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.
I am just so disappointed that the dealer did not tell me there was a cheaper way to take care of this problem! My key would not go in the ignition after trying over and over! When it finally did wiggle in there, I drove to the Honda place. It’s not right to take advantage of people who don’t know any better! Seven hundred hundred dollars is almost as much as my pension after taxes! I will never go back to Holmes Honda in Shreveport, Louisiana! This problem should be a recall now that they know what causes it, but I guess they would rather keep ripping people off than doing the right thing!
Key is difficult for me to put into the ignition. After several attempts may go into the ignition. I now go between leaving the key in the ignition and doors unlocked or taking a chance that I may be stranded for failure. This issue is progressively getting worse. I have read several complaints of this same issue and feel that Honda has a responsibility to recall this issue.
I PAID TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND NOW I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN... AT THE TIME I HAD IT FIXED I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON IT YET. I READ COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT OF THE VERY SAME PROBLEM.. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT THAT TIME AND HERE I AM AGAIN HAVING TO HAVE IT FIXED HOPEFULLY FOR GOOD THIS TIME WITH NEW PARTS THAT WORK...
So I just purchased this 2003 Honda Pilot from an owner. My fiance had noticed that the key comes out even when the car is running and it goes in gear. So I was wondering what is the cost to fix this or what do I need to do?
- Salena M.,
Rosemead, CA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
This is a very common problem with the Honda Pilot and Honda won't cover it. They say because of the age of the car & don't bring it to a Honda dealership for maintenance. I keep all my cars for a very long time & I never ever heard of this problem. My brother also had the same problem and paid over $700 to have his Pilot fixed.
Honda knows this should be a recall & won't even cover a cent of it. I will NEVER EVER buy another Honda & will tell everyone I know not to buy one. VERY disappointed in them!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My son's 2003 Honda Pilot had problems with the ignition key. I had to have it replaced, it would not turn, it cost about $600.00 dollars. I have seen several others have had the same problem.
I have a 2003 honda pilot...with 120,000 miles. About 3 months ago the key starting having issues going in and or turning. I called a locksmith who told me this was typical. So he charged me 450 dollars to rebuild the entire ignition that turns the key. Well today 1/10/2016 after everything was rebuilt I am having the same problem. So Im back to calling the locksmith to see if he backs up his work like he says he does.
This seems to be a huge problem with honda pilots and needs to be fixed. Ive had many cars in the past and have never ever run into an issue like this. I buy honda for being a great vehicle all around... Honda needs to add this to there recall lists.... this issue is going to steer people from buying honda if this is what is going to happen
I also had a problem with my 2003 Honda Pilot's ignition switch failing to turn, preventing the car to start. I would keep fumbling with the key in the ignition, trying to get it to rotate out of position and into the "start" position, but the ignition switch wouldn't budge. I had to fork out a whopping $500 to the dealership to get it fixed. I shouldn't had to have paid anything since it's such a common issue with this particular vehicle. This should be put on the Recall list. And people like me should get reimbursed for costs paid for a defective part.
The key gets stuck in the ignition switch and won't turn. I informed Honda dealership of issue and they also confirmed that this is a known issue and Honda would not cover it for its due to wear and tear. I got stuck in a parking lot luckily and not somewhere worst. it was late at night and took a cab home with my son. It's a $550 fix that Honda believes is due to wear and tear. Can I ask how can that be for turning a switch on a car?
There are numerous complaints on the web relating to this issue and Honda should do a recall. In the meantime, I had an auto starter placed therefore they cannot program it back and, and, and too boot, I have to have two keys. the old one to open the door and the new one to start the ignition.
The inconvenience is truly a factor in this matter and for all the complaints that Honda received and all of the lives they have impacted with this issue would you think they would try to resolve it and/or at least pay for a portion of the fix??? hmmm...no.
The key started to become jammed. Very difficult to turn on. Of course on a very busy work day I finished one job and was ready to go to next appointment when I tried to turn on car the key would not turn. I was stuck at job site for 2.5 hrs waiting for a tow truck. Hand to cancel all of my appointments. Towed my car to Firestone where they quoted me $602. To have the key cylinder replaced, labor and to recalibrate. This should definitely be on Hondas list of recalls!!!!
I was surprisingly informed by Honda dealer that Ignition lock and switch went bad even though this was recalled. Therefore, they are making pay $683 for the entire repair. They will probably get away with this because of the mileage of the vehicle. I have never experienced an ignition switch going bad. We are the third owner of this vehicle which means the vehicle was purchased used from an individual.
Honda should at least try to make some remedy of the situation.
I have been having problem with the key and ignition. The key will go into the ignition but won't turn. Which means you can't turn the car on. I had it towed to the dealership back in 2013, which they fixed the 2013 recall part for the ignition. Unfortunately, the recall for the ignition didn't cover the tumbler or the key. The dealership wanted over $1000 to fix it.
I had the car towed back to my address and the tow company put me in contact with a locksmith that was able to re-key and fix the tumbler for less than $200 dollars. Now the problem has arisen again with the key and ignition. The key goes in the ignition but will not turn so the car can go on. I had to call a tow truck. Luckily, after an hour of sitting in a parking lot with my son, I retried to see if it will work and it did. I got home but the car is now sitting in my driveway and have to find a locksmith to fix it yet again.
So for about a week or so I have had to "jiggle" the steering wheel when putting the key in to get it in all the way or to be able to turn the key. Yesterday, nothing would help! Got the key in, but it would not turn for nothing!! Fortunately it happened in a place where I could safely leave my car until able to take care of it. And I was able to use a relatives car for the day to do what I needed to do.
After looking onlin , it seems Honda will probably charge me $500 or more, so I think the first thing I will do is check with a locksmith. That should also save me a towing fee!
I will update later this week when I decide how I will handle this.
Update from Jun 15, 2015: So I called Honda , they said $300 for part, $250 labor + $75 Re-key (additional $50 to tow it there)
Called some locksmiths, I've got one coming to my car tomorrow morning (no tow fee!) to fix it. $200 total. Says he's done this kind of thing many times. Hope it all goes well and I'm up and running by later tomorrow .
I have the same problem of the key not wanting to go into the ignition without playing with it and praying! This needs to be a recall obviously, and trying to charge $500 to fix..Crazy!! I just leave a key in the ignition at all times. It's a pain not being able to use the remote since it won't work as long as the key is in, but I can't take a chance of it not going in at all!!
This is a serious problem my wife and son almost got stuck in a empty parking lot at 9pm at night in 0 degree weather.I called Honda they wanted 250 for the part plus labor comes to 500. did some research called a locksmith found its a common problem that Honda refuses to fix. the teeth inside the tumbler become worn which causes the tumbler to stick. also the fact that Honda charges 200 in labor for a 20 mins it took to remove it is robbery. will be contacting my legislator and a few other sources to have the amount of money being charged for a 60 min job. also this is dangerous what happens If my wife and son were out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service they could have died or been severely injured. this needs to be recalled now before someone get seriously hurt.
Key will not turn to start the engine right away. I can take the key out and put it back in. After a while something clicks and the engine starts. Sometimes changing to a spare key helps - sometimes not. Sometimes pressing the auto door open helps - sometimes not. It seems like the problem is getting worse and worse.
Update from Mar 7, 2015: Brian from American Locksmiths, LLC in Waukesha WI did a great job to fix my ignition key problem.
I noticed that you already have this complaint listed several times on your site and I just wanted to add mine so that Honda will take some action to fix the problem at their expense. My ignition key will not turn at times. I have to remove it several times and keep inserting it until it turns. It happens randomly but seems to be getting worse as time goes by. I am afraid that one day I will get stranded. I noticed that several people have reported that Honda will charge about $500 to fix this problem. That is a rip off to say the least. Given that many people have this problem, Honda should accept the fact that they installed an ignition switch that has a defective design and should initiate a recall.
Early 2014 we began having trouble with inserting the key into the ignition and turning the ignition to start the car. It began sporadically and escalated to frequently. By removing the key and reinserting it, the ignition would eventually turn. During this period, my husband backed the Pilot on to our drive (which is a hill). Some how, with the car still in reverse, he was able to turn the SUV off and remove the key. Fortunately it was in reverse on the hill, it would have rolled into the street otherwise.
About a week later I discovered there was a recall for the ignition switch shift interlock for "certain" 2003 Honda Pilots that included ours. I found information on nhtsa.gov website that stated repairing the ignition switch interlock and any part of the ignition switch that was necessary. On May 2014 the recall was repaired. We thought this remedied the problem (not being able to turn the ignition). It didn't. '
n September 4, 2014, after inserting the key into the ignition, not only would it not turn, but the key was stuck. It wouldn't budge! Had the car towed to Honda dealer and was told that it was unrelated to the recall that was repaired in May. The Key Tumbler of the ignition switch had failed. I contested their conclusion based on Campaign #12V573000, that states replacing the ignition switch interlock and any other parts of the ignition as necessary. on the nhtsa website because the ignition key tumbler is a part of the ignition. They denied it. It I'll cost us $520 to repair.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I am just so disappointed that the dealer did not tell me there was a cheaper way to take care of this problem! My key would not go in the ignition after trying over and over! When it finally did wiggle in there, I drove to the Honda place. It’s not right to take advantage of people who don’t know any better! Seven hundred hundred dollars is almost as much as my pension after taxes! I will never go back to Holmes Honda in Shreveport, Louisiana! This problem should be a recall now that they know what causes it, but I guess they would rather keep ripping people off than doing the right thing!
- Paulette S., Shreveport, LA, US