2005 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 679 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 42 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 46 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
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 moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever 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, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever 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." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever 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 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 front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Campaign 17V029000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 14, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Campaign 13V092000 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
Steering, columnFeb 3, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JANUARY 25, 2005, AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THEIR DEALERS AND HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005.
Campaign 05V039000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyNov 18, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME FUEL TANKS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
IN A CRASH, THE FUEL TANK COULD BE DAMAGED AND LEAK FUEL. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. ALL OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004.
Campaign 04V541000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
679 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Apr 9, 2014
HONDA PILOT 2004'S COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS CRACKED. IF IT IS TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS CAR STEERING PROBLEM OR CRASH. I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN ON EVERY SINGLE 2004 HONDA PILOTS THAT MY FRIENDS HAD AS WELL MY OWN HONDA PILOT AND POSSIBLE LATER YEARS OF HONDA PILOTS. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2014
TRANSMISSION SHUDDER BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSED BY A FAILING TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PUSHED WATER INTO THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Air bags, Apr 2, 2014
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL ON OTHER PARTS AND WE TOLD THEM THE AIRBAG SAFETY RESTRAINT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. WE WERE TOLD THE DIAGNOSIS WOULD COST 38 DOLLARS PLUS TAX. THEY DIAGNOSED FAULTY LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS. THEY TOLD US IN AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. THIS ITEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE AT OUR EXPENSE. AFTER MUCH OBJECTION THEY SAID " SORRY THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT". WITH THAT WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD HAVE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR AT A LATER DATE AND PARTS WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED. THE DEALER SENT US ON OUR WAY KNOWING IF WE CRASHED, ESPECIALLY IN A FRONT END IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS ON THEIR PRODUCT THEY SOLD TO US AS "SAFE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY" WOULD NOT DEPLOY. UNACCEPTABLE!! PLEASE HELP. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A REDUCTION IN POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.UPDATED 06/10/14 MA 07/24/17*CN
Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 27, 2014
SOME OF THE A/C ILLUMINATED LIGHTS WENT OUT AND BACK ON AGAIN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHTS FOR ONLY SOME OF THE A/C CONTROLS ARE OFF AND APPEAR NOT TO COME BACK ON. FAN SPEED, OFF, RECIRCULATE, REAR DEFROST, AND THE MODE BUTTONS ARE THE ONES CURRENTLY NO LONGER ON. *TR
Air bags, Mar 24, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S REAR, PUSHING THE VEHICLE FORWARD. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MULTIPLE FRACTURES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000..UPDATED 05-09-14 *BF
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 23, 2014
SRS LIGHT IS ON FROM RESEARCHING IT, THIS COULD BE SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS, OR MANY AIRBAGS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AROUND A BEND TOWARDS A RED LIGHT, WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL MY CAR MADE A WEIRD SHUTTER OR BRAKE PULSING, I THOUGHT I HAD GONE OVER SOME RIPPLE STRIPS. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, WHEN GOING ALMOST 30 & OUT OF THE TURN, MY PILOT CAME TO AN UNASSISTED ABRUPT STOP! IM SO LUCKY THE PERSON BEHIND ME DIDN'T REAR END ME! IT SOUNDED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GRINDING & THE TIRES WERE LOCKED. I WAITED A FEW SECONDS LET GO OF BRAKES & THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BUT IN 5 FT IT DID IT AGAIN. TOWED TO DEALER WHO CANT SEEM TO FIND OR RECREATE THE PROBLEM. MULTIPLE BRAKE, ABS, VSC & ELECTRICAL ALARMS WERE REPORTED BY DEALER BUT STILL NO SOLUTION. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND BY MULTIPLE REPORTS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Mar 11, 2014
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AT 35-40 MPH APPARENTLY DUE TO FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURES DOCUMENTED ON THIS VEHICLE. IT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP SUDDENLY, AND IS A HAZARD. THESE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 6, 2014
AS I WAS APPROACHING A LEFT TURN LANE I APPLIED THE BRAKES GENTLY AND THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE MOMENTARILY GRABBED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE VSA LIGHTS ACTIVATED. THIS HAS OCCURRED 9 TIMES IN THE LAST 300 MILES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM UNTIL THE "RECALLED" VSA MODULE WAS REPLACED LESS THAN 6000 MILES AGO. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE VSA MODULE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 4, 2014
TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE INSIDE RADIATOR FAILED COMBINING FLUIDS AND CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION. LOSS OF ABILITY TO DRIVE/MOVE VEHICLE WITH FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND REQUIRES A NEW RADIATOR AND REPLACE / REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. A RECOMMENDATION FROM HONDA TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR EVERY 100,000 MILES WOULD HAVE PREVENTED HAVING TO REPLACE / REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. SUBSEQUENT TO REPAIR, OIL REMAINS IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND HAS CAUSED FAILURE OF A COOLANT LINE DUE TO OVER-PRESSURIZATION. THE VEHICLE, WITH MULTIPLE CHILDREN IN IT, HAS BEEN STRANDED TWO MORE TIMES DUE TO COOLANT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Feb 23, 2014
SEAT HEATER WAS USED ON DRIVERS SIDE. . GOT VERY HOT, SMELL SMOKED, LEG HAD SUPERFICIAL BURN. SMELL PLASTIC BURNING. *TR
Steering, Feb 20, 2014
BEGAN TO NOTICE SIGNIFICANT CLOCKWISE-COUNTERCLOCKWISE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING SPOUSE'S CAR. ATTEMPTED TO SOLVE PROBLEM BY HAVING TIRES CHECKED AND BALANCED; NO DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED AND REBALANCING DIDN'T SOLVE PROBLEM. WHEN UNSUCCESSFUL, TOOK TO SECOND FACILITY AND HAD TIRES BALANCED AGAIN WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF PROBLEM. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, WHO BALANCED THE TIRES A THIRD TIME, WITH NOT RESOLUTION OF PROBLEM. PROBLEM CONTINUES EVEN AFTER REPLACING ALL TIRES, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH HONDA PILOT CARS FOR MULTIPLE YEARS, AND THAT HONDA HAS NOT ISSUED ANY TECHNICAL ADVISE ON HOW DEALERS CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 12, 2014
LIKE SO VERY MANY OTHER HONDA PILOT OWNERS OF THE TIMEFRAME, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION LEAK AND FAILURE FROM A RADIATOR FAILURE - AND THOUGH HONDA HAD SETTLED A CLASS-ACTION SUIT ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS WITH A MINOR WARRANTY EXTENSION... MY FAILURE, OF COURSE, HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER THAT EXTENSION. I AM OUT NEARLY $5,000 AND NEARLY GOT KILLED WHEN MY CAR DIED BECAUSE HONDA HAS FAILED TO PROPERLY RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS. SHAME ON HONDA - AND SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT HOLDING THEM TO TASK EVEN AFTER THEY SETTLED A LAWSUIT (WITH SUCH A LAME AND STILL UNSAFE RESPONSE). *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2014
MAKES LOUD NOISE AND RATTLING WHILE ACCELERATING. *TR
Air bags, Feb 4, 2014
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME BOTH FRONT IMPACT SENSORS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 4, 2014
RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX WITH THE COOLANT. MY WIFE WAS STRANDED WITH MY FOUR CHILDREN. WE HAD THE RADIATOR CHANGED AND COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSHED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY SINCE THE PROBLEM HAPPENED. *TR
Seat belts, Jan 18, 2014
A 91 YEAR OLD PASSENGER COULD NOT RELEASE THE BUCKLE BECAUSE OF PLACEMENT OR NECESSARY STRENGTH.THE BUCKLE SHOULD BE NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE WAIST OR CHEST FOE QUICK RELEASE IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR OTHER IMPAIRMENT DUE TO HEALTH OR IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RELEASE IT FOR SOMEONE. IT MADE ME THINK OF THE NUMBER OF OUR PARATROOPERS THAT DROWNED IN EUROPE BECAUSE THE RELEASE WAS POORLY CONCEIVED. THE BRITISH HAD A ONE BUCKLE RELEASE RIGHT ON THEIR CHEST THAT SAVED MANY LIVES. *TR
Air bags, Jan 8, 2014
THE SRS LIGHT IN MY 2005 HONDA PILOT IS FULL ON RED. IT STARTED A FEW WEEKS BEFORE FLASHING BUT GOING OFF. THEN IT STAYED ON FOR A DAY AND THEN IT WENT OFF FROM A DAY. NOW IT'S ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. IT IS THE OPDS SEAT SENSOR AND FAULTY POWER SUPPLY. THIS WILL COST ME $989.00 ON TOP OF THE $81.00 I PAID TO HAVE THE SRS LIGHT DIAGNOSED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HONDA SHOULD TAKE CAR OF THIS. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 7, 2014
WHEN DRIVING ON STRAIGHT, LEVEL PAVEMENT, VSA LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND CAR SUDDENLY SHUDDERS AND CHANGES DIRECTION. UNEVEN BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED BY THE VSA SYSTEM IN ORDER TO CORRECT A PROBLEM THAT IS NOT PRESENT. MEANWHILE, THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AND AFTER THE RECALL TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL SERVICE DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM OR MAKE IT HAPPEN LESS FREQUENTLY. MY CAR SEEMS TO ONLY HAVE THE PROBLEM IN SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. DEALER DIAGNOSIS SAYS THAT YAW SENSOR IS SENDING A BAD SIGNAL TO VSA SYSTEM. A NEW YAW SENSOR IS CURRENTLY ON BACK-ORDER, SO IT SEEMS THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN HAVING PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Jan 1, 2014
I BOUGHT A USED 05 PILOT 1 YEAR AGO FOR MY WIFE AND BOYS. VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER AT AROUND 30-40 MPH. I REMEMBER MY MOTHER HAVING THIS SAME THING HAPPEN TO HER ACURA MDX AND SHE WAS TOLD SHE NEEDED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOOKED UP WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO OUR PILOT AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS DEALING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE! ACURA EVEN PUT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN (06-003) ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE TRANSMISSION AND STATED THAT EVEN IF THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY OWNERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GOODWILL CONSIDERATION TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SHOWS THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND EXPECTED TO HAVE MANY SUCH COMPLAINTS. HONDA PILOT HAS THE SAME ENGINE/TRANSMISSION AS IT IS THE SAME COMPANY AND NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL!!! IF I AM EXPECTED TO PAY $11,000 FOR A USED 05 PILOT WITH 130K MILES ON IT I SHOULD NOT ALSO BE EXPECTED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $4,000 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION LESS THAN A YEAR LATER!!! IF HONDA IS PROUD ENOUGH OF THEIR PRODUCT TO CHARGE THAT HIGH AMOUNT TO BEGIN WITH THEY NEED TO BACK IT UP WITH QUALITY THAT MATCHES THE PRICE!! PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS SO PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO CONTINUE TO THROW MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN IN THIS ECONOMY! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 17, 2013
TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE INSIDE RADIATOR FAILED COMBINING FLUIDS AND CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION. LOSS OF ABILITY TO DRIVE/MOVE VEHICLE WHILE ON A RURAL ROAD BETWEEN CITIES DURING A SNOWSTORM WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND REQUIRES A NEW RADIATOR AND REPLACE / REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. A RECOMMENDATION FROM HONDA TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR EVERY 100,000 MILES FOR A MARGINAL FEE(SIMILAR TO THE TIMING BELT) WOULD HAVE PREVENTED HAVING TO REPLACE / REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2013
I HAD LET THE CAR WARM UP FOR ABOUT 20MINUTES BEFORE I LEFT. ABOUT 8:30AM SATURDAY DEC. 14TH 2013 MY 2005 HONDA PILOT STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I TRIED TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP. I STARTED PRAYING TO JESUS AND SAYING OUT LOUD GOD PLEASE! GOD PLEASE! GOD PLEASE! I KNOW THIS SOUNDS A LITTLE DRAMATIC BUT IT WAS VERY SCARY! I GOT OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD SOMETHING GAVE WAY. EITHER THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED ACCELERATING OR THE BRAKES FINALLY WORKED BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. FROM ONE WORRIED CAR OWNER TO ANOTHER WHO MAY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR THAT MIGHT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I NOW KNOW THAT I COULD PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND MAYBE TURN THE KEY OFF TO ALSO TO GET IT TO STOP. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY RELEASED AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V092000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK FOR REPAIRS EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.