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.
Power train, Engine, Dec 9, 2013
I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND HIGH RPMS UPON ACCELERATION. WAS NOT ABLE TO CLIMB HILL SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. RESTARTED AND MADE IT A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE IT STOPPED. I WAS FORTUNATE TO GET OUT OF HARM'S WAY PRIOR TO THE CAR GIVING OUT COMPLETELY.THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. A MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND EXPLAINED THAT TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WERE BOTH RUINED AND WOULD BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE INDICATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID AND RADIATOR FLUID MIXED CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION AND IT ALSO HAS CAUSED THE NEED FOR FLUSHING OF THE ENGINE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE MADE INTERNET POSTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR A RECALL BY HONDA AS IT SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON OCCURRENCE THAT IS THE RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AS THIS HAPPENS WITH NO WARNING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP FUNCTIONING. OBVIOUSLY, THIS WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF IT OCCURS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *TR
Air bags, Dec 1, 2013
NO ACCIDENT AND AIR BAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER WAS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN MOST RECENTLY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS PERMANENTLY ON THE DASHBOARD. FROM READING THE COMPLAINTS, IT APPEARS THAT THE SENSOR/ WIRING IS FAULTY AND I'M GOING TO BE STUCK WITH ANOTHER PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE BILL AND MY SAFETY IS IN JEOPARDY UNTIL I AM ABLE TO PAY HONDA FOR THEIR PART AND LABOR. NOW THAT'S AN OFFER ONE CAN'T REFUSE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 19, 2013
THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED ON A FEW OCCASIONS WITH ME DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ADDITIONALLY WITH MY WIFE DRIVING (SHE DRIVES IT THE MOST). I STARTED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE IT UP THE STREET. AS I APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I GLANCED AT THE SPEEDOMETER, AND NOTICED THE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED AND SRS LIGHT ON. THIS PUZZLED ME BECAUSE WE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN REGULAR MAINTENANCE LIGHTS (FILTERS, OIL CHANGE, ETC). I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS, RESTARTED IT AND THE LIGHT WENT OUT. AFEW WEEKS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DIFFERENCE WAS THAT THIS TIME I NOTICED IT RIGHT AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND DRIVING OFF. THINKING IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF A POSSIBLE GLITCH IN THE IGNITION, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. JUST LIKE THE FIRST TIME, THE LIGHT DIDN'T COME BACK ON. THE 3RD TIME IT HAPPENED, IT REMAINED ON THE ENTIRE TIME I DROVE AND TO AND FROM THE GROCERY STORE. NOW, IT PRETTY MUCH DOES IT INTERMITTENTLY - CYCLING INTERMITTENT TO STEADY AT VARIOUS TIMES. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR RECALLS, I READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM DRIVERS IN VARIOUS STATES (USA), THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE VOICED IT TO HONDA BUT THEY HAVEN'T ISSUED A RECALL; THUS STATING THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. INSTEAD HONDA DEALERS ARE WILLING TO CHARGE APPROX. $120 FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND $300+ FOR REPAIR - WHICH IS ENTIRELY UNFAIR TO US CONSUMERS. HOWEVER HONDA, ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY WHICH HAD VERY SIMILAR (IF NOT EXACT) PROBLEMS WITH ITS SRS. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE MOTORISTS. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE VSA WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Air bags, Nov 4, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER HAD A CONCUSSION, AND HIS CHILD'S ELBOW AND KNEE WERE INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND IT WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 2, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ALONG A RURAL 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP AND THE ENGINE RPM WENT WAY UP. THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN. THIS LASTED 3 OR 4 SECONDS AND THEN WENT BACK TO NORMAL. IN A FEW MINUTES, I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT ENTERING THE VILLAGE OF SARANAC LAKE, NY. THE 2005 HONDA PILOT STOPPED RUNNING. I TRIED TO RESTART AND NOTHING HAPPENED AT ALL. I PUT MY FLASHERS ON AND OPENED THE HOOD. I SAW A LIQUID THAT LOOKED LIKE CHOCOLATE MILK LEAKING UNDER THE ENGINE. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE, THE MECHANIC SAID HE THOUGHT THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND ALLOWED THE ANTIFREEZE TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRUCK WOULD NEED A NEW RADIATOR AND MAYBE A NEW TRANS AND OR ENGINE. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. I READ THAT OVER 1 MILLION 2003 AND 2004 HONDA PILOTS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 31, 2013
TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE INSIDE RADIATOR FAILED COMMINGLED FLUIDS AND CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION. LOSS OF ABILITY TO DRIVE/MOVE VEHICLE WHILE IN MIDDLE OF MULTI-LANE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2013
THE HONDA HAS STARTED SHUDDERING WHEN BETWEEN 30 - 40 MPH THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE SHUDDERING MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT TIMES AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 21, 2013
HAD A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLING PORTION OF THE RADIATOR CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER TO THE REAR WHEELS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. UPON DOING AN INTERNET SEARCH I SEE THAT HUNDREDS OF 2005 HONDA PILOTS HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE EXACT SAME PART CAUSING THE SAME CONDITION. THIS USUALLY RESULTS IN DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION AND COSTING THOUSANDS TO REPAIR. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY HAZARD. HONDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY PROBLEM EXISTS. IT IS PLAINLY EVIDENT THAT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF THIS PART EXISTS. ANY ENGINEER WHO EXAMINES THE DATA OF HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF ACCOUNTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET MUST COME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION. THIS IS DEFECTIVE! THIS IS DANGEROUS! OWNERS SHOULD BE PARTIALLY COMPENSATED FOR THE EXPENSE OF REPAIR. HONDA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR A KNOWINGLY DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Oct 21, 2013
I WAS ON A CIRCULAR ON-RAMP TO A HIGHWAY. MY VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER UPON ACCELERATION SO THE ENGINE REVVED BUT CAR SLOWED DOWN. I MADE IT OFF THE RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE CAR HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WASN'T CLICKING INTO PLACE PROPERLY BUT IT WAS. I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FLUID. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE BLEW OUT & THE RADIATOR WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE ADAPTER BECAUSE THERE ARE NO THREADS LEFT ON THE RADIATOR TO GRAB THE CONNECTOR. HE SAID IT WAS SOMETHING THAT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL POSTS ON LINE ON A NUMBER OF WEB SITES FROM OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. MOST PEOPLE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THEIR TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS RUIN BOTH WHEN MIXED TOGETHER. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE MECHANICS, SO I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION YET, BUT THE POSTS INDICATE THAT THE CAR IS NEVER THE SAME. I WAS LUCKY THAT I HAD ENOUGH JUICE TO PULL OVER TO SAFETY. APPARENTLY THERE ARE NO RECALLS FROM HONDA IN SPITE OF THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE SEEN. REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE & THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WITHIN THE 100,000 MILE RANGE, GIVE OR TAKE. IF I GET RID OF THE CAR BEFORE OR AFTER FIXING IT, IT WOULD ONLY BE A PROBLEM FOR THE NEXT CONSUMER & THAT'S NOT REALLY FAIR. I FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD REIMBURSE CURRENT OWNERS FOR TRANSMISSIONS AND RADIATOR REPLACEMENTS ON THOSE CARS THAT HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM AND RECALL/REPAIR THE PARTS ON THE ONES THAT HAVEN'T. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE BECAUSE MY CAR COULD HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A SERIOUS & POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. HONDA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS IN A JERKING MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Oct 15, 2013
THERE IS A SHUDDERING IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT IS GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING AROUND 35-40 MPH. I HAVE CHANGED THE FLUID, AND SPOKE TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS, AND THEY ALL SEEM TO JUST BLOW IT OFF . OR SAY THEY NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. BUT WHILE READING THE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND SIMILAR VEHICLES WITH THE SAME DRIVE TRAINS. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR A RECALL OF THE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Power train, Oct 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WHILE ACCELERATING. 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 MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER PARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 10/17/13*LJ
Air bags, Sep 12, 2013
SRS LIGHT REMAINED ON. PAID $119 T HONDA TO DO DIAGNOSIS [THEY WON'T DO IT WITHOUT PAYING THE FEE]. RESULTS SAID THAT IT'S A FAILED LEFT SIDE FRONT SENSOR. DEALER ASKING FOR $285 ON TOP OF THE FEE. BASED ON THE COMPLAINTS HERE, HONDA SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS THIS MIGHT BE A POTENTIAL RECALL AS ITS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY PILOT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO NO CAUSE FOR THE SENSOR TO BE DEFECTIVE OTHER THAN POOR DESIGN/WORKMANSHIP AND HONDA SHOULD STAND BEHIND SAFETY. *TR
Engine, Sep 2, 2013
VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AT DEALER SERVICE CENTER AS HAVING 2 CRACKED / BROKEN ENGINE MOUNTS. AFFECTED MOUNTS ARE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE AND FRONT MOUNT. BASED ON SIMILAR ANECDOTAL REPORTS ON INTERNET FORUMS (PILOTEERS.ORG AND OTHERS) THIS APPEARS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE ON HONDA PILOTS AND ODYSSEYS OF THIS VINTAGE. THEY SHARE THE SAME CHASSIS. IT ALSO APPEARS THE RIGHT AND FRONT MOUNTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED. *JS
Engine, Aug 29, 2013
1 FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY AFTER SOME TIME HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL THEN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REINSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2013
INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOOSE ACCELERATION AT LOW TO MEDIUM SPEEDS. ONGOING ISSUE AFTER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. FIRST INCIDENT AT 93,000 MILES AND INTERMITTENT PROBLEM CONTINUES AT 112,000 MILES AFTER 3 REPAIRS. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF UNSAFE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ON 2005 HONDA PILOTS YET HONDA MOTORS REFUSES TO ADMIT DESIGN FLAW. ACURA MDX WITH EXACT SAME DRIVE TRAIN AS THE HONDA PILOT HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUES BEING EXPERIENCED BY PILOT OWNERS YET HONDA MOTORS WILL NOT DO A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD UNSAFE ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES THAT IS OVIOUSLY CAUSED BY AN DESIGN FLAW AS HONDA CORRECTED THE DESIGN IN THE 2006 MODELS. HONDA SHOULD BE MADE TO TAKE RESONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTS. *TR
Air bags, Jul 23, 2013
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AND STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. LIGHT STAYED ON CONSISTENTLY FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS. AFTER 2 WEEKS, LIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS INTERMITTENT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG SENSOR WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $345. DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR THE 2005 HONDA PILOT. ALSO NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2005 HONDA PILOT? A DEVICE CRITICAL TO THE OVERALL SAFETY SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS NOT A WEAR ITEM ON THE VEHICLE, SHOULD NOT FAIL. IF IT DOES, IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 12, 2013
RADIATOR FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAUSING LOSS OF MOTION. THE CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE ROAD AND COULD NOT MOVE ON ITS OWN POWER. FROM CONTACT WITH OTHER HONDA PILOT AND HONDA RIDGELINE OWNERS, I LEARNED THAT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OCCURS FREQUENTLY AT AROUND 100,000 MILES. THE SINGLE RADIATOR UNIT COOLS BOTH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. *TR
Structure, Jul 10, 2013
WHILE PARKED, UPON NORMAL CLOSING OF THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR, THE LICENSE PLATE & FRAME CAME OFF MY CAR AND FELL TO THE GROUND. I PICKED IT UP TO RE-ATTACH TO THE DOOR AND DISCOVERED THAT THE METAL SURROUNDING THE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF FROM THE CAR LEAVING GAPING HOLES IN THE HATCHBACK DOOR. THE LICENSE PLATE CAN NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE CAR WITHOUT SOME FORM OF BODY WORK OR CREATIVE MACGYVER TYPE SKILLS. MY PLATE FELL OFF THE CAR WHILE PARKED. MY CONCERN IS IF IT HAD FALLEN OFF WHILE MOVING AT A HIGH SPEED. IT COULD HAVE HEADED STRAIGHT FOR A VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN BEHIND/BESIDE ME. *TR
Seat belts, Jul 5, 2013
MY 8 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT RIGHT BEHIND THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. HE COMPLAINED THAT THE SEATBELT KEPT GETTING TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. HE RELEASED THE SEATBELT AND IT RETRACTED ALL THE WAY BACK WHERE IT HAS BEEN EVER SINCE. IT NO LONGER PULLS FORWARD MORE THAN 2 INCHES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE SEATBELT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. PLUS, I WAS VERY WORRIED FOR MY GRANDSON BECAUSE IT WAS GETTING SO TIGHT ON HIM. ANY SMALL CHILD COULD BECOME TRAPPED. I WAS JUST RELIEVED THAT HE WAS STILL ABLE TO REACH THE LATCH AND BUCKLE AND SAFELY RELEASE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 4, 2013
I BOUGHT THE 2005 PILOT EX IN 2009. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER 1 MONTH OF DRIVING FOR HESITATION IN THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THOUGHT THIS MUST BE HOW IT SHIFTS. HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED A SLIGHT RADIATOR FLUID SMELL. NO ONE COULD FIND ANY LEAK. ABOUT 3 YEARS LATER AT 110,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUID AND RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WHEN THE RADIATOR GAVE OUT. WE WERE OUT OF TOWN AND ON OUR WAY HOME LEAVING US ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO BE TOWED BACK INTO TOWN (APPROX 30 MILES) AND HAD TO SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT UNTIL THE REPAIRS WERE FINISHED. $637.00 REPAIR FOR THE RADIATOR. 2 MONTHS LATER NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER NOT WORKING. TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL GUY WHO SAID IT WASN'T HOOKED UP RIGHT WHEN THEY REPLACED THE RADIATOR. CORRECT HOOKUP, PRESSURE TEST AND RECHARGE AIR SYSTEM WAS $186.00. A WEEK LATER AFTER EXPLAINING THE RADIATOR PROBLEM TO MY LOCAL REPAIR GUY WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED TWICE TO TRY TO SAVE US FROM FUTURE TRANSMISSION TROUBLE. $292.00 FOR THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH RELATED TO THE RADIATOR FAILURE. NOW A MONTH AND A HALF LATER WE HAVE A SHUDDER BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH AND A NOISE AT ABOUT 55 MPH THAT SOUND LIKE A PIECE OF METAL DROPPING OFF THE CAR. ASKED THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP AND THEY BOTH SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLACE, AFTER READING ALL THE SIMILAR STORIES OF OTHER 2005 HONDA PILOTS, THE DEALERS WILL OVER CHARGE AND NOT EVEN ADMIT TO THIS KNOWN ISSUE. THE STORIES OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING AGAIN MADE US GO WITH THE MOST COMPETENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DOES THIS EVERY DAY. SO IT'S THE FOURTH OF JULY AND WE ARE WITHOUT THE FAMILY CAR TODAY. SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK IT UP TOMORROW WITH THE REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR $3,915.00. TOTAL BILL; $5,031.00 FOR A FAILED RADIATOR. THIS IS WRONG. HONDA SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE AND BE MADE TO RECALL IT. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 27, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE'S VSA ENGAGED LOCKING UP THE BRAKES. WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHY LEAVING THE HIGHWAY FOR SIDE STREETS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS THE VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL INVOLVING THE INVOLUNTARY COMMAND OF VSA ENGAGEMENT. THIS IS ABSURD THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED TO STILL BE ON THE ROAD WITH SUCH A SERIOUS FLAW THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF LIFE. *TR