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.
Seats, Apr 18, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME SHEARED OFF ON THE FRONT BAR, LEFT SIDE. THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE INFLUENTIAL CAUSAL EFFECT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST BROKE. THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING, A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. LOOKING AT CERTAIN WEBSITES (HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2003/HONDA/PILOT/10348948.ASPX READ THE COMMENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE), THIS SEEMS TO PROBLEMATIC AMONG 2003 - 2006 HONDA PILOTS. WHEN IS HONDA GOING TO DO A RECALL? OTHER SIMILAR NHTSA COMPLAINTS: ODI ID NUMBER : 10348948 ODI ID NUMBER : 10372456 ODI ID NUMBER : 10336280 ODI ID NUMBER : 10442043 *JS
Electrical system, Seats, Apr 16, 2012, fire
DRIVERS HEATED SEAT CAUGHT THE SEAT ON FIRE. *JS
Power train, Apr 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS RESET SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS FOR DIAGNOSIS. BOTH DIAGNOSTICS LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2012
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED DUE TO SOME WIRING ISSUE. I NOTE THAT A RECALL WAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED ON THE 2003 HONDA PILOT AND 2002-2004 HONDA CRV. MY 2004 HONDA PILOT HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PLEASE REVIEW THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER THE 2004 HONDA PILOT AS WELL AS THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Apr 4, 2012
MY 2004 HONDA PILOT HAS BEEN MAKING A GRINDING/SHUDDERING NOISE. DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT USUALLY WHEN I'M GOING 35-40 MPH. IF I ACCELERATE, THE NOISE WILL STOP. CAN'T DUPLICATE IT ALWAYS, BUT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG IN THE TRANSMISSION. MANY, MANY OTHER REPORTS ONLINE OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Apr 4, 2012
RUMBLE STRIP NOISE AT 35 TO 40 MILE PER HOUR. TAKEN IT TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. TECH HAS HEARD IT. TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS WINDSHIELD MOLDING. WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 2 HONDAS, THEY WILL BE MY LAST PURCHASE FROM HONDA. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT BECAME TANGLED AROUND A TWO YEAR OLD CHILD'S NECK WHILE SEATING IN A CHILD SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT AND HAD TO CUT IT WITH SCISSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2012
KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION ISN'T IN PARK. THE ISSUE HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLES TO ROLL AWAY, BUT NO ONE HAS YET BEEN INJURED. THE DEALER IS REQUESTING $750 TO FIX THE ISSUE; HOWEVER, I SEE HONDA HAS ALREADY RECALLED OVER 1 MILLION 2003-2005 ACCORD, CIVIC, AND ELEMENTS, BUT FOR SOME REASON, THEY DID NOT INCLUDE THE PILOTS. THIS SEEMS LIKE TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE AND I SEE MANY OTHER PILOT OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE HONDA TO COVER THE SAME YEAR PILOTS. *JS
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2012
STARTED AT APPROX. 70,000 MILES. CAR SHUTTERS/VIBRATES (AS THOUGH GOING OVER A SOFT RUMBLE STRIP) WHEN GOING APPROX. 45 MPH. STOPS ONCE I LET OFF GAS OR ACCELERATE. INITIALLY HAPPENED ONLY ONCE IN A WHILE. NOW IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY. *KB
Power train, Mar 18, 2012
BEGAN TO HEAR "RUMBLE STRIP" NOISE. HASN'T OBVIOUSLY AFFECTED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE AND MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM, BUT NOISE CONTINUES BETWEEN 35 AND 50 MPH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 8, 2012
MY 2004 HONDA PILOT HAS A SHUDDER AT 30 MPH. IT FEELS AS THOUGH YOU ARE DRIVING OVER THE RUMBLE STRIPS. I AM STARTING TO EXPERIENCE POOR SHIFTS AT OTHER SPEEDS NOW AS WELL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. REPAIRS INCLUDE REPLACING THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THE TRANSMISSION AS WELL AS UPDATING THE PCM. HONDA RECALLED OVER A MILLION 2003/2004 PILOTS BUT MY VIN IS JUST PASSED THE LAST VIN RECALLED. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY 2005 PILOT OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. ACURA ALSO ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT REPAIRS THE FAULTY COMPONENTS FOR ALL 2003 AND 2004 MDX OWNERS (INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY). HONDA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILED TRANSMISSIONS IN THE LATER 2004 PILOTS AND 2005 YEARS AS WELL. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2012
SHUTTER IN THE TRANNY FROM 25-45 MPH IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2012
AT 30-40 MPH WHILE SLIGHTLY ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE VIBRATES OR SHUDDERS. THE SYMPTOM STOPS IF I LET OFF THE GAS OR IF I INCREASE THE ACCELERATION. DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2012
PURCHASED A USED 04 PILOT FROM A CAR DEALER AND DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF OPERATION I HEARD SHUTTERING NOISES LIKE GOING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP. I RESEARCHED THIS ON LINE AND WAS HORRIFIED TO FIND HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS (TORQUE CONVERTER) AND A RECALL BY ACURA FOR SAME REASON. I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER TO GET MY MONEY BACK AND LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE PILOT BY TRADING IT FOR ANOTHER TRUCK ON THE LOT. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE NEXT PERSON WHO UNKNOWINGLY (NOT LIKE HONDA) PURCHASES THIS WITH THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY TO DRIVE THEIR KIDS AROUND IN AND ARE IN A POSSIBLE DEATH TRAP! SHAME ON HONDA, DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL BEFORE YOU KILL PEOPLE. *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS WITH A ROARING NOISE AND THEN SUDDENLY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.
Power train, Feb 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH UP AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR WHILE THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE BEYOND 30 MPH. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VIN WAS INELIGIBLE UNDER THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Power train, Feb 8, 2012
I TOOK MY HONDA PILOT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE D LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THEY FOUND CODE P1740 INDICATING A 4TH PRESSURE SWITCH FAILURE. I RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE FOR $5,109 + TAX TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. I DISCOVERED THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2003-2004 HONDA PILOTS, BUT WHEN I CALLED HONDA, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, SO I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY HONDA WOULD DENY SERVICING MY VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECALL. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY SHAKE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,700. UPDATED 02/22/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/01/12
Structure, Jan 9, 2012
MY 2004 HONDA PILOT STARTED TO LEAK WATER IN BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE. BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER CARPET IS GETTING SOAK AND WET. I TOOK IT TO DAVID MCDAVID HONDA DEALER, AT IRVING, TX. THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHERE THE WATER IS COMING FROM . THEY WANT TO KEEP THE CAR FOR AN ENTIRE DAY TO SEE WHAT CAUSING THIS ISSUE. THEY WANT TO CHARGE $99.00 PER HOUR. (VERY EXPENSIVE OPTION...I WOULD SAY). I WENT ONLINE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SEEMS TO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH WATER LEAKAGE WITH HONDA PILOT. I AM TRYING MY BEST TO KEEP THE CAR DRY BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT WATER LEAKAGE MIGHT CAUSE TO GET MOLD INSIDE THE CAR, WHICH IS MAJOR HEALTH HAZARD. I ALREADY SAW THE RUST UNDER THE CARPET( SOME PART OF CARPET LOOK RED RUST SPOT). WAS THERE A RECALL ON THAT ISSUE? IS HONDA TREATING THIS PROBLEM AS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT? THANKS. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2012
MY 2004 HONDA PILOT WITH JUST 130,000 MILES NEEDED TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED.IT WAS MAKING LOUD NOISES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. ON AUGUST 6, 2004 MY PILOT BASED ON A HONDA SAFETY RECALL - INSTALLED A OIL JET KIT TO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE MY CAR HAD 15, 232 WHICH I THINK WAS OVER BY 232 MILES REQUIRED TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY CAR IS COMPLETELY SERVICED AT THE HONDA DEALER. *TR
Seats, Dec 30, 2011
2004 HONDA PILOT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND WILL BURN SKIN. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *KB
Seats, Dec 14, 2011
THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BOTTOM SEAT HEATER OVER-HEATS. DEALER WANTS $900-1000 TO FIX. THIS IS A MUCH REPORTED FAILURE ITEM FOR 2004-2005 PILOTS. *TR
Power train, Dec 14, 2011
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS INTERMITTENTLY FROM 20-35 MPH. DIAGNOSED AS TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR 50% OF $4000.00 BILL. *TR
Structure, Nov 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES HAD SHARP METAL PAINT CHIPS THAT FRACTURED, CAUSING THE METAL TO PENETRATE UNDER THE FINGER NAILS OF ANYONE OPENING OR EXITING THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLES ON ALL FOUR OF THE DOORS. THE DEALER PAID HALF OF THE EXPENSES AND THE CONTACT PAID THE REMAINING BALANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2011
I OWN A 2004 HONDA PILOT WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED WITH 106000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER/VIBRATION THAT OCCURS BETWEEN 35-45 MPH. THE VIBRATION BEGAN OCCURRING AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES. AT SPEEDS OF 35-45 MPH THE VIBRATION OCCURS UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AND CONTINUES UNTIL I EITHER PUSH DOWN HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL OR LET OFF IT COMPLETELY. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THRU NHTSA HAS FOUND 43 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER OR AUTOMATIC 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. MY HONDA PILOT 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 AND GOODWILL CONSIDERATION FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARM TO PASSENGERS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS ON THE ROAD. AVERAGE COST TO THE CUSTOMER FOR SUCH A REPAIR IS BETWEEN $3,000-$5,000 ACCORDING TO THE COMPLAINTS FILED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE PUBLICLY ADDRESSED BY HONDA AND SHOULD NOT BE A BURDEN THAT HONDA CUSTOMERS SHOULD BEAR. *TR