CarComplaints.com Notes: Beware the 2003 Honda Pilot once the odometer reaches 100k miles, when two problem defect trends have shown up: transmission failure & ignition switch problems.
Typically a locksmith can fix the ignition switch or it can be replaced for around $700. However the transmission failure is a far more expensive problem, with the average repair cost at well over $3,000. A major transmission recall of over 1 million Honda vehicles back in 2004 dealt with transmission damage due to overheating, but 2003 Pilot transmissions have continued to fail.
8.7
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$510
Average Mileage:
125,550 miles
Total Complaints:
81 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (45 reports)
dealer to replace ingnition and comp at cost of 450+ (10 reports)
replace ignition switch (8 reports)
dealership says not under recall and new switch is required (5 reports)
have a locksmith replace the ignition switch (5 reports)
2003 Ignition Switch Problem- This Is What Honda Corpo Says - I contacted Honda Corp. They gave me two options to register my complaints-I encourage everyonje with this issue, whether you got it fixed like me or not, to log your complaints with 1. the above safety site and by calling Honda Corp directly select option #7 and ask to speak with John. He is aware of this problem and did say that if Honda and the above site receives enough registered complaints there is a possibility of Honda reimbursing us a percentage of the cost. I do not feel this is a waste of your time as we need to ban together as our Pilots are dealt with on individual VIN # cases. We purchased the vehicle when it first came out; how could they have known of this possible issue. I told John it was a wide-spread issue-it is a malfunctioning part. He is waiting to hear from us. The dealerships need to report the service they provide but if you went with a locksmith, that too needs to be reported by you. * Be sure to call and submit at the above site. Thank you! CCVAGRIMES
Http://cr4.Globalspec.Com/thread/58151/2003-Honda-Pilot-Ignition-Key-Ignition-Switch-Problem - I came across a not too difficult procedure to remove the ignition module; once removed you bring it to a locksmith to replace the wafers and then reinstall. Maybe an hour to remove the ignition module and a half hour to reinstall. Cost me $60 for the locksmith work, but others in the post were quoting $20-40.
When I put the key in the ignition it won't turn to get the vehicle started. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and it doesn't matter. The Pilot still won't start. When reading the manual, it's a PUSH sign under the ignition but this isn't addressed in the manual. It doesn't tell you the purpose of the PUSH sign. I've tried everything to get the key to turn and I've let others try also. And it doesn't work for anyone. The steering wheel is turned all the way to the left but the wheels are not and it won't turn to the right it all; it's locked. The vehicle won't go in neutral, so I can roll it or nothing. I really need some help to get this fixed at a reasonable cost.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
When I put the key in the ignition it won't turn to get the vehicle started. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and it doesn't matter. The Pilot still won't start. When reading the manual, it's a PUSH sign under the ignition but this isn't addressed in the manual. It doesn't tell you the purpose of the PUSH sign. I've tried everything to get the key to turn and I've let others try also. And it doesn't work for anyone. The steering wheel is turned all the way to the left but the wheels are not and it won't turn to the right it all; it's locked. The vehicle won't go in neutral, so I can roll it or nothing. I really need some help to get this fixed at a reasonable cost.
- wandaw, Jonesboro, GA, US