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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 679

Of the 2005 reports, 42 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 46 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernPower train176 reports · 26% of complaints
Owner complaints679Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train176
  2. Service brakes136
  3. Air bags120
  4. Electronic stability control (ESC)96
  5. Electrical system57
  6. Engine48
  7. Vehicle speed control46
  8. Engine and engine cooling43

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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 passenger’s 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

  10. 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 passenger’s 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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.

  1. Power train, May 14, 2015

    TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (VSA) LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED ME OF RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE TO DEALER. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO TELLS ME THAT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER THE MARCH, 2013 RECALL, EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AS THE ISSUES WHICH LED TO THE 2013 RECALL.

  2. Other or unspecified, May 5, 2015, crash

    I WAS DRIVING AT NORMAL OR CRUSING SAFE SPEED IN NEIGHBORHOOD VERY CLOSE TO MY OWN. WITHOUT CAUSE, COLLISION OR THE MEANS TO ACTIVATE, ALL FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE RESULT WAS A FRACTURED SPINE, REQUIRING MULTIPLE SURGERIES. THIS INCIDENT NEEDS TO BE HEARD.

  3. Air bags, May 3, 2015

    I WAS ADVISED BY MY HONDA DEALERSHIP (RUSSEL & SMITH HONDA) ON 2/16/15 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN MY CAR'S AIRBAGS - HOWEVER THE REQUIRED PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TWO MONTHS LATER I A YET TO HEAR FROM THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE MY RECALL FIX APPOINTMENT. IN THE INTERIM I KEEP GETTING LETTERS FROM HONDA THAT THERE IS A RECALL BUT IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY AS THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I THINK HONDA SHOULD ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THEIR LOCAL DEALERS AND ADVICE THE DEALERS TO FIX THE PROBLEM IN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. I HAVE WAITED 2 MONTHS WITH NO WORD FROM RUSSEL & SMITH HONDA DEALER IN HOUSTON AND I AM WORRIED THAT MY VEHICLE MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR DRIVING. *TR

  4. Air bags, Apr 30, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

  5. Air bags, Apr 29, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. MA 08/11/15

  6. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2015, crash

    I WAS PARKING , WHEN THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD, I HIT THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED GOING ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE SHOPPING CENTRE, BREAKING TWO SIDES OF A BRICK PILLAR. BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR DOORS WERE DESTROYED AND THE MAIN FRONT, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE AIRBAGS, NEVER CAME OUT. *TR

  7. Air bags, Structure, Apr 17, 2015, crash

    IT WAS A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE WAITING BEHIND ANOTHER CAR FOR A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING THE ROAD. HONDA ODYSSEY COMING FROM BEHIND IN THE OTHER LANE, CHANGED THE LANE AND REAR-ENDED MY CAR AT ~15 MPH. MY CAR HIT THE FRONT CAR. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE CAR THAT REAR-ENDED ME WITH SUBSTANTIAL ENGINE DAMAGE. DRIVER IN MY CAR ALONG WITH PASSENGER IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT GOT A VERTICAL LIFT WITH SEATBELT CONSTRAINTS HOLDING THEM IN PLACE. MY CAR'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH IS MY PRIMARY CONCERN AT THIS POINT. I HAVE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM HONDA PILOT ABOUT DRIVERS FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT. IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYMENT TOO IN THE CURRENT GENERATION OF HONDA PILOT? I HAVE THIS INCIDENT NOTED DOWN WITH AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO ISSUE. I WANT TO LOG IN THIS COMPLAINT HERE, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT IGNORING OR MISSING ON ANOTHER RECALL AT THE COST OF GETTING HUMANS INJURED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR

  8. Air bags, Apr 15, 2015

    MY CAR IS PART OF AN AIRBAG RECALL BY HONDA. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY AIRBAG REPLACED SINCE NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR. THE MIAMI HONDA DEALERSHIPS I HAVE APPROACHED ARE SOUTH MOTORS AND BRAHMAN HONDA. THEY HAVE BEEN TOTALLY UNCOOPERATIVE AND HAVE SETUP SYSTEMS TO GIVE CUSTOMERS THE RUN AROUND. I UNDERSTAND THAT PLACE WITH HOT, HUMID CLIMATE LIKE FLORIDA, ARE AT HIGHER RISK FOR AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT THESE DEALERSHIPS ARE PLAYING GAMES WITH MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS THAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR TO TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IT IS THAT YOUR AGENCY WILL DO TO ENFORCE THIS MANDATE. I WILL BE WILLING TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COURT OR TESTIFY IF NEEDED. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

  9. Air bags, Apr 2, 2015

    NOTIFIED OF RECALL FOR DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG. HAVE CONTACTED LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND HONDA AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE. MATTER HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP? *TR

  10. Air bags, Apr 2, 2015

    AIR BAGS SENSOR FAILED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON HONDA PILOTS AND HONDAS MUST RECALL AND REPLACE ALL SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE. THEY CHARGE $400 PER SENSOR. *TR

  11. Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 14, 2015

    SITTING IN A PARKING LOT AND THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON. LOOKED IT UP AND SAW THE RECALL ON THE VSA SO INTENDED TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. A COUPLE DAYS LATER I'M TOOLING ALONG AT FREEWAY SPEED AND FOR A BRIEF SECOND IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND RELEASED, AND THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CODES THEY FOUND WERE FOR SOME SORT OF A POWER DROP AND BLAMED IT ON A POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGE OR DROP AT SOME POINT. MAYBE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY OR SOMETHING, BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ANY OF THOSE, BUT IT COST ME $125.00 TO BE TOLD THEY DON'T KNOW. THE VSA RECALL WAS COMPLETED IN 2012 FOR THE WIRING HARNESS. TODAY (A WEEK LATER) I'M GOING ABOUT 25 ON A SURFACE STREET AND THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND POSSIBLY CLEARING ANY CODES. WHAT THEY CAME BACK WITH WAS A FAULTY YAW SENSOR CODE, BUT THEY WANT TO KEEP IT FOR A COUPLE DAYS TO DO FURTHER RESEARCH. I'M TOLD IT IS CONNECTED TO THE MAIN COMPUTER AND IF IT IS THE YAW SENSOR THEN THE MAIN COMPUTER HAS TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF $1650.00 (THEY WILL CREDIT TOWARD THE REPAIR THE $125.00 I PAID LAST WEEK FOR THE NON-ANSWER). IN READING ONLINE, I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS HAD THIS ISSUE. ALSO READING ONLINE A QUICK REVIEW SEEMS TO LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE SENSOR CAN BE REPLACED BY ITSELF, SEPARATE FROM THE MAIN COMPUTER, AT A MUCH LOWER COST. *TR

  12. Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2015

    THE VSA AND/OR ABS WILL UNEXPECTEDLY APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A SHORT AND QUICK APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SWERVE. IT THEN SEEMS TO RELEASE AND YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. ONCE THIS OCCURS BOTH THE VSA AND ABS LIGHTS ON THE DASH TURN ON SHOWING THEY ARE DISABLED. THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO BE OPERATIONAL. UPON TURNING OFF THE IGNITION THE LIGHTS RESET AND THE VSA/ABS SEEM TO BE OPERATIONAL. DURING COLD TEMPERATURES I WILL SOMETIMES FIND THE VSA/ABS LIGHTS TURN ON AND STAY ON DURING START UP BUT AGAIN ONLY DURING COLD TEMPERATURES. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT TIME (10-15 MINUTES OR MILES) I WILL TURN THE IGNITION OFF, WAIT 1-2 MINUTES, TURN THE IGNITION ON AND THE VSA/ABS LIGHTS GO THROUGH THE NORMAL START UP TEST AND TURN OFF AND EXPECTED. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY MAJOR ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD AFFECT THE BRAKING SYSTEMS. *TR

  13. Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 26, 2015

    MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR FAMILY'S 2005 HONDA PILOT. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE LIGHTLY WHICH RESULTED IN EXCESSIVE BREAKING IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND THEN APPEARANCE OF THE VSA LIGHT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE HONDA DEALER WHO FIRST INDICATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THEN INDICATED THERE WAS A VSA WIRE HARNESS RECALL (NHTSA 13V-092) BUT THAT IT DID APPLY THE VSA LIGHT GOING ON AND THEREFORE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. A VSA LIGHT DIAGNOSTICS WHICH I INDEPENDENTLY PAID FOR INDICATED A YAW RATE FAILURE CODE (25-01). THIS LIGHT VSA LIGHT HAS CONTINUED TO INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND OFF WITH AN INTERMITTENT CONTEMPORANEOUS RELATIONSHIP TO BRAKING. ON 2/25/15 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY (NO VSA LIGHT ON), APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND THE CAR BRAKED SEVERLY EVEN ONCE HER FOOT WAS OFF THE BRAKE AND PULLED THE CAR IN THE SAME FRONT RIGHT DIRECTION AS BEFORE FORCING HER TO SWERVE ALONG SIDE A PASSING TRUCK. THE VSA LIGHT WENT ON AFTER THE EVENT OCCURRED. CALLING THE HONDA DEALER TODAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED THAT HONDA DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS MATTER ONCE THE PART FOR THE 13V-092 RECALL WAS REPLACED. IN REVIEWING SAFER CAR.GOV NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER DP12002 IT DESCRIBES WELL WHAT HAS OCCURRED TWICE AND WHICH HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED HONDA USA. I BELIEVE HONDA HAS INADEQUATELY EVALUATED THE RELATIONSHIP OF SIMILARLY REPORTED EVENTS REGARDING UNEXPECTED CAR BRAKE ASSIST WITH MILD APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE SINCE THE VSA WIRE HARNESS RECALL REPAIR DID NOT RESOLVE THE UNEXPECTED AND INAPPROPRIATE VSA/ESC/BA SYSTEM LOGIC RESPONSE. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHY HONDA IS NOT ADDRESSING MY MATTER UNDER THIS RECALL (NHTSA 13V-092) AND THE REFERENCED NHTSA DP12002, AND FURTHER INVESTIGATING UNDER A KNOWN SAFETY RECALL.

  14. Air bags, Feb 12, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V700000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  15. Steering, Feb 9, 2015

    FELT NO POWER WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AND HAD TO PULLOVER. AFTER RESTING THE VEHICLE I IT WAS OK. I FELT IT LAST YEAR IN MAY ALSO AND DEALER HILLSIDE HONDA IN NY JUST DID SERVICE AND POWER STEERING FLUID CHANGE AND CHARGED ME. I WILL GO BACK THUS WEEK. *TR

  16. Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2015

    ON OUR WAY HOME TO NJ FROM A FAMILY TRIP TO CANADA WE STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK IN THE "MIDDLE OF NOWHERE" MAINE. THE CAR HESITATED TO GO WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, THE "TEMP" LIGHT WENT ON, THEN I PULLED OVER. I CHECKED THE FLUIDS....THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS MILKY RED. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE CELL PHONE SERVICE TO CALL FOR A TOW. I HAD MY FAMILY, WIFE AND TWO YOUNGER KIDS IN THE CAR. WE WAITED FOR OVER 30 MINUTES FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE, HE HAD TO CALL FOR TRANSPORT FOR MY FAMILY. WE MANAGED TO FIND A SERVICE CENTER THAT WAS WILLING STAY OPEN TO FIX OUR CAR. THE CAR NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED ($800), A VALVE BROKE SENDING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WE LEARNED THAT OTHER 2005 PILOTS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OF WHICH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2004 PILOTS, HONDA WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING! (AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAD SOME SEAT LEATHER REPLACED AND THE COLOR MATCH WAS THAT OF A 2004 PILOT). SINCE THE DAY OF THE REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY ROUGH/BUCKING WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. TO DATE, BESIDES ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGES AND SMALL PARTS, I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, STARTER, WATER PUMP, AND THE RADIATOR. TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED WOULD BE A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. THIS WAS OUR FAMILY TRAVEL CAR AND I NOW WILL ONLY TAKE THE CAR AROUND TOWN FOR FEAR THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO. I WAS NOT IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW CAR BUT DUE TO THIS SITUATION I NEED TO GET RID OF THIS CAR! *TR

  17. Air bags, Jan 29, 2015

    PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD BE COVERED AND REPLACED UNDER NHTSA RECALL 14V-700, MFR RECALL JM3 WHICH STATES THAT ANY VEHICLE EVER REGISTERED IN THE DESIGNATED HIGH HUMIDITY STATES, WHICH INCLUDES GEORGIA, IS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. WHILE CURRENTLY A RESIDENT OF NORTH CAROLINA WE WERE PREVIOUSLY RESIDENTS OF GEORGIA WHERE THIS VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED. AS SUCH I CONTACTED A LOCAL HONDA DEALER WHO STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS COVERED BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS NOT AND THEY REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNIT. I AGAIN ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEY SAID NO BUT TO CONTINUE TO WATCH FOR ADDITIONAL RECALLS. I THEN CONTACTED HONDA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND OPENED A CASE INDICATING THAT MY VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN GEORGIA AND REQUESTED THEY REPLACE IT AS A HAZARD AS DEFINED IN THE HONDA AND NHTSA RECALL. A WEEK LATER THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE UNIT UNDER THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO EXPLANATION. I RECENTLY SENT AN EMAIL TO THE LOCAL DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER REGARDING MY CONCERNS AND REQUESTING THEY HONOR THE RECALL BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. IT MAKES NO SENSE THAT THEY WOULD CHANGE ONE SIDE DEEMED A SAFETY HAZARD BUT LEAVE THE PASSENGER IN A POTENTIALLY LETHAL SITUATION WHEN BOTH UNITS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE SAME HIGH HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENT. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Seats, Jan 27, 2015

    WHEN ON HIGH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WARMER WILL LITERALLY LEAVE BURN MARKS ON MY RIGHT LEG. IT HAS WORKED NORMAL UNTIL THIS FALL WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND IT BURNED MY LEG. IT CAN NOT BE ON MORE THAN A MINUTE OR WILL LEAVE BURN MARKS ON THE RIGHT LEG. THE LEFT SIDE STILL SEEMS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS, BUT IN LOOKING INTO IT HAD HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE SEAT HAS STARTED TO SMOKE.

  19. Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 17, 2015

    THIS IS AN ADDENDUM TO MY NOVEMBER 21, 2014 REPORT REGARDING THE VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM ON MY 2005 HONDA PILOT ENGAGING THE BRAKES ON ITS OWN: ON ONE OF THE OCCASIONS THAT THE STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED THE BRAKES ON ITS OWN, THE CAR SWERVED TO THE LEFT INTO THE ADJACENT LANE. *TR

  20. Air bags, Jan 7, 2015

    THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE HOUSE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND HE ANALYZED THE PROBLEM THAT THE COMPUTER WAS NOT TALKING WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. NO BLOWN FUSES NO OTHER ISSUES NOTED WITH SENSORS OTHER THAN FAILED AIRBAG CONTROL COMPUTER UNIT. *TR

  21. Power train, Dec 31, 2014

    HEARD A WEIRD NOISE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT IT WAS, TRANNY FLUID WAS BUBBLING OUT OF THE RADIATOR OVERFLOW. HAD THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR REPLACED BY AUL, THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CO. THEY SENT A USED TRANNY AND WITHIN A WEEK IT WAS SHAKING THE WHOLE CAR ON THE DOWNSHIFT AT 35-40 AND 60MPH. ANOTHER USED TRANNY WAS SENT. ON DAY ONE, BEGAN NOTICING THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES AT 40-45 AND 60-65MPH ON THE UPSHIFT. I AM WAITING FOR MY MECHANIC TO BE AVAILABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND REQUEST ANOTHER TRANNY. THIS WILL BE NUMBER THREE IN THREE MONTHS. *JS

  22. Power train, Dec 31, 2014

    WHEN I AM GOING IN A SPEED RANGE ABOUT 35 MPH I GET LIKE SHUDDER/GRINDING SOUND COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE PILOT. I AM GETTING VERY CONCERN BECAUSE I'VE DRIVEN OTHER PILOTS AND THEY ALL DO THE SAME AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS NOISE. *JS

  23. Power train, Dec 28, 2014

    MY HONDA PILOT 2005 SHUDDERS AT ABOUT 35-50 MPH SPEEDS. THE SHUDDERING LASTS FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS. THE SHUDDERING GOES AWAY BY EITHER INCREASING OR DECREASING THE SPEED. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A FEW YEARS. TODAY I AM SITTING AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SHUDDERING AND THE HONDA TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I RESEARCHED ON THIS SITE AND THERE ARE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE. I WAS WONDERING WHAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. THANKS *TR

  24. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 23, 2014

    MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN SUDDENLY SHE HEARD LIKE A WHIRRING SOUND AND THE CAR JUST SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. SHE PULLED ON THE SIDE AND NOTICED FLUID WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE FRONT SIDE OF ENGINE. WE HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. TALKING TO THE AGENT, THEY TOLD US THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED INTO RADIATOR AND RADIATOR COOLANT/TRANS FLUID LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION. COST OF REPAIRS: $1130 TO FLUSH OUT THE FLUIDS AND 5000 TO FIX TRANSMISSION. MY PROBLEM IS THAT WE'RE UPTO DATE WITH THE SERVICE CHECK-UP AND UPSET THAT THIS WAS NOT PREVENTED FROM HAPPENING. *TR

  25. Suspension, Power train, Dec 18, 2014

    AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 MPH UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE THERE IS A SHUDDER. LETTING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND STOMPING BACK ON IT SOMETIMES HELPS MAKE IT GO AWAY. IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON INCLINES WHERE THE THROTTLE IS UNDER LOAD AT THE DESCRIBED SPEED. THERE IS A HILL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IT REPEATS ALMOST EVERY TRIP. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE PAVEMENT IS RUTTED PERPENDICULAR TO TRAFFIC BUT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN OTHER CARS. IT ALSO RETURNS AROUND 70-75 MPH. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF BALANCE OF TIRES BUT I HAVE HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO LOOK INTO THE SUSPENSION TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY PLAY. HE SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHICH I TRUST AND THEY DROVE IT, INSPECTED IT FROM UNDERNEATH AND THEY TOO COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND CHALKED IT UP TO OUT OF BALANCE TIRES. MY PILOT HAS BEEN THROUGH 3 SETS OF TIRES SINCE I'VE HAD IT AND THE PROBLEM IS EXACTLY THE SAME WITH EVERY SET OF TIRES. I HAVE USED BRIDGESTONE, YOKOHAMA, AND KUMHO TIRES TRYING TO RULE OUT BRANDS. *TR