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.
Tires, Nov 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING A GENERAL INSPECTION AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED BOTH REAR TIRE TREADS WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR, P245/70R16, DOT NUMBER 104S. 8AK
Power train, Sep 5, 2006
I HAVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT THAT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE 5TH TRANSMISSION LEAK. *NM
Structure, Equipment, Jun 20, 2006
THE DVD SYSTEM IS MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. THE ROOF MAKES OCCASIONAL LOUD RATTLING NOISE, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON A LITTLE BUMPY ROAD. IT SOUNDS LIKE TWO METALLIC SURFACES ARE BANGING INTO EACH OTHER. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Tires, May 26, 2006, crash
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL AT AROUND 4:30 PM. JUST LIKE ALWAYS AROUND AT CERTAIN PART OF THE FREEWAY THE TRAFFIC BEGAN AND EVERYONE WAS SLOWING DOWN. I BEGAN TO PRESS ON MY BREAKS. THIS IS WERE THINGS ALL WENT TO FAST AND ARE KIND OF WEIRD. GOING ABOUT 60 MPH, MY SUV WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN AND IT JERKED TO THE LEFT. THERE WERE A LOT OF BAD, SCARY NOISES, ONES THAT AUTOMOBILES SHOULDN'T MAKE. LUCKILY, I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE ELSE. MY THOUGHT BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE CAR WAS THAT I TOTALLY SLAMMED INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. HOWEVER, UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I SAW THAT COSMETICALLY THE CAR WAS PRETTY MUCH FINE. ALL THE COMMOTION THAT I HEARD AND FELT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE AT FIRST BUT THEN IT ALL CAME TO FRUITION. IT SEEMS THAT GOING 60 MPH WITH 10-15 FEET MY CAR CAME TO A DEAD STOP, RESTING ON TWO RIGHT SIDE TIRES AND TO LEFT SIDE WHEELS. THE FREEWAY PATROLMAN WENT UP AND DOWN THE FREEWAY TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING (BECAUSE I DIDN'T!), AND ALL HE FOUND WERE PIECES OF MY CAR AND NOTHING ELSE. AGAIN WE DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, BUT THERE IS A LONG LIST OF MECHANICAL, BODY AND REFINISH WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AND REPLACED. SO FAR AROUND 7,000+ IN DAMAGES. NOT TO MENTION THEY ARE NOT SURE IF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE FRAME ARE MESSED UP. THE REAR SUB FRAME, THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE SUSPENSION TOGETHER, BROKE CLEAN IN HALF. WE DON'T KNOW IF THE FRONT FAILED AND CAUSED THE BACK TO FALL APART, OR IF THE BACK FAILED AND CAUSED THE FRONT TO FALL APART. TO CORRECT IT THEY ARE JUST GOING TO REPAIR EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED, MOST WHICH ARE BEING REPLACED WITH USED PARTS. THE ONLY PHYSICAL INJURY THAT OCCURRED WAS A BIG BURN/CUT I GOT FROM THE SIDE AIR BAG GOING OFF. PLUS, BY REPLACING THE PIECES WITH USED PARTS, HOW DO THEY KNOW IT WON'T FAIL AGAIN? ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 23, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 HONDA PILOT FORM MY HOME AND MADE A LEFT TURN OUT OF MY SUBDIVISION. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE FRONT OF IT. IT WENT AWAY AND I CONTINUED DRIVING SLOWLY (ABOUT 15 - 20 MPH) TO SEE IF I COULD DETECT SOMETHING FURTHER WRONG OR IF I HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING. AS I FOUND NO INDICATION OF THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE I CONTINUED ON. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY ONE CITY BLOCK THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND SLOWED ITSELF TO A CRAWL. I DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES! THE NOISE AGAIN OCCURRED WHILE THIS HAPPENED. THE NOISE, I REALIZED, WAS SIMILAR TO ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATING DURING A HARD STOP. THIS OCCURRED THREE MORE TIMES IN RAPID SUCCESSION AND THEN WENT AWAY. I CONTINUED ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND APPLIED THE BRAKES MYSELF. THEY SEEMED TO WORK OK. AS I PROCEEDED , THE BRAKES ONCE AGAIN APPLIED THEMSELVES (WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ACTION FROM ME) ANOTHER FOUR TIMES. AT THIS TIME THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF, BUT WAS NOT SURE IF IT DID TURN OFF OR NOT. I DROVE ANOTHER TWO TO THREE MILES WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS. ON MAY 10, APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AS DIRECTED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE VSA LIGHT DID NOT COME BACK ON. LATER THAT DAY, WHILE DRIVING WITH FOUR PEOPLE IN THE PILOT I HAD MADE A LEFT TURN AND HAD ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES AGAIN APPLIED THEMSELVES, THE PILOT DIVED TO THE LEFT AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AGAIN, I DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES, THE PILOT DID THIS ITSELF. THE VSA LIGHT HAD COME ON AGAIN AND I FOLLOWED THE PROCEDURE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SEEMED TO WORK ONCE AGAIN. AS EVERYONE IN THE PILOT HAD THEIR SEAT BELTS ON, NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2006, crash
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, HIT A SMALL STANCHION WITH MY REAR BUMPER. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, ONLY STOPPING WHEN I CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR. *JB
Seat belts, May 4, 2006
I FILED A COMPLAINT ONE YEAR AGO AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY KIND OF RESPONSE. IT IS ODI ID NUMBER 10122170. *NM
Structure, Seats, Apr 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER 55 MPH WITH THE REAR WINDOWS OPEN, THERE IS A THUMPING NOISE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES DISCOMFORT TO THE OCCUPANT'S EARS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC. UPDATED 07/03/06. *JB THE LEATHER SEATS WERE CRACKING.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 12, 2006
2005 HONDA PILOT HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES HAVE NOT FIXED PROBLEM THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED ROTATED TIRES PROBLEM IS BACK NOW TIRES ARE WEARING ON EDGES ALIGNMENT DONE ON CAR 4 TIMES THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM WITH PTTR WILL GO OFF THE ROAD IN SECONDS IF NOT CAREFUL THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *JB
Visibility, Dec 23, 2005
ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASSIONS MY 2005 HONDA PILOT WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE HAS "LIGHTLY" CONTACTED THE EDGE OF THE GARAGE. EACH TIME THE INTERNAL MOUNTING MECHANISM HAS FAILED TO WITHSTAND THE IMPACT. THE LOW SPEED AT WHICH THE CAR WAS TRAVELING DID NOT EVEN IMPACT THE WALL HARD ENOUGH TO FORCE THE MIRROR TO FOLD IN OR THE GLASS TO BREAK, CHIP OR CRACK. *NM
Suspension, Dec 17, 2005
MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE A FRONT END SHIMMY AT 70 TO 75 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER HAS BALANCED AND ROTATED MY TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. A HIGH SPEED BALANCE BY AN INDEPENDENT DEALER HAS IMPROVED THE SHIMMY BUT IT IS STILL ANNOYING. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2005
DT : CONTACT STATED ON OCTOBER 8, 2005 THE VEHICLE STARTED BY ITSELF. HE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING AND NO NOISE. THERE WAS NO REMOTE STARTER ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. *AK
Structure, Sep 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DAYTIME IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NUMBERS WERE GREY COLORED AGAINST A DARKER GREY BACKGROUND. AT NIGHT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS VERY EASILY SEEN BECAUSE OF THE LIGHTING. THE CONTACT CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT THE LEATHER OVERHANG COULD OBSTRUCTED THE VIEW OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAUSE IT CAUSED A LARGE SHADOW OVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THIS WAS THE DESIGN WITHIN THE VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CONTACT MAY CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS AN AFTER MARKET INSTRUMENT PANEL AVAILABLE FOR THIS SPECIFIC TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET SHE FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER TYPE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2005
2005 HONDA PILOT DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH.*** NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN BALANCE THE WHEELS BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME THE TECHNICIAN ROTATED AND BALANCED THE WHEELS BUT THE CONSUMER COULD STILL FEEL THE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. *NM
Tires, Sep 2, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING,45 MPH, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED 2 TIRE BLOW OUTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE CAME AND TOLD HIM HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST AUTO BODY. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NOT HAVE IT TOWED THEIR ESTABLISHMENT AND HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULDN'T TOW IT TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED BUT THEY WOULD HAVE IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE CONSUMER DID NOT WANT TO TAKE IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER. IN ORDER TO GO TO THE DEALER OF PURCHASE, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT HIMSELF. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT 70 MPH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2005
RADIATOR FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF PROTECTION, RESULTING IN PUNCTURE, LOSS OF COOLANT AND ENGINE OVER HEATING. POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Aug 26, 2005
AT 8,000 MILES MY 2005 HONDA PILOT DEVELOPED A VIBRATION, OR JITTER AT 65 MPH AND HIGHER. MODERATE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION BY 73 MPH. OWNER HAD AN INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER CHECK AND RE-BALANCE THE WHEELS AS NEEDED. VIBRATION REMAINED. 2 MORE VISITS TO DEALER WHO ADVISED NO PROBLEM FOUND AND GO SEE THE GOODYEAR DEALER, WHO WANTED NO PART OF THIS ISSUE. MORE TRIPS TO DEALER WHO ADVISED THE VEHICLE OWNER SHOULD CONSIDER REPLACING THE OEM TIRES (NOW AT ONLY 8,500 MILES). OWNER REPLACED OEM TIRES WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S ($700) AND VIBRATION REMAINS. DEALER RE-BALANCED TIRES ON HUNTER 9700 MACHINE RESULTING IN MINOR IMPROVEMENT BUT BASIC JITTER REMAINS. NEXT VISIT THE DEAL ACKNOWLEDGES JITTER, IT'S ANNOYANCE, AND BLAMES TREAD PATTERN ON THE NOW NON-OEM TIRES. FILED COMPLAINT WITH HONDA NORTH AMERICA AND WAITED 312 BUSINESS HOURS FOR A RETURN CALL. HONDA RESPONDED WHEN I MENTIONED ARBITRATION. HONDA NORTH AMERICA REPORTS THE DEALER SAID 'NO PROBLEM FOUND'. NOW AT 14,000 MILES. HONDA SAYS THEY HAVE NO REGIONAL REP COVERING MY AREA (4TH LARGEST METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE US) AND WILL CALL ME BACK, SOON. THE VEHICLE JITTER REMAINS, 65 MPH AND HIGHER, MAKING THE VEHICLE TIRING TO DRIVE ON TRIPS OF DISTANCE (VACATION TRAVEL). THE JITTER/VIBRATION IS DISTRACTING AND OVER RIDES STANDARD 'ROAD FEEL'. HONDA APPEARS TO NOT BE INTERESTED IN MY ISSUE, OR DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION. OTHER HONDA PILOT OWNERS IN MY AREA, AND ON INTERNET BOARDS, REPORT THE SAME SYMPTOM. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Wheels, Aug 25, 2005
2005 HONDA PILOT EX-L WAS PURCHASED ON 7-13-2005 IT NOW HAS 1210 MILES ON IT. A VIBRATION HAS OCCURED SIMILIAR TO OUT OF BALANCE WHEELS AND TIRES AT AROUND 70 MPH. DEALER HAS BALANCED WHEELS, SENT VEHICLE OUT TO ANOTHER TIRE COMPANY FOR ROTATION AND SPIN BALANCE. NOTHING HAS CURED THE VIBRATION. THE DEALER IS HELPFUL, BUT APPARENTLY CANNOT SOLVE MY PROBLEM. WE FEEL THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM, THAT HONDA REFUSES TO ADDRESS.
Suspension, Aug 15, 2005
BRAND NEW 2005 HONDA PILOT EXL WITH RES HAS A VIBRATION BETWEEN 70 MPH AND 80 MPH. HONDA WILL NOT FIX THIS BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T DRIVE OVER 65 MPH AND THEREFORE CAN'T PROVE THE PROBLEM EXISTS. I'VE HAD HONDA BALANCE THE TIRES TWICE AND PAID TO HAVE A GOODYEAR DEAL BALANCE THEM. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *JB
Air bags, Jul 28, 2005, crash
DT: CALLER'S WIFE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WAS HIT IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AREA , AND AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CALLER'S WIFE HANDS WERE BURNED VERY BADLY. CALLER BELIEVED A SUBS TANGO FROM THE AIR BAGS BURNED WIFE'S HANDS. THE SUBSTANCE WAS A GRAY COLOR AND WAS EMBEDDED IN HER SKIN AND CUDGEL'S. SHE HAD BUMPS AND BRUISES. BUT THE BURNS WERE MAKING HER EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE, AND SHE WAS HAVING A HARD TIME. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR TWICE TO GET AN OINTMENT AND PAIN PILLS. *AK
Steering, Jul 26, 2005, crash
2005 HONDA PILOT EXL CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN AS A RESULT OF SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND TRACTION.*MR THE CONSUMERS LAWYER STATED ON FEB 2, 2005 THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMERS LAWYER BELIEVED THE CRASH AND RECALL WERE IDENTICAL. *JB
Steering, Jul 24, 2005
MAKE: HONDA PILOT 2005 PLEASE ALSO REVIEW: HTTP://WWW.HONDAPILOT.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=4117&PERPAGE=15&PAGENUMBER=27 WHICH HAS 27 PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 PILOT. I HAD THE HITCH INSTALLED BY HONDA. I NOTICED SOME VIBRATION LOWER THAN 70 MPH BUT ASSUMED THAT I WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE CAR. LO AND BEHOLD, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR HOME I NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING STARTING AROUND 69MPH, PEAKING AT AROUND 76 MPH AND FADING TO "NORMAL" AT AROUND 80 MPH. THE VIBRATION FEELS LIKE A WHEEL BALANCE PROBLEM. CURRENTLY THE DEALER IS TRYING TO HELP, HOWEVER THEY ARE NOT CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. THINGS WE HAVE TRIED: A. MAY 30 PROBLEM NOTED ON TEST DRIVE BEFORE PURCHASE BUT IGNORED AS A NEW VEHICLE/DRIVER INTERPRETATION PROBLEM. PROBLEM WAS NOTED DAYS LATER THOUGH. B. JUNE 4 CAR TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION 1) TEST DRIVE SHOULD MINIMAL PROBLEM NOT DRIVEN AT 76 MPH THOUGH 2) DEALER (RICHARD/BRETT) ALIGNED WHEELS 3) SHORT TEST DRIVE (BELOW 76 MPH) INDICATES FIXED 4) LONGER DRIVE AT 69 THROUGH 80 MPH INDICATES PROBLEM STILL EXISTS 5) SUGGESTED TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR A ''FORD'' HIGH-TECH REBALANCE C. JUNE 6 I AM NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN A FORD HIGH-TECH REBALANCE, BECAUSE THAT WOULD SIGN ME UP FOR EXPENSIVE REBALANCES FOR THE REST OF THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE A NORMALLY BALANCED WHEEL. TALKED TO RICHARD ABOUT SWAPPING TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TIRES IN FOR THE FRONT TIRES. HE WILL DISCUSS WITH THE SALES MANAGER. D. JUNE 7 I ROTATED THE BACK WHEELS TO THE FRONT TO DISQUALIFY THE WHEELS FROM THE EQUATION. CONSIDER DRIVING ANOTHER SIMILAR, NEW VEHICLE. F. JUNE 9 RICHARD DUDLEY CALLED BACK. TALKED TO HIM AND HE INDICATED THAT HE STILL NEEDS TO DO A FORCE ALIGN TO DISQUALIFY THE WHEELS. G. DEALER SWAPPED OUT TIRES FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. H. DEALER RADIAL FORCE BALANCED THE FRONT WHEELS.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2005
SUSTAINED VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOUT 45 TO 75 MPH. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER, WAS TOLD THIS IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE". STARTED THE FIRST DAY I DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT WITH 50 MILES ON IT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 27, 2005
2005 HONDA PILOT EX WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT.. ~90% BRAKE FAILURE ON VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS... 06/15/2005 AND 06/24/2005. TAKING TO HONDA OF CONCORD (CONCORD NC) TO BE REVIEWED... MAY OR MAY NOT REPAIR DEPENDING ON IF THEY CAN "DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM BUT ARE AWARE OF SOME CASES OF THE MASTER CYLINDER GOING COMPLETELY OUT FOR A "MOMENT". ALERTING YOU ALL IN CASE THIS HAPPENS TO OTHERS AND TO HAVE ON RECORD.
Seat belts, May 25, 2005
2005 HONDA PILOT - FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN SHOULDER BELT CENTER SEATING POSITION 2ND ROW. THE BELT STARTS IN THE CEALING SO FAR FORWARD THAT WHEN A PERSON WITHOUT A THICK UPPER BODY SITS IN THE CENTER POSITION IN THE 2ND ROW, THE BELT PASSES NEXT TO THE CHEEK RATHER THAN THE SHOULDER. IN THE CASE OF A CHILD WHO IS TOO BIG TO BE IN A BOOSTER WITH A BACK BUT IS STILL RELATIVELY SMALL, THE SHOULDER BELT ACTUALLY PASSES IN FRONT OF THE SHOULDER AND DESCENDS TO THE BUCKLE WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE SHOULDER OR THE UPPER CHEST! THIS LEAVES THE CHILD IN A POSITION TO HAVE HER NECK PERHAPS BROKEN OR OTHERWISE BE INJURED BY THE BELT IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE COLLISION FROM THE LEFT. MOREOVER, IT ALSO LEAVES PARENTS WITH THREE CHILDREN, SUCH AS ME, WHO NEED TO USE THE FULL CARGO AREA FOR CARGO, FACED WITH THE UNACCEPTABLE CHOICE BETWEEN PLACING THE SHOULDER HARNESS BEHIND THE CHILD'S BACK OR PLACING THE THE CHILD IN THE 3RD ROW AND ELIMINATING MUCH OF THE NEEDED CARGO SPACE. THE HONDA SERVICE DEALER ADVISED THAT IS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED. HONDA CUSTOMER RELATIONS WAS EVEN LESS HELPFULL. THE REPRESENTATIVE SIMPLY SAID IT "COMPLIES WITH ALL GOVERNMENT STANDARDS" AND THEN REFUSED TO REFER ME TO A SUPERVISOR OR ANYONE ELSE AT HONDA HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA OR TELL ME THE PHONE NUMBER FOR HONDA HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA. SURELY IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL RULES TO DESIGN A BELT SO THAT IT DOES NOT EVEN MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SHOULDER AND UPPER CHEST OF A CHILD ONCE THEY ARE TOO LARGE FOR A BOOSTER WITH A BACK AND ARE THEREFORE SITTING AGAINST THE UPTIGHT PART OF THE 2ND ROW SEAT RATHER THAN BEING MOVED FORWARD BY THE BOOSTER. HONDA NEEDS TO PLACE THE BELT ABOUT SIX INCHES FURTHER BACK ON THE CEILING OR ATTACH AN ADAPTER TO THE BACK OF THE SECOND ROW THAT WOULD COME OVER THE SEAT AND GRASP THE SHOULDER HARNESS WHEN A CHILD OR SMALL WOMAN IS SEATED IN THE SECOND POSITION. PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOME CHILD IS INJURED.