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, Nov 24, 2009
MY 05 HONDA PILOT HAS 70,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS PERFORMING FINE UNTIL BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND ENGAGING THE CAR INTO DRIVE. UPON ENGAGEMENT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT ENGAGE. A THICK CHOCOLATE MILK FLUID IS IN THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK. THE PROBLEMS RESULTS FROM THE FAILURE OF A COIL IN THE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. DESPITE AMERICAN HONDA'S CLAIMS, THE FAILURE IS A RESULT OF PARTS FAILURE NOT ANY SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS. SINCE THE CAR IS JUST OVER 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS 70,000 MILES, I REQUESTED AND WAS DENIED A GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT. AS NOTED IN THE RECALL OF 2003 AND 2004, HONDA IS KNOWN FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. OTHER RESEARCH PROVES THAT HONDA TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOT RELIABLE. TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO THE PASSENGERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2009
THE "D" FLASHES WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING SOMETHING IS WRONG, BUT HONDA CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES, HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2009
THE "D" FLASHES WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING SOMETHING IS WRONG, BUT HONDA CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES, HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Sep 9, 2009
2005 HONDA PILOT HEATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL MOTOR ASSEMBLY BLOWS HOT AIR OUT OF VENTS. NO MATTER IF YOU ADJUST TEMPERATURE OR PUT ON AIR CONDITIONER THE COLD AIR DOESN'T COME THREW VENTS INSTEAD HOT AIR IS BLOWING THREW. I HAD CAR CHECK AT SHOP AND THEY SAY THE TEMPERATURE MIX MOTOR STAYS IN HOT POSITION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES HAD SUDDENLY SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO BE MOVED IN ANY DIRECTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Aug 26, 2009
BT SHIMMY? IS THIS A NEW DANCE? NOT!!!! DANGEROUS VEHICLE~BRAKES TRANSMISSION? SHIMMY? AUGUST 25, 2009 '05 HONDA PILOT BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. DID THOROUGH INVESTIGATION WHEN THIS STARTED IN MAY: BRAKES LOCK UP AND VEHICLE VEERS AND STOPS WHILE GOING OVER 35-40 MPH. I AM A JOURNALIST AND DID RESEARCH. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS: HONDA SAYS THEY DON'T LISTEN TO 'WEBSITES' WHAT ABOUT YOUR CUSTOMERS HONDA? THIS WAS FIXED FOR $500 BACK IN MAY AND HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IS IN THE VEHICLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DANGER DANGER DANGER. JACK OF DIAMONDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN TYLER TEXAS WANTS TO ARGUE ABOUT IT. SALES MANAGER SAYS I CAN LEAVE IT THERE ~ B/C HE IS SURE NOTHING IS WRONG AND WILL RESELL IT!!!! TYLER, TEXAS. FURTHER: STRANDED IN GREENVILLE, TEXAS MOST OF THE DAY WITH CHILD. UNSAFE UNSA UNSAFE. BRAKES? TRANSMISSION? SHIMMY? I DON'T KNOW. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Aug 5, 2009
2005 HONDA PILOT WENT INTO A FULL BRAKE MODE (SLAMMED) WITHOUT ANYONE TOUCHING THE BRAKES FROM 45 MPH. AFTER THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WE LIMPED ONTO A SIDE STREET WITH THE BRAKES CONTINUING TO CATCH OFF AND ON. PARKED THE CAR AND RETURNED LATER TO GET IT TO THE DEALER. WE COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Jul 6, 2009
VEHICLE (2005 HONDA PILOT, 118,000 MILES) BECAME IMMOBILE DUE TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. LEFT WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN STRANDED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. WHEN VEHICLE DRIVEN BY SERVICE TECH, IT OVERHEATED. HAD NOT DONE THIS BEFORE. DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID COIL WITHIN RADIATOR HAD LIKELY FAILED CAUSING COOLANT TO ENTER TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO ENTER COOLING SYSTEM. COOLANT CAUSES SURFACES OF CLUTCHES IN TRANSMISSION TO BE COMPROMISED. COULD NOT GET ANY HELP FROM AMERICAN HONDA IN MAKING REPAIR, NOR FROM DEALER (WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED). TRADED CAR IN ON A 2006 PILOT. *TR
Power train, Jul 6, 2009
2005 HONDA PILOT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH THE TRANSMISSION AROUND 75K MILES. THE WHOLE VEHICLE WOULD START TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE GOING UP A HILL. THIS GETS SCARY WHEN THERE IS A TURN TO NEGOTIATE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS MAKING THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHAKE. AT TIMES, I WOULD HAVE TO BRAKE, TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL. I HAVE BEEN AFRAID SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAFETY NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY BUT FOR OTHER VEHICLES THAT MAY BE NEAR ME AS THE PILOT BECAME UNSTABLE WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING GOING UPHILL (SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES)! I AM NOW AT 120K MILES, I AM TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION DUE TO GEAR FAILURE AND HEAT. I HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH HONDA FLUIDS. I DO NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE HARD OR TAKE IT OFF ROAD TO PLAY. THIS IS CRAZY! I FEEL HONDA SHOULD PRODUCE A MUCH BETTER AND MORE RELIABLE PRODUCT. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. HONDA HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE WITH THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THEIR PILOTS! I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP FACILITATE A SAFE AND ECONOMIC RESOLUTION WITH HONDA ON THE FABRICATION OF THEIR PILOTS. *TR
Suspension, Jun 17, 2009
THIS VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER IN APRIL "08 WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD A TIRE DEALER ATTEMPTING TO FIX A SLOW LEAK WHEN THEY CALLED MY ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE SLICK, DEVOID OF ANY TREAD, ON THE INNER 3". THE EXTERIOR LOOKED FINE. HONDA SAID ALIGNMENT WAS THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS NOT COVERED. I PAID FOR THIS AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS WITH NEW TIRES. THEY SAY IT IS WITHIN SPECS EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC AGREES WITH ME THAT VISUALLY THE REAR WHEELS TILT INWARD. THEY SAY CALL HONDA, WHICH I HAVE SEVERAL TIMES & NOTHING HAPPENS. I NOW HAVE A $30K PAPERWEIGHT. HELP ! *TR
Steering, Jun 12, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT WHICH I BROUGHT AT THE END OF 2006. EVERY SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR WHEN I RUN OVER A RAIN PUDDLE THE STEERING LOCKS. I THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY WHEN IT WAS A HUGH PUDDLE BUT IN MARCH 2009 I RAIN OVER A PUDDLE THAT CAME FROM A CAR WASH AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEED A NEW BELT. I HAD THEM REPLACE IT AND 3 WEEKS LATER IT RAINED AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY WHICH ALMOST LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2009
SINCE I BOUGHT MY 2005 HONDA PILOT ON 06/25/2007. EVERY TIME I WOULD DRIVE BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. I TOOK MY PILOT IN TODAY FOR INSPECTION(06/06/2009)AND HERE THEY TELL ME MY MOTOR MOUNT ENGINE NEEDS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD CALLED THEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND TOLD THEM THAT MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN I DRIVE CLOSE TO 65-70MPH. I WAS TOLD SEVERAL TIMES THAT IT IS JUST MY ALIGNMENT "EASY FIX". LAST YEAR FOR INSPECTION I NEEDED TIRES GOT TIRES,ALIGNMENT CHECKED ASKED SERVICE PEOPLE AGAIN IF THE SHAKING WAS FIXED I WAS REASSURED IT WAS TO ONLY FIND OUT IT WAS NOT. NOW TODAY A YEAR LATER THIS HAPPENS AND TO FIND OUT IT IS HAPPENING TO ALOT OF OTHER 2005 HONDA PILOTS MOTOR MOUNT IS GOING OUT. I'M OUTRAGED. I OWNED SEVERAL HONDAS THROUGH-OUT MY LIFE AND NEVER ONCE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THEM. I USE TO OWN A CIVIC AND AN ACCORD. HONDAS ARE GREAT VEHICLES UNTIL NOW. I BELIEVE HONDA SHOULD RECALL THIS. AND THIS WILL BE THE LAST HONDA I OWN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2009
SATURDAY MAY 23RD I WAS TURNING LEFT AT A STOP SIGN IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION AND SUDDENLY (AS I WAS PRESSING THE GAS) THE CAR BEGAN TO BRAKE ON ITS OWN. TRYING TO MOVE OUT OF TRAFFIC, I INCREASE THE GAS, BUT THE MORE I DID, THE MORE THE CAR RESISTED. (AS IF IT WAS BRAKING). IT MADE A HORRIBLY LOUD NOISE THE WHOLE TIME. I TRIED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT TO GET OFF THE ROAD, AND WHEN I BARELY TOUCHED THE BRAKE, IT SLAMMED STOPPED. I FINALLY GOT PULLED OVER, AND STOPPED. THINKING MAYBE THE E BRAKE WAS STUCK, I PUSHED IT ON, AND OFF AGAIN. TRIED TO DRIVE AND IT CONTINUED. STOP. TRIED AGAIN. FINALLY MADE IT HOME, AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. SHORTLY AFTER, MY HUSBAND DROVE IT. NOTHING HAPPENED. WE RAN ERRANDS THAT NIGHT, AND SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH NO PROBLEM. THEN SUN EVENING, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HWY AND THE CAR BEGINS TO BRAKE ON ITS OWN, AGAIN, MAKING THE HORRIBLE NOISE. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF YOU HIT THE GAS, THE BRAKE, OR NOTHING AT ALL... THE CAR DECIDES TO BRAKE ON ITS OWN. ITS UNCONTROLLABLE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I HAVE READ FORUMS ONLINE THAT SAY HONDA HAS REPLACED COMPUTERS, MODULES, WIRES, BATTERIES, ABS, SENSORS, 4WD, ECT. SOME WORKED, SOME DIDN'T. BUT ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, HONDA NATIONAL TECH SUPPORT HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE, AND THE TECH CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH ANY OF THE COMPONENTS LISTED ON THE FORUM PRINT OUTS WE SHARED WITH THEM. AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MINE, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT HONDA HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS COMPLAINT. SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL THEY DON'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE?! I AM CONCERNED FOR SAFETY OF MYSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS ON THE ROAD. MANY FORUMS SAY THIS HAPPENS EVEN WHEN GOING 70MPH ON THE HWY. NOT SAFE! HONDA DOESN'T HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS AND LEFT ME WITH NO SOLUTION. YET, THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE CREDIT FOR ANY LIABILITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2009
RADIATOR WAS APPARENTLY STRUCK BY ROCK AND CRACKED. THE HONDA PILOT WAS IMMEDIATELY TOWED TO DEALER FOR FACTORY REPLACEMENT. WITHIN TWO MONTHS THE NEW RADIATOR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND CAUSE OF CRACK WAS UNDETERMINED. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET AUTO BLOGS THERE APPEAR TO BE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING CRACKED RADIATORS IN HONDA PILOTS FROM RANDOM ROAD DEBRIS. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE COMMON IN THE ACCORD OR OTHER MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES SUGGESTIVE TO ME THAT THE REPEATED OCCURRENCE OF CRACKED RADIATORS IN THE HONDA PILOT IS A RESULT OF FAULTY DESIGN. THIS COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE OR INJURY IF THIS CONTINUES. *TR
Air bags, May 7, 2009
SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON MY 2005 HONDA PILOT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Apr 22, 2009
SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AT 90K MILES. DAMAGE COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC BEARING FAILURE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. VEHICLE IS IN THE SE UNITED STATES WITH EXCELLENT ROADS AND WEATHER. BILATERAL FAILURE IS NOT BASED ON ANY REGIONAL CONDITIONS OR DRIVING CONDITIONS (NO TOWING/NO TRAILS OR OFFROAD) BUT CAN ONLY BE A RESULT OF FAULTY INITIAL PARTS. ALL WORK DONE BY DEALERSHIP IN PAST. AWAITING RESPONSE FROM HONDA CORPORATE CONCERNING THIS ISSUE-NO RESOLUTION TO DATE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 6, 2009, crash
AFTER REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE, SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT END OF THE HONDA PILOT, AND TO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO BRAKE MODE AND CAME TO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN STOP. THE FAILURE CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, CAUSING ITEMS TO BE THROWN FROM THE SEAT ONTO THE FLOOR. DURING THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH PRODUCED A LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE CODE AND A BRAKE SENSOR CODE. THE DEALER TESTED AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. THEY ALSO NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 58,000.
Structure, Mar 3, 2009
I HAD MY FRONT AND SIDE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED TWO WEEKS AGO ON MY 2005 WITH 75,000 MILES. I SUSPECT THEY HAD BEEN TORN FOR 5,000 MILES OR SO. LOTS OF LOW LOAD CLUNKING DURING THROTTLE APPLICATION, AND EVER SO SLIGHT STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION. WHICH I HAD NEVER NOTICED, UNTIL DRIVING IT AFTER THE REPAIR AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DEAD STILL. BUT IT STILL IS DISAPPOINTING TO SPEND $450 FOR (2) MOTOR MOUNTS ON A 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK. SHOULDN'T HONDA TO DO A RECALL ON THIS? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 21, 2009
HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES YESTERDAY. ONCE WHILE DRIVING ~40MPH THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP, THROWING ITEMS FROM THE SEAT INTO THE FLOOR. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS BRIEF AND I DROVE ~2 MILES BEFORE IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITH THE VSA INDICATOR LIGHTS (CAUTION AND OFF) CAME. MANUAL STATES VSA CAN RESET BY TURNING CAR OFF AND BACK ON (MUST BE A MICROSOFT SYSTEM). DROVE THE CAR TO WORK. LATER LEFT WORK AND WENT ABOUT 5 MILES BEFORE THE VIOLENT SUDDEN STOP EVENT. FOLKS THIS IS SERIOUS PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE VIOLENT NATURE OF THE CAR STOPPING. CAR IS AT THE DEALER RIGHT NOW, THEY COULD NOT REPEAT THE EVENT , YET AND CLAIMED THE COMPUTER COULD NOT READ ANY CODES. THEY HAVE A CALL INTO THE FACTORY. REFERENCE THREAD AT WWW.HONDAPILOT.ORG HONDA PILOT .ORG > GENERAL > PROBLEMS > VSA APPLIES FULL BRAKE FOR NO REASON. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2009
FRONT MOTOR MOUNT FAILED AT APPROX. 60K MILES. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NO KNOW CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE, BUT SAYS IT IS LIKELY A MATERIAL DEFECT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 6, 2009
2005 HONDA PILOT EX HAVE APPLIED SUDDEN BRAKE WHICH COMPLETELY STOPPED THE CAR. IT HAPPENED THREE TIME IN THIS WEEK (2/2 - 2/4). THE WEATHER IS COLD AFTER A MINOR SNOW, THE ROAD IS WET OR DRY. BUT EACH TIME THERE WERE SNOW AND SALT RESIDUE ON THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR ROLL OVER IT, THEN IT HAPPENED. MOVING SPEED WAS BETWEEN 20 - 30 MPH. SINCE IT WAS SLOW SO NOT ACCIDENT OCCURRED, OTHERWISE MIGHT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FROM BEHIND. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 6, 2009
YESTERDAY, MY DAUGHTER'S 2005 HONDA PILOT WITH 71K MILES SINCE NEW, WAS ROLLING ALONG AT 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE 66 WHEN BRAKES ENGAGED BRINGING CAR TO SUDDEN STOP. SEVERAL CARS BEHIND HER HAD TO TAKE DEFENSIVE ACTION TO PREVENT PILING UP. VSA LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES TO A POINT WHERE CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE AND HAD TO BE PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO HONDA BY AAA. SAME THING HAPPENED IN OCT 2008 (ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO) BUT OCCURRED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AND CAR COULD BE DRIVEN TO DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSIS FROM DEALER WAS NEED FOR NEW BATTERY. ORIGINAL BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND CAR WORKED FINE UNTIL YESTERDAY. IT APPEARS THAT THE HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AT THE DEALERS CANNOT PROPERLY IDENTIFY THIS PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT IS SURELY SERIOUS ENOUGH TO WARRANT A RECALL. ACCORDING TO MEMBERS POSTING AT HONDAPILOT.ORG FORUM, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AND WITH THE SAME POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS RESULTS. MORE TROUBLING IS THE FACT THAT HONDA DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY. SOME HAVE REPLACED TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, SOME HAVE REPLACED STEERING WHEEL SENSORS AND OTHERS HAVE REPLACED SIDE CRASH SENSORS AND BRAKE SYSTEMS. IN MY CASE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE FACT REMAINS, HOWEVER, THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE THE RESULT OF MALFUNCTIONS OF ALL THESE SYSTEMS AND THE CURRENT DIAGNOSTIC CODES APPARENTLY ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PINPOINT THE EXACT COMPONENT THAT FAILED. THIS LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY ONLY COMPOUNDS THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AND INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF A MULTI-CAR PILEUP WHEN THE VSA SYSTEM ENGAGES FOR NO GOOD REASON. *TR
Structure, Feb 2, 2009
I HAD MY 2005 HONDA PILOT IN THE SHOP FOR 60,000 MILE CHECK-UP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS ON THE RIGHT FRONT AND THE REAR LEFT. I THINK THIS IS ENTIRELY TOO FEW MILES FOR THE MOTOR MOUNTS TO BEGIN TO FAIL. *TR
Suspension, Feb 2, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHEN I HAD IT SERVICED LAST WEEK THE DEALERSHIP PUT IN A THIRD RIGHT REAR SHOCK THAT WAS LEAKING. THE LAST SHOCK ONLY LASTED 3000 MILES. I THINK THAT SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE CAR THAT CONTINUES TO RUIN THE SAME RIGHT REAR SHOCK. *TR