *CB *NLM