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.

1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,667 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda Pilot body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #3

Oct 012014

Pilot

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while examining the vehicle, the rear end appeared to be lower than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear axle had detached from the frame of the vehicle due to severe rusting of the sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but solution was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

problem #2

Nov 112008

Pilot

  • 105,000 miles
At 100,000 miles I was informed by the Honda dealership that 2 of 3 motor mounts were cracked and should be replaced on my 2003 Pilot. This will cost me approx $400. Seems that many Honda Pilot owners are having this same problem. I have never had this problem with any other "older" car.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #1

Feb 222006

Pilot 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles
: the contact stated the welds on the firewall broke three times. This caused water to leak onto the floor; driver and passenger side, front and back. The dealership welded the firewall twice, but there have been no repairs this final time. Updated 03/17/06.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

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