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.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 9, 2012
THE SHIFT INTERLOCK ALLOWED THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WITHOUT THE PILOT BEING IN PARK. THIS CAUSED THE PILOT TO ROLL BACKWARDS IN A PARKING LOT. LUCKILY THE LOT WAS FAIRLY FLAT, SO IT DIDN'T ROLL FAR OR HIT ANYTHING (OR ANYBODY!). A HONDA DEALER CONFIRMED THE ISSUE, AND CONTACTED HONDA ABOUT IT. HONDA SAID THEY WOULDN'T FIX THE ISSUE DUE TO THE MILEAGE, AND THE FACT THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED (FROM CARMAX). *TR
Electrical system, Oct 7, 2012
KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN PARK. NO DAMAGE OCCURRED, BUT CAR DID ROLL AT TIMES. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER AT A COST OF $446.03, (10/05/11, 163538 MILES). DATES AND MILEAGE OF FIRST OCCURRENCE ARE APPROXIMATE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 25, 2012
SRS LIGHT CAME ON. HONDA DEALER SAID OPDS UNIT NEED REPLACING. WAS REPLACED 5/6/09. DROVE ABOUT A MONTH AND SRS LIGHT COMES BACK ON. HONDA DEALER SAID UNIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE. UNIT REPLACED. DROVE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND SRS LIGHT COMES BACK ON. HONDA DEALER STUMPED. THEY JUST KEEP RESETTING THE UNIT BUT SRS LIGHT JUST COMES BACK ON. IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME NOW. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2012
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 60 MPH. NO WARNING, NO BLINKING LIGHTS, SOUNDS, SHUDDERING ETC. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT COLLISION! I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD $5000-$5500 FOR A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRANSMISSION RECALL OF 2004. THIS IS DANGEROUS! I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT MY CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME AND THAT THERE WAS NO COLLISION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE GERMAN AUTOBAHN I ACCELERATED FROM 65 MPH TO PASS AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE REVVED BEYOND ANTICIPATED RESPONSE FOR ACCELERATOR PRESSURE. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR, BUT SPEED AND ENGINE RPM CONTINUED TO INCREASE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED, BUT I RE-VERIFIED BY TOGGLING THE SWITCH TO OFF (UNLIGHTED), WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. BRAKES 'FOUGHT' AGAINST CONTINUED ACCELERATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS BEFORE I RECOVERED AUTHORITY OVER BRAKES AND ACCELERATOR. ESTIMATED MAXIMUM SPEED FOR THE DURATION OF THE INCIDENT WAS 85-90 MPH. I DROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP (APPROX 100 MILES) WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT, AND WITHOUT ATTEMPTING TO USE CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A CERTIFIED HONDA MECHANIC'S SHOP FOR EVALUATION. *TR
Engine, Aug 31, 2012
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR 90,000 MILE SERVICE AT LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND RECEIVED CALL STATING THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS THEY WERE BROKEN/CRACKED. MOTOR MOUNTS (FRONT/SIDE) WERE REPAIRED AS IT CLEARLY REQUIRED REPAIR FOR SAFE OPERATION. COST TO REPAIR $475.00, NO LABOR WAS CHARGED FOR THE SIDE MOUNT AS IT WAS ALREADY ACCESSIBLE FOR THE TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2012
STOPPED VEHICLE, TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVED KEY. LATER GOT INTO CAR AND STARTED IT UP FOUND IT. ATTEMPTED AGAIN NOT IN PARK AND IT WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE IT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE IT, WANTED ALMOST $850.00 TO REPAIR AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE SO THERE WAS NO RECALL. THEY RECOMMEND THE MECHANICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH BE REPAIRED. UNABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIR SO STILL OCCURRING. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 118,000+ MILES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 17, 2012, crash
I WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON A COMPLETELY FLAT SURFACE. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LIGHTLY TO GET THE CAR MOVING, THE CAR ACCELERATED WILDLY. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TIME TO LOOK DOWN AND SEE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TO STOMP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING UNTIL IT SMASHED INTO A TREE GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH (ESTIMATED). A COUPLE HOURS BEFORE THE WRECK A PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN BRAKE ERROR LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. THE SHOP IT WAS TAKEN TO REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE BRAKES, ACCELERATOR, MASTER CYLINDER OR THE TRANSMISSION. THEY STATED THERE WERE NO CODES TRIGGERED, THOUGH THEY COULD PROVIDE NO PROOF THAT THEY EVEN HAD THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO READ THE CODES. STATE FARM INSURANCE REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS FROM A STAND STILL ON A FLAT SURFACE. IT WAS HORRIFIC. I WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Aug 8, 2012
MY 2004 HONDA PILOT HAS A SHUDDERING SOUND WHEN I GO ABOVE AROUND 35 MILES AN HOUR. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT BUT CAN BE LOUD. MY LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY HAD TO GET A HONDA ENGINEER OUT TO LOOK AT IT AND IT IS VERIFIED TO BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE RESEARCHING IT HERE AND ON THE INTERNET. I AM FRUSTRATED THAT HONDA HAS NOT RECALLED THESE KNOWING THAT IT IS SUCH A WIDE SWEEPING ISSUE WITH PILOTS. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2012
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2004 HONDA PILOT WITH 123000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER/VIBRATION THAT OCCURS BETWEEN 30-50 MPH. THE VIBRATION BEGAN OCCURRING AT ABOUT 98,000 MILES. AT SPEEDS OF 30-50MPH THE VIBRATION OCCURS UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AND CONTINUES UNTIL I EITHER PUSH DOWN HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL OR LET OFF IT COMPLETELY. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON HONDA VEHICLE OWNER FORUMS. APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE ON THE HONDA MADE ACURA AND HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF AN ACURA RECALL. THE DEFECT WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A VEHICLE SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE PART RATHER THAN NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND HONDA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL OR INITIATE AN OWNER NOTIFICATION/RESOLUTION PROGRAM TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARM TO PASSENGERS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE PUBLICLY ADRESSED BY HONDA. *TR
Seats, Jul 22, 2012
FRONT SEAT CAME LOOSE FROM CAR ON DRIVERS LEFT SIDE OF SEAT. I CAN PARTIALLY LIFT IT OUT OF PLACE! *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED OF 35-45 MPH THE CAR EXPERIENCES SHUDDERING FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS AT IRREGULAR INTERVALS. IT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, PERHAPS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT MAY BE BAD WHEEL BEARINGS. THOSE TURNED OUT TO BE FINE. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO SAID IT NEEDED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICED. THAT DID NOT STOP THE SHUDDERING. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THE HONDA PILOT / ACURA MDX WITH THE 3.5L V6 IN THE 2003 - 2008(?) RANGE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM ON A LARGE SCALE, RESULTING FROM A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10022468 ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM SPECIFIC TO THE 2003-2004 ACURA MDX BUT MY EXPERIENCE AND THAT OF HUNDREDS OF HONDA PILOT / ACURA MDX OWNERS SHOWS THAT THE ISSUE IS MUCH BROADER IN SCOPE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2012
I'VE HAD VIBRATION/NOISE ISSUES AROUND 40 MPH WHILE IN TOP GEAR, I'VE NOTED ACCELERATING FORCES A DOWNSHIFT, OR I CAN MANUALLY SHIFT TO D3. EITHER ACTION GETS RID OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jun 15, 2012
THERE IS A GROWL/GRIND/SHUDDER BETWEEN 30-40 MPH SPECIFICALLY AT 1,500 RPMS. THE NOISE APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR VERY CLOSE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS ISSUE IS VERY HARD TO DIAGNOSE, HOWEVER I ALREADY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ONCE AND THE ISSUE CAME BACK. COULD I HAVE PURCHASED TWO FAULTY HONDA TRANSMISSIONS? *JB
Power train, Jun 15, 2012
VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING AT SLOW SPEED. *JB
Power train, Jun 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY BU THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE CONTACT'S BEHALF AND HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE GIVE HIM A RETURN CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,104.
Air bags, Structure, May 28, 2012, crash
VEHICLE VEERED OF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE, DEAD ON THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT AND DESTROYED THE BUMPER AND FRONT LEFT FENDER, PUSHED THE HOOD INTO THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH CRACKED. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. BRUISING FROM SEAT BELT. *TR
Power train, May 21, 2012
TORQUE CONVERTER STUTTERS AT 25-30MPH. VERY DISTURBING AND CAN RESULT IN TRANSMISSION DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT
Engine, May 16, 2012
VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, CLUNKING SOUND FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO FOUND THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT WAS BROKE.
Power train, May 5, 2012
LAST YEAR OUR HONDA PILOT BEGAN OCCASIONALLY HAVING A SHUDDERING SOUND, LIKE DRIVING OVER A METAL GRATE. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN DECELERATING SLIGHTLY AROUND 40 MPH. OVER THE PAST YEAR THIS HAS BEGUN TO OCCUR REGULARLY RATHER THAN OCCASIONALLY AND FOR A LONGER DURATION AND LOUDER. NOW THE D LIGHT HAS BEGUN FLASHING. FROM RESEARCH I AM EXPECTING TO FIND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS THEN ENGAGED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 187,400.
Power train, Apr 24, 2012
PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER RECALL WORK (04V176000) OIL JET KIT INSTALLATION ON 2004 PILOT. HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING ALL TRANSMISSIONS ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. HOW COULD HONDA POSSIBLY DETERMINE THAT NO DAMAGE HAD OCCURRED TO THE TRANSMISSION PRIOR TO THE OIL JET KIT INSTALLATION THAT VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 15K RECEIVED AS A "FIX". ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW THE END CONSUMER GETS THE SHAFT IF THEIR FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SURVIVED THE RESULTS OF THE FAULTY PART. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING NORMAL AND SLOWLY ACCELERATING, AT THE SPEED OF 35-45 MPH A "SHUDDERING VIBRATION" OCCURS. *TR
Power train, Apr 22, 2012
VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN ACCELERATING AND SHIFTING GEARS AROUND 40 MPH. *TR