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.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 27, 2003
MY HONDA PILOT BECOMES UNSTABLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH, IT RESPONDS AS THOUGH THERE IS PLAY IN THE STEERING AND ANY SMALL ROAD IMPERFECTIONS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO VEER LEFT OR RIGHT, I TOOK IT TO CUSH HONDA WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID THREE OF FOUR TIRES HAD 52 POUNDS OF AIR IN THE TIRES, WHICH HAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE ON DELIVERY SINCE I HAVE LESS THAN 700 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED OR HAD AIR PUT IN THE TIRES, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IS UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC, THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS ALL PILOTS DO IT AND IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM? PLEASE ADVISE. *JB
Structure, Jun 17, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING HONDA PILOT EX-L ON A LOCAL STREET AT 35 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE HIT SOMETHING OR SKIDDED. ATTEMPT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE BY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTED IN THE SUV GOING OUT OF CONTROL. WHILE STILL ON THE ROAD, ANY ATTEMPT TO STEER THE VEHICLE CAUSED IT GO IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION. FINALLY, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND LANDED BACK ON THE WHEEL IN A DITCH BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS, AGES 1 AND 4, ESCAPED UNHURT IN THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ALL AROUND ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE WINDSHIELD, FRONT SIDE WINDOWS, FRONT DOORS AND FRONT ROOF APPEAR TO HAVE SUSTAINED THE GREATEST IMPACT. THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL SO EASILY SEEMS TO POINT TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE. IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE TO PREVENT ANY FUTURE ROLL-OVERS BY ANYONE USING THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 6, 2003
HEARING THE ANNOYING AND PRETTY LOUD BACK AND FORTH SLOUGHING OR THUMPING SOUND FROM THE BOTTOM OR REAR OF THE DRIVER SEAT (MOST LIKELY FROM THE GAS TANK WHICH IS WHERE IT IS LOCATED) WHENEVER COMING TO A STOP OR ACCELERATE FROM A STOP.*AK
Structure, Jun 4, 2003
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 PILOT AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH, OPENING EITHER THE REAR WINDOW CAUSES A PRESSURE IMBALANCE WITHIN THE VEHICLE WHICH UNLESS THE WINDOWS ARE IMMEDIATELY CLOSED, CAUSES EXTREME EAR PAIN TO ALL PASSENGERS. THIS SITUATION CAN CAUSE A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF THE VEHICLE IS IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC AND THE PRESSURE CHANGE AFFECTS THE DRIVER. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AS WELL AS AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF ANY SUCH COMPLAINTS. *NLM
Seats, Jun 2, 2003
THE BASE OF THE DRIVER SIDE LEATHER SEAT WAS SEVERELY STRETCHED AND SAGGED (AND ALSO WITH 'POINTY HAIRS' PROTRUDING FROM HOLES ON ALL LEATHER SEATS FRONT AND REARS) , AND THE ILLED-MANNERED HONDA DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER(ROBERTSON HONDA IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA) REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE COVERED ORIGINAL HONDA WARRANTY AND DENIED TOTALLY THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT ALTHOUGH THE DEFECT IS SO OBVIOUS AND VISIBLE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2003
DAMAGE FROM DEFECT TO TIMING BELT (WORN FROM PROTRUDING BOLT) CAUSED ENGINE TO STOP WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. ENGINE DAMAGED DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *NLM
Exterior lighting, May 13, 2003
THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY NEW 2003 HONDA PILOT ARE LIKE A SMALL POCKET FLASHLIGHT EXTREMELY DIM AND INSUFFICIENT FOR NIGHT DRIVING PLEASER HELP ME REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Seat belts, May 5, 2003
2003 HONDA PILOT CENTER SEATING POSITION 2ND & 3RD ROW. SEAT BELT SYSTEM DOES NOT FIT ADULT ( IN MY EXPERIENCE, 1 WOMAN 5'8" AND 1 WOMAN 5'10") OR CHILD IN A BOOSTER SEAT (BOTH HIGHBACK AND EVENFLO RIGHT FIT BOOSTER) PROPERLY. SHOULDER STRAPS CUT ACROSS NECK JUST UNDER JAW BONE. SHOULDER STRAP IS NOT ABLE TO BE POSITIONED AT CENTER OF COLLAR BONE AND IN SOME CASES DOES NOT EVEN MAKE CONTACT WITH COLLAR BONE (CHILD IN EVENFLO RIGHT FIT BOOSTER). MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY OCCUPANTS WILL PUT SEAT BELT BEHIND BACK OR UNDER THE ARM. I AM A CPS TECHNICIAN AND PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A FEW WEEKS AGO, NOT REALIZING THIS SITUATION. I HAD ONLY CHECKED THE INSTALLATION OF A BRITAX SUPER ELITE IN THE CENTER SEATING POSITION BEFORE BUYING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 5, 2003
EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR COME TO A STOP I HEAR A THUMPING NOISE FROM FUEL SLOSHING AROUND IN THE TANK. THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL TANK IS RIGHT UNDER THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. IT IS VERY LOUD AND ANNOYING TO HEAR. *JB
Exterior lighting, Apr 28, 2003
THE HEADLIGHTS LIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE LIGHTING PROJECTION. WHICH RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED IT THIS WAS A DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 2003
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
Steering, Structure, Mar 26, 2003
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION YOU CAN HEAR A THUMPING SOUND, IT'S A CONSTANT THUMPING. IF ONLY THE BACK 2 WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN, THE SOUND OF THE WIND PASSING THROUGH THE CAR IS DEAFENING. IT CREATES A BOOMING THAT IMMEDIATELY AFFECTS THE EAR DRUM. *JB
Visibility, Mar 26, 2003
THIS IS A CORRECTED INPUT TO MY ODI # 10011014 SUBMITTED 3/25/03 DURING NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING, SMALL SAND/GRAVEL IMPACT ON WINDSHIELD RESULTED IN 8 INCH CRACK DEVELOPING WITHIN HOURS. PAST EXPERIENCE OVER 10 YEARS OF DRIVING TWO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE SAME ROAD IMPACTS OF THIS SIZE (HEAD OF A PIN SIZE IMPACT MARK) HAVE ONLY RESULTED IN MINOR WINDSHIELD PITTING. SUSPECT WINDSHIELD QUALITY OR DESIGN ARE PROBLEM AREAS. VEHICLE IS 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. I WAS WARNED PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER HONDA ELEMENT OWNER IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A QUALITY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.*JB
Visibility, Mar 25, 2003
NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING, SMALL SAND/GRAVEL INPACT ON WINDSHIELD RESULTED IN 8 INCH CRACK DEVELOPING WITHIN HOURS. PAST EXPERIENCE OVER 10 YEARS OF DRIVING SAME ROAD IMPACTS OF THIS SIZE (HEAD OF A PIN SIOZE IMPACT MARK)) HAVE ONLY RESULTED IN MINOR WINDSHIELD PITTING. SUSPECT WINDSHIELD QUALITY OR DESIGN ARE PROBLEM AREAS. VEHICLE IS 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. I WAS WARNED PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER HONDA ELEMENT OWNER IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A QUALITY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2003
2003 HONDA PILOT HAS INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS. *JB
Air bags, Mar 12, 2003
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYED ON.*JB
Structure, Feb 25, 2003, crash
NAR 03/03/2003. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT JUST AFTER THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHEEL. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. *JB
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2003
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH STANDING WATER MORE THAN 3" DEEP, INSTEAD OF THE WATER BEING DIVERTED OUT AND AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, IT IS DIVERTED AS A MASSIVE WALL OF WATER ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS NECESSARY TO IMMEDIATELY BRAKE, AS VISION IS 100% OBSTRUCTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 3 DIFFERENT DAYS. TWICE IT WAS DURING HEAVY RAIN, WHERE WATER WAS POOLING BY THE CURB, BUT WAS NOT YET OVER THE CURB. ONCE IT WAS DURING DRY WEATHER, BUT THERE WAS A DEEP PUDDLE OF WATER IN A LOW SPOT IN THE ROAD. IN ALL 3 SITUATIONS IT POSED A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD, AS WE COULD NOT REACT TO TRAFFIC SITUATIONS AHEAD OF US AND HAD TO COME TO A STOP UNTIL THE WINDSHIELD DRAINED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE OVERWHELMED BY THE AMOUNT OF WATER THROWN ON THE WINDSHIELD.
Structure, Feb 14, 2003
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 45MPH-75MPH A HIGH PITCH NOISE ORGINATES FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW OR FRAME, VERY ANNOYING AND CAN NOT ISOLATE AS OF YET, MAYBE MIS-ALIGNED WINDSHIELD? PLEASE DIRECT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2003
ENTERING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE (HONDA ELEMENT) AND PLACING MY KNEE ON THE CENTER OF THE REAR SPACE/SPARE TIRE COVER PRODUCED AN AUDIBLE CRACKING SOUND. READING OTHER CONSUMER STATEMENTS ON THE HTTP://ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM WEB SITE REVEALED THIS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2003
HEADLIGHTS ON THE NEW HONDA PILOT ARE WEAK AND FAIL TO ADEQUATELY ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AHEAD. IT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USING A SPOTLIGHT VS A FLOODLIGHT. THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN USE JUST SEEM TO DISAPPEAR INTO THE NIGHT. YOU CAN SEE BUT THE LIGHT IS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH IN MY OPINION. I THINK THE HIGH BEAMS SHOULD BE MORE LIKE A SPOTLIGHT IN LIGHTING UP THE ROAD AHEAD. I THINK IT IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2003
ENGINE MAKING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR THREE WEEKS FOR REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2003
THUNKING NOISE FROM GAS TANK WHEN STOPPING. IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE BAFFLES BUT HONDA DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2003
I PARKED MY 2003 HONDA PILOT EX IN MY GARAGE AND FOUND OIL STAINS ON THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, ALL THE OIL HAD DRAINED. I LOOKED AT THE DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS LESS THAN 1/16TH OF AN INCH OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY FOUND THE TIMING BELT WAS STRIPPED. THEY ALSO FOUND THAT TWO OF THE VALVES WERE BENT. ALL THESE WERE REPLACED BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT MORE DAMAGE HAS OCCURED TO THE ENGINE BY DRIVING WITHOUT OIL.
Air bags, Dec 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.