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, Apr 22, 2011
VEHICLE HAS NOTICEABLE SHIMMERING/SHUTTERING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, NOTICED OVER A YEAR AGO. SOON AFTER THE DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENTLY, ALTHOUGH BOTH SEEM TRANSMISSION RELATED, THEY DID NOT SEEM TO CORRELATE. OVER TIME THE SHIMMERING/SHUTTERING SEEMS TO BE MORE FREQUENT AND PRONOUNCED AND THE DRIVE INDICATOR SEEMS TO BLINK MORE FREQUENTLY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AS THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2005 HONDA PILOTS WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF TRANSMISSION 'FAILURE' OR COMPLETE FAILURE. HAVE NOT SEEN A FORMAL RELEASE FROM HONDA (LIKE WITH ACURA MDX ISSUE WHICH SOUNDS TOO SIMILAR), BUT LIKE WITH THE TSB ON THE MDX, MANY PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE RESOLVED WITH REPLACEMENT OF TORQUE CONVERTER OR COMPLETE TRANSMISSION. I DON'T EXPECT ANY SYMPATHY FROM HONDA SO I AM GOING TO HAVE OUR PILOT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC (HONDA SERVICE IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE) BUT WANTED TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT ON THIS ISSUE IN THE HOPES THAT IF IT BECOMES BIG ENOUGH MAYBE OTHERS WILL BENEFIT FROM HONDA HAVING TO GET INVOLVED AT SOME POINT.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 21, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY ROAD I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH SO I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FOUND A COIL LAYING ON THE GROUND ALONG WITH SOME OTHER PLASTIC PIECES. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT A SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN COMPLETELY OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK HEAD ALONG WITH THE BLOWN COIL THAT I HAD PICKED UP. THE SPARK PLUG WAS NEVER RECOVERED EVEN THOUGH I RETURNED TO THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT.
Interior lighting, Apr 11, 2011
SEVERAL OF THE LIGHTS IN THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL IN MY 2005 HONDA PILOT HAVE BURNED OUT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 PILOTS, AND CAN BE CONFIRMED ON ONLINE HONDA PILOT FORUMS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT, AS THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THE CONTROLS IS TO TURN THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS. SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Mar 29, 2011
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HONDA OFFERED A DISCOUNT, BUT NOT A FREE REPLACEMENT AS IN THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR FOR OVER ONE MILLION VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME UNIT.
Air bags, Mar 10, 2011
I DRIVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT. MY SAFETY RESTRAINT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON A FEW DAYS AGO. UPON CHECKING WITH THE DEALER, THE SYSTEM AIRBAG CONTACTS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THANKFULLY, I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT COVERS REPAIR, WHICH IS COSTLY. MY COLLEAGUE ALSO DRIVES A 2005 HONDA (ELEMENT) AND HAD THE SAME INDICATOR LIGHT COME ON WITHIN TWO DAYS OF MINE. HE DOESN'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE COINCIDENCE IS TOO MUCH. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SAFETY RESTRAINTS ON 2005 HONDAS. OTHERS MUST BE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Mar 2, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT WITH 57,000 MILES ON IT THAT I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT. I AM HAVING CONCERNS ABOUT THE TORQUE CONVERTER I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ABOUT. MY CAR WILL ACCELERATE IN THE 32-45 MPH WINDOW AND THEN THE RPM NEEDLE WILL JUMP BACK DOWN TO A LOWER RPM. ALOT OF THE JUMPING NEEDLE IS HAPPENING. THE CAR WILL SHUDDER AT THESE SPEEDS AND WILL FEEL AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS LETTING UP WHEN I GET TO THESE SPEEDS, HENCE THE RPM NEEDLE COMING BACK DOWN. THE CAR HAS ALREADY GONE IN FOR WORK ON THE RELAY SWITCH WHICH WAS SHORTING THE CAR OUT BRIEFLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2011
THIS VEHICLE SPUTTERS WHEN THE SPEED IS BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. *TR
Structure, Feb 22, 2011
2005 HONDA PILOT WITH LEAK UNDER PASSENGER FLOOR AFTER IT RAINS. TAKEN TO DEALER, REPLACED SEALS AROUND DOORS. TOOK CAR HOME, IT RAINED, FLOOR SOAKING WET. CALLED DEALER, BROUGHT CAR BACK, WATER TEST DONE. COULD NOT LOCATED LEAK BUT FLOOR OF CAR WAS SOAKING WET AFTER WATER TEST. DEALER SAID DEFINITE LEAK IN THE CAR BUT COULDN'T BE FIXED UNTIL THEY LOCATED SOURCE. SEARCHED INTERNET FOR PROBLEM.... SEEMS A LOT OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. HONDA CORPORATE CLAIMS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS BUT HAVE OPENED A CLAIM FOR ME AND WILL INVESTIGATE. EXTENDED WARRANTY NOT GOOD ON THIS PROBLEM ACCORDING TO HONDA. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 16, 2011
WHILE MAKING 2 TURNS IN A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE VSA (VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST) ENGAGED, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SUDDENLY GRIND THE VEHICLE TO A JARRING HALT---STOPPED ON A DIME! A MOMENT LATER, WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT ABOUT 20 MPH, THE VSA ENGAGED AGAIN, CAUSING ANOTHER SUDDEN GRINDING BRAKING TO A FULL STOP. HONDA SAYS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS ANOMALY---DESPITE EASILY FINDING NUMEROUS BLOGS ON THE INTERNET OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ---UP TO OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HONDA DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT DID NOT IDENTIFY THAT THIS OCCURRED NOR TELL THEM THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM. I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE! *TR
Air bags, Feb 12, 2011
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2005 HONDA PILOT. MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON IN MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF A CRASH. I HAD TO INITIALLY PAY 100 DOLLARS JUST TO GET THEM TO LOOK AT IT AND NOW I AM HAVING TO WAIT UP TO 2 MONTHS FOR THE PART THAT IS BACKORDERED. I AM VERY SCARED THAT SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN AND I WILL NOT BE PROTECTED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 10, 2011
AFTER PULLING OUT OF A PARKING GARAGE AND DRIVING ABOUT 4 CITY BLOCKS, OUR 2005 HONDA PILOT MADE A LOUD GROANING SOUND AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN AN INTERSECTION WHILE TURNING LEFT. FROM THAT POINT, FOR THE NEXT HALF MILE, THE CAR SCREECHED TO A COMPLETE STOP EVERY 15 TO 20 SECONDS, EVEN WHILE ONLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR GOING SPEEDS UP TO 20 MPH. I INSTRUCTED MY WIFE TO PULL INTO THE FIRST AVAILABLE PARKING LOT, AT WHICH POINT WE SAW THAT THE VSA CAUTION AND OFF LIGHTS WERE ON. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, PULLED THE KEY OUT, PUT IT BACK IN AND STARTED THE CAR BACK UP. THE VSA LIGHTS DID NOT COME BACK ON. I PRESSED THE VSA OFF BUTTON IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS MALFUNCTION ON THE WAY HOME. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SCARY DEFECT. I HAVE READ OTHER OWNERS' EXPERIENCES OF THIS SAME ISSUE AND I AM CONVINCED THAT IT IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT. WE HAD OUR TWO YEAR OLD AND OUR NEWBORN IN A CAR WHICH SCREECHED TO AN UNEXPECTED FULL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION HALFWAY THROUGH A TURN. THERE WAS NO ICE, THE ROADS WERE DRY, AND THE TURN WAS CONTROLLED AND NORMAL. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE VSA TO ENGAGE. WE WERE LUCKY NO CARS WERE COMING THE OTHER DIRECTION TO HIT THE PILOT IN THE INTERSECTION. I HAVE ALSO READ OF THIS UNPROMPTED FULL STOP OCCURRING AT SPEEDS UP TO 60 MPH. THE POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS ARE DEVASTATING. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH 105,000 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000 MILES. WE HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL NOW, BUT THIS ONE ISSUE IS ENOUGH OF A SAFETY ISSUE THAT I WILL IMMEDIATELY PURSUE GETTING RID OF THE VEHICLE AND FINDING SOMETHING SAFER. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND SHUDDER. ONCE THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED UP TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE FAILURE STOPPED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE TRAVELED AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE SOFTWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 159,000. UPDATED 03/08/11 *BF UPDATED 03/09/11
Power train, Feb 9, 2011
SHUDDER IN TRANSMISSION; TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. THIS OCCURS AT 1500 TO 2000 RPM AND AROUND 35 TO 40 MPH. HONDA DEALER WANTED $4500 TO REPLACE BOTH THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM SWAYING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERYDAY SINCE SEPTEMBER 2010. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE YAW RATE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2011
HIGH ENGINE WHINING SOUND. WITH ONLY 78,00 MI, DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW ENGINE MOUNTS. UPON CHECKING THE INTERNET I'VE FOUND MANY OTHER CASES WHERE THIS HAPPENS AND IT'S ALL AROUND 80,000. SURE SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 27, 2011
I OWN A 2005 HONDA PILOT SINCE 2008 AND THIS CAR HAS 95,000 + MILEAGE. RECENTLY THE VSA LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO SEVERAL SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THE CODES COMING UP IS NOT READABLE. I WENT ONLINE TO RESEARCH ON THIS AND DISCOVERED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE DO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. CAN YOU COMPEL HONDA TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE THE PROBLEMS GET OUT OF HANDS PLS? *TR
Power train, Jan 19, 2011
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING BETWEEN 35 MPH - 40 MPH ON LEVEL GRADE ROADS. NOT APPARENT UNDER MODERATE OR HEAVY ACCELERATION OR ON UPHILL GRADES. TRANSMISSION MECHANIC CONFIRMS TORQUE CONVERTER FAILING - TYPICAL HONDA SUV & VAN PROBLEM HE SEES ALL THE TIME. NO RECALL FROM HONDA, VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 85,000. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2011
CAR SHUTTERS OR VIBRATES AROUND 25-35 MILES PER HOUR DURING NORMAL ACCELERATION. IT APPEARS THAT THAT TIRES ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, BUT AFTER TAKING MY CAR IN FOR A TIRE BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS COLD OR WARM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER COULD FIX THE VIBRATIONS, BUT THE DESIGN FLAW IS WITH THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. THIS STARTED AT AROUND 72,600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. IT HAS ONLY BEEN A MONTH, BUT AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON DESIGN FLAW WITH THE 2005 PILOT. MY LOCAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE 75% COVERAGE OF THE APPROXIMATELY $3,300 REPAIR BILL BY HONDA TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE 100% AND PLAN ON PURSUING THIS ISSUE WITH HONDA OF AMERICA. I WAS TOLD HONDA WOULDN'T COVER ANYTHING AFTER 75,000 MILES. I FEEL HONDA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND OWN THIS WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE, BUT IT IS CHEAPER TO DEAL WITH THE ONE OFF COMPLAINTS THAN ADMIT FAULT AND ISSUE A RECALL.
Power train, Jan 2, 2011
2005 HONDA PILOT - TRANSMISSION VIBRATION HONDA PILOT HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATES AT ABOUT 25 TO 35 MPH WITH A KIND OF PUFFING SOUND. AT 50 TO 60 MPH IT IS A MUCH HARDER VIBRATION. *TR
Structure, Dec 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING INTO THE VEHICLE WHENEVER IT WOULD RAIN. HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE OR HOW THE WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE WATER WAS DAMAGING THE FLOOR BOARDS AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PREMATURE RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,500.
Seats, Dec 26, 2010
THE WELD FAILED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET ON ONE SIDE OF THE SEAT CAUSING THE DRIVERS SEAT TO MOVE AND ATTEMPT TO RECLINE. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2010
2005 HONDA PILOT STUTTERS, VIBRATIONS, AND HAS FLASHING "D" (DRIVE) LIGHT ON. POSSIBLE TORQUE CONVERTER AND/OR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2010
OUR 2005 HONDA PILOT SHUDDERS! IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS AND WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING. WE HAVE TAKEN THE PILOT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND ALSO TO OUR OWN PRIVATE MECHANIC AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP US. *TR
Power train, Dec 4, 2010
MY 2005 HONDA PILOT BEGAN SHUDDERING ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE TORCH CONVERTER. THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL MALFUNCTION AND THE WHOLE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY PILOT HAS 122,000 MILES. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND I SEE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2005 HONDA PILOTS. MY MECHANIC IS REBUILDING MY TRANSMISSION FOR $2900. I FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 29, 2010
HONDA PILOT 2005 VSA ISSUE AND MALFUNCTIONS: SOMETIMES THE LIGHT CAME UP EVEN I DROVE ON A FLAT ROAD WITH LOW SPEED. THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK NOISE AND THE BRAKE AND STEERING FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND LOCKS. ONE TIME IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS IN A TURN AND ALMOST HIT A WALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILIZATION SYSTEM IS NOT SAFE IF I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY TURN AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL. *TR