2004 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 544 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 29 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 36 people were injured.
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, 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
Equipment, other, labelsAug 11, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABELS MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT VEHICLE WEIGHT AND TIRE SIZE INFORMATION.
OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE CERTIFICATION LABEL OR TO CONTACT A DEALER TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION FOR THEM. IF THE LABEL IS INCORRECT, OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALERS TO ARRANGE TO HAVE A CORRECTION STICKER PLACED OVER THE INCORRECT INFORMATION. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 04V389000 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
Representative owner complaints
544 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 14, 2013
DRIVING ON FREEWAY TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY DIS-ENGAGED ( AS IF I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL ). WHILE "COASTING" I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SAFELY PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGED AND WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY AGAIN. I TOOK SURFACE STREETS FOR THE TEN MILE TRIP HOME AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED FOUR ADDITIONAL TIMES. *TR
Seats, Jan 27, 2013
DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS UNBEARABLY HOT TO SIT ON, SO HOT FEELS LIKE BURNING SKIN THROUGH CLOTHING - SMELLS LIKE BURNING WAX, FIRE CONCERN AND SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Jan 26, 2013
2004 HONDA PILOT SUV 9/9/2008 FRONT AC BLOWER RESISTOR REPLACED $230 (MILES 68,197, ALSO HAD 100 MILES BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD BY DEALER IT WAS NOT COVERED. 1/25/2013 (MILES 134,000) FRONT AC AIR MIX MOTOR REPLACED $501,REAR AC/HEAT DOES NOT WORK WAS STILL IN 100 MILE WARRANTY IT HAS A BAD BLOWER RESISTOR I STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. TO TOP IT OFF WHEN IT RAINS MY DRIVER AND NOW FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR MATS ARE GETTING WET FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE PROTECTIVE MAT (MILES 105,000)! YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS ABOVE MATTER IS MOST APPRECIATED. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Jan 21, 2013, fire
WHEN TURNING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WARMER IT GOT EXTREMELY HOT. RECENTLY IT ACTUALLY BURNED THE SEAT FOAM AND BEGAN TO SMOKE. I WILL NOT USE IT ANYMORE FOR FEAR OF A FIRE. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Jan 6, 2013
DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE POINT THAT BURNS ARE POSSIBLE. AFRAID THAT A FIRE MAY OCCUR SO STOPPED USING. THERE APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD OCCURRENCE WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. NO RECALL BY HONDA. *TR
Seats, Jan 3, 2013
I PURCHASED A USED HONDA PILOT IN JANUARY 2012. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER WOULD GETS SO HOT THAT IT WILL ACTUALLY START TO BURN MY LEGS. THE HONDA DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS NOT AN ISSUE, THEY DID NOT FEEL IT GET OVERLY HOT. THEN ON DECEMBER 5, 2012 IT JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Seats, Jan 2, 2013
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DECEMBER 24, 2012) TO A DESTINATION ABOUT 65 MILES AWAY. I HAD THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ON THE HIGH POSITION, AS IT IS QUITE COLD IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY. ALONG THE WAY, I NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT BUTTOCKS WAS GETTING EXTREMELY HOT, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BURNING, BEFORE I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. IT WAS DARK WHEN WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION, AND IT WASN'T UNTIL TWO DAYS LATER WHEN WE RETURNED HOME, THAT I SAW A SCORCHED HOLE ABOUT 1.5 INCHES LONG AND 0.5 INCHES WIDE IN THE LEATHER DRIVER'S SEAT. REACHING MY FINGER DOWN INTO THE HOLE REVEALED A LOT OF CRUMBLING BLACK ASHES. ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T EXPERIENCE AN ACTUAL FIRE, IT'S QUITE APPARENT THAT THERE IS A FIRE SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 HONDA PILOT DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT. IF WE HAD LEFT THE CAR RUNNING AND UNATTENDED WITH NO ONE SITTING ON THE SEAT (ALLOWING OXYGEN INTO THE SEAT), I SUSPECT THE SEAT WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY ERUPTED IN FLAMES. IT WAS VERY, VERY HOT. *TR
Power train, Dec 29, 2012
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AT 45 MPH, MAKING A "WHOOSH' SOUND AND SLOWING ABRUPTLY, IF BRIEFLY. *TR
Structure, Dec 24, 2012
WE FIRST NOTICED IN OCT. 2012 THAT THE CARPET AND MAT FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF OUR CAR WERE WET WITH WATER. IT IS NOW DEC. 2012 AND THE PROBLEM HAS WORSENED. THE WET CARPET IS CAUSING A MILDEW SMELL IN OUR CAR WHICH WE CANNOT GET RID OF, AS THE CARPETS ARE GETTING WETTER EACH TIME IT RAINS. THE CAR ALSO FOGS UP CONSTANTLY DUE TO THE INSIDE MOISTURE, MAKING VISIBILITY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. ONCE THE TEMPERATURE DROPS THE WET FLOORS ARE SURE TO FREEZE, THUS CAUSING ANOTHER HAZARD: SLIPPERY FEET NEAR THE BREAK AND ACCELERATOR. IT IS REASONABLE TO SUPPOSE THAT THERE WILL BE RUST AND EVENTUAL DETERIORATION IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. THERE SEEMS TO BE A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ON BOTH SIDES WHERE THERE IS WATER DRIPPING IN FROM POSSIBLY THE WHEEL WELL OR RIGHT ABOVE THE WHEEL WELL. IN LOOKING ON LINE, WE SEE SEVERAL HONDA PILOTS AND RIDGELINES WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, IMPROPER STRUCTURAL SEALS BREAKING DOWN AND CAUSING WATER TO DRIP ONTO THE FLOORBOARDS OF THE CAR. HONDA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (WE CALLED OUR DEALERSHIP) BUT WILL ONLY FIX IT IF THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SEEING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND A KNOWN COMMON STRUCTURAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT HONDA SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Seats, Dec 20, 2012
THE DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT GOT SO HOT IT MELTED THE FOAM BACKING CAUSING A HORRIBLE SMELL. THE HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED OFF OR IT IS POSSIBLE IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE SEAT HEATED STILL WORKS BUT GETS MUCH TOO HOT. *TR
Seats, Dec 18, 2012
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT ABRUPTLY FLIPPED UPWARD AND STARTLED THE DRIVER WITH MOMENTARY DISORIENTED AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE DEALER DENIED EVER WITNESSING THIS PROBLEM ON A HONDA PILOT, QUOTED $1500 TO REPLACE THE SEAT, AND COMMENTED I WAS A BIG GUY PUTTING A LOT OF STRESS ON THE SEAT. I AM 6'3" TALL AND 200 POUNDS. IT IS CLEAR THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AT DECATUR, ALABAMA DOES NOT FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WENT ON TO BOAST HONDA IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT REPLACES DEFECTIVE SEAT BELTS. MY WIFE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT RANDOMLY LOCKING WHEN PULLING THE SAFETY BELT OUT FOR ENGAGEMENT AND LOCKING AND TIGHTENING RANDOMLY WHILE WEARING THE SEAT BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION. THE DEALER MADE NO COMMENT TO THIS STATEMENT. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED OTHER HONDA PILOT OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE BRACKET HOLDING THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT WAS BROKEN NEAR THE RIVETS THAT HOLD THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT. THIS IS THE SAME DEFECT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH OUR FRONT DRIVER SEAT WHERE THE FRONT LEFT BRACKET HOLDING THE SEAT TO THE ADJUSTMENT RAIL IS COMPLETELY TORN THE FULL LENGTH OF THE SEAT BOTTOM MOUNTING BRACKET. WE FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE DEALER CLEARLY DOES NOT SUPPORT THAT IDEA. MY WIFE AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A SEAT BREAKING IN SUCH A MANNER IN ANY VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED. *TR
Seats, Dec 14, 2012
THE DRIVER LEFT SEAT SUPPORT METAL BROKE OFF LEAVING THE SEAT UNATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE SEAT MOVES FORWARD AND BACK. THIS IS A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HONDA WILL NOT REPLACE THE SEAT AT NO COST AND WILL NOT ASSIGN A RECALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND HONDA SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPLACEMENT BEFORE AN ACCIDENT CAUSES UNNECESSARY INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Seats, Dec 12, 2012
THE DRIVERS SEAT OVER HEATS TO THE POINT OF BEING UNCOMFORTABLE ON MY RIGHT LEG. IT IS NOW INOPERABLE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THERE SEEMS TO ME A NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINS ON EDMUNDS THREADERS DISCUSSION BOARD. THE BOTTOM POINT IS THEY WILL NOT ACT ON THIS ISSUE UNLESS THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO SO BY YOUR ORGANIZATION. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ADDING GASOLINE TO THE FUEL TANK IT WOULD SPILL OUT PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM ADDING FUEL TO ITS CAPACITY. WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE GASOLINE VALVE CAUSED THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED IMMEDIATELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN THE RV VALVE WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. HONDA COULD NOT GIVE HER A DEFINITIVE ANSWER AS TOW HAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY FILL THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 03/07/13
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED IN A PARKING SPACE, THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SHE HAD NOT SHIFTED THE GEAR IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 12/28/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. UPDATED 01/09/13
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 20, 2012
DRIVERS SIDE BACK POWERED WINDOW DOES NOT WORK. IT WENT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY AND DOES NOT GO UP WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATICALLY. ALMOST CAUSED A CAR CRASH. *TR
Power train, Nov 2, 2012
TO START OFF I BOUGHT MY PILOT USED FROM HONDA WITH ABOUT 83,000 MILES ON IT A YEAR AGO. WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR AT A STEADY 30MPH TO 45MPH IT SHUTTERS AND MAKES NOISES AS IF I'M DRIVING OVER ROAD TURTLES. IT'S VERY VIOLENT UNTIL I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I TALKED TO HONDA AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I ASKED IF IT HAD BEEN RECALLED AND THEY TOLD ME THERE HAD NEVER BEEN A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I KNOW THAT'S NOT TRUE AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT'S MINE AND MY WIFE'S ONLY CAR RIGHT NOW. IT'S A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THERE FAULTY TRANSMISSION PUTS MY FAMILIES LIFE IN DANGER EVERY TIME WE DRIVE IT. HONDA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF US FREE OF COST DO TO THERE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT ARE NOT BECAUSE OF NORMAL WEAR. THEY ALSO SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD US THE PILOT WITHOUT FIXING THE KNOWN FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE IT'S ILLEGAL BY FEDERAL LAW TO SELL IT KNOWING THERE IS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND RECALL WITH OUT ADDRESSING IT AND FIXING IT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 TO 40 MPH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Power train, Oct 25, 2012
I HAVE NOTICED WHEN MY PILOT GETS BELOW 50 MPH IT GETS A SHUDDERING TO IT (NOT ALWAYS BUT MOST TIMES DRIVING IN THE CITY), ALMOST LIKE ITS DRIVING OVER A WASHBOARD. DURING A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP I TALKED TO ANOTHER HONDA PILOT OWNER WHO WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING BUT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL HER WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. SO AFTER MORE INVESTIGATING SHE TOOK IT TO A NON-HONDA REPAIR PERSON WHO TOLD HER THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND TO USE A PRODUCT CALLED SHUDDER FIX. MY QUESTION IS IF HONDA IS HAVING THESE COMPLAINTS WHY ARE THEY NOT FIXING THIS ISSUE AND STILL SELLING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM? I LOVE MY HONDA OTHER THAN THAT, BUT FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE WORKMANSHIP. *TR
Power train, Oct 25, 2012
PULLED VEHICLE INTO A SERVICE SHOP. TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVED KEY FROM IGNITION TO TAKE KEY OFF RING FOR TECHNICIAN. VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK BUT STILL IN DRIVE EVEN THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY. A MINUTE AFTER LEAVING VEHICLE CAR ROLLED DOWN SLIGHT INCLINE AND INTO AND ACROSS 3 LANES OF BUSY 40MPH TRAFFIC. TWO VEHICLES SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AMAZINGLY MISSING BROADSIDING THE VEHICLE. A SECOND CHANGE IN THE TIMING WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY RESULTED IN THREE CAR ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY SERIOUS INJURIES. *TR
Power train, Oct 24, 2012
TRANSMISSION MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEELS LOCKED UP, AND TRANS LOST FLUID THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE. UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION I FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION CASE HAD SMALL CRACKS AND THE TRANS WOULD LOCK-UP AS IF THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE GEARS LIKE A BOLT OR PIN OF SORTS IF DRIVEN EVEN A COUPLE OF FEET. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED, CONTACTED DEALER NO COVERAGE FROM HONDA. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS IN A RUSH AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS ONE CYLINDER IGNITION AND IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2012
OFTEN DURING REFUELING OF MY VEHICLE THE GAS PUMP SHUTS OFF AFTER A FEW MOMENTS OF REFUELING. AT TIMES, THE GASOLINE BACKS UP IN THE TUBE AND SPEWS BACK OUT ONTO THE VEHICLE AND THE GROUND DESPITE HAVING A NEAR EMPTY FUEL TANK . IT HAS BECOME NECESSARY TO SQUEEZE THE PUMP HANDLE LIGHTLY AND TRICKLE THE GASOLINE INTO THE FUEL TANK. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THIS TO OCCUR AT DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
Seats, Oct 16, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THE INNER CUSHION UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SEAT OVER HEATED AND WAS BURNING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 16, 2012, crash
APPARENTLY I DID NOT PLACE THE CAR IN PARK BUT WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. LEFT THE CAR AND WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE CAR, THE CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARD AND CRASHED INTO BUSHES WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE. I NOW MAKE SURE I ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO MAKE SURE THE CAR DOES NOT ROLL. *TR