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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
145,779 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #4

Sep 212016

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 134,000 miles

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

My Honda Pilot is having difficulty shifting gears in the city and on the highway. I will be moving in a few weeks and traveling about 40 miles on the highway everyday. A few days ago I called Honda after looking up recalls and there was a transmission recall number 04V176000. I was told to take it to the Honda dealer and if it is a problem with the transmission it will be replaced at no charge. I took it to the dealer and told them what Honda told me and they said it is probably the torque converter. (code P0740) the supervisor was going to call Honda and get back to me. I feel very frightened to travel on the highway when my check engine light is still on and having trouble with the transmission. I just can't believe that a 2003 Honda Pilot with only 130,000 miles would have issues with the transmission and/or torque converter !! if it is causing gears to chip or break I don't want to be driving on the highway and possibly be injured or even killed ! or causing injury to others.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #3

Mar 142014

Pilot

  • 202,115 miles
The vehicle has had unpredictable braking and traction for well over a year. Dealer visit on March 14, 2014 did not produce a cause. More recently I was unable to stop the vehicle from 40 mph for a red light with full brake pressure. Road conditions were good at the time. I had to accelerate through the intersection to avoid a collision. The vehicle currently displays the "check engine" light and "vtm-4" light quite consistently. Traction is also intermittently compromised by some unknown problem. It seems that when the vtm-4 light is on, the AWD feature of the vehicle is disabled. When it is on, it cannot be disabled with the switch on the dash. The driver side air bag was ordered on October 29, 2014 but has not yet become available. I called the dealer again on March 2, 2014 after I received another air bag recall notice. This now includes the passenger side as well as the driver side. Air bags are not expected for another two to three months. They will call...............!

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #2

Oct 052013

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
My Honda Pilot starts slipping when it changes from 3rd gear to 4 gear. Now it starts shaking/jugging. With speed 60mph or 65 mph, it is very dangerous if it starts jugging because you never know how the car behind you reacts and your car will do.

- Coconut Creek, FL, USA

problem #1

Feb 132010

Pilot

  • 87,000 miles
There are several issues: 1. the problem began with the key not fitting properly as it once did, perhaps after several attempts. When I turn the key or 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. 2. there is knocking noise that is louder when you accelerate on the left front side perhaps it's coming from the drive-train or axle on that side, almost sounds like something is loose and may fall off. 3. the radio turns off for a few seconds randomly and it may not happen again for a while and suddenly does once again. 4. the lock and handle to the glove compartment broke off and cannot be opened. 5. the wire to control the handles for the rear seats to recline and fold down broke from within the seats. I looked inside it's the piece of plastic to hold the wire in place that broke, there needs to be a better replacement part made of steel not plastic. 6. the floor mat sticks in bunches causing the carpet to soil can be hazardous I.e. Toyota, only remedy is to replace the floor mat for the truck entirely, very, very expensive... 7. when it reaches 30mph it shakes and you can hear a loud noise like you're driving over something ridged it's scary. 8. the button for four wheel drive does not function 9. the chrome on the door handles peeled off tearing the skin causing injuries to the hand, my finger still feels tingly and numb. Please help!!!

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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