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:
2 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
107,434 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.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that he was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.
Issue with Honda Pilot's ignition switch not fully engaging the park position. Received recall paper work ordering this issue to be fixed at local Honda dealer free of charge. Recall paper work was signed by [xxx] chief recall management division. Local Honda dealer, williston Honda and Chrysler performed the recall service on April 4, 2014. The recall job for a Honda Pilot was botched. The service mechanic refused to fix. Requested management to investigate this issue. As of today April 18, 2014 an answer to fix or not to fix this issue from the management of williston Honda and Chrysler has not been given. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2003 Honda Pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems at dealership. The consumer received a recall letter in the mail. However, when she visited the dealer, they refused to fix it, by stating the vehicle was not in their system. The consumer stated the vehicle was purchased in germany through the military. The consumer has since sold the vehicle.
There is a recall: www.Honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7018-en in addition the key and lock mechanism can be warn out where the key can fall out of the ignition while on a freeway or street. The car dies and you can't put the key back in and move the car. Happened to me had to tow the car have the recall done and had to pay for the ignition with replacement. The web shows 100 or 1000 of others with similar issues.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated the ignition switch failed the key could not be released from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.
- Provo , UT, USA
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Certified letter (7011 0470 003 0649 3438) from attorney representing his client regarding paid repaired work he had done to his 2003 Honda Pilot and later received recall notices about the problem; he is seeking reimbursement. On December 21, 2012, the key became stuck in the ignition, and could not be removed without the assistance from the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer it would cost $624. 41 to fix the problem, despite the fact it was a known defect, which apparently resulted from an improper setting of the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission at the shift lever bracket, which was a common problem with Honda vehicles. After the consumer paid for the repairs, he received a recall notice from Honda concerning the ignition interlock switch on his vehicle.
The key gets stuck in ignition and does not turn. After numerous attempts it finally turns and then I can start the car. I have noticed a lot other people are having this issue, called up Honda and they said there is no recall for this symptom.
Key cannot be inserted into ignition switch. Takes multiple attempts to insert key and once fully inserted key won't turn ignition. Takes numerous attempts and eventually key will turn ignition.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition switch when the gear lever was shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The dealer replaced the shift interlock lever and failed to include the replacement of the ignition switch. The failure persisted after the remedy repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Key gets stuck in ignition, very frustrating when the key does not work. This effects the lock cylinders(tumblers). This should have been a very, straight forward issue Honda would address. Also have a 2011 Pilot (in addition to Honda minivan) and concerned this will occur with new car. Understand wear and tear, but this is a basic function for ignition. Honda needs to address this issue.
Broken ignition tumbler: I had just finished running errands and was starting home when the key would not turn in the ignition. I had no warning there was a problem, all of a sudden it just would not turn...... not even after multiple attempts. This left me stranded with my five children. I had to get the car towed to nearest Honda dealership..that alone has set me back a couple hundred dollars...now dealership is telling me I have a broken ignition tumbler and is quoting me $500 to fix the problem. I have seen a lot of other complaints online concerning this same issue. To say the least, I am not too happy to be stuck holding the bag for this, not to mention being stranded with my children, which I think is every mothers worst nightmare.
2003 Honda Pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated he was denied reimbursement twice. The last rejection, was via telephone, in which he was told the symptom fixed at his expense was a sticky tumbler. The consumer explained that the symptoms included an initial interlock failure. The consumer stated the problems started with him being able to remove the key from the ignition, when the gear selector was not in park. A month or two later, the key started to stick in the ignition with the shifter in the park position, and a few weeks later the steering wheel eventually locked with a stuck key. The consumer as since traded the vehicle.
Key will no longer turn in the ignition switch, it is also difficult to insert and remove the key, take 6 min max sometimes, change keys and the same problem. I was told by service department that this is not a recall. Service department told me it going to cost me $500 or more material $200 and rest in labor I is there a recall in this area?this start to happen after I take my vehicles for a recall, something to do with the vehicles move went the keys inside.
Key will no longer turn in the ignition. It is also difficult to insert and remove the key. Assumed this was what the ignition recall was for, but was told by the service department that this is not covered and that they cannot fix the recall item unless I first get the ignition fixed.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The contact stated that recently, the key was able to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle was not secured in park. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.
I was about to turn the key in the ignition but it could not get in. The key meets resistance and gets in after I tried several times. When I attempted to turn on the ignition, it wont budge and acted as if it was locked. Since then, I do not take the key off the ignition because I am afraid I will not be able to get it in. It is a really safety issue and Honda refuses to address it voluntarily. I went on line and there are several owners who are left alone to deal with the same safety issue. Why do I have to leave my vehicle with the key stuck in the ignition. Honda should be ashamed of their flagrant irresponsibility. Please help us. Thank you.
This problem is extremely common on all Honda and has never been addressed. The power door lock motors consistently go bad. So far, this has happened to the driver and passenger doors on my Pilot. The Honda dealer is asking for $300 per door!!! this needs to be recalled asap.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the key came out of the ignition switch independently and the vehicle continued operating normally. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that she received a recall letter for NHTSA campaign id number: 12V573000 ( electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who refused to perform the repairs free of charge since they believed the vehicle had been tampered with. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
Key got difficult to put into the ignition switch. Then after a few days the key had to be jiggled to turn and then after two weeks the key will not turn. This is a safety hazard if you need to start the car quickly or if you are threatened and need to use your car to escape.
I was trying to leave from work and when I tried entering the key it got stuck half way. I removed it and tried again and the key went it but would not turn. I had to try many times and then called my husband, he said to take the key out and wait couple minutes then try again. I did what he said and after the second try it finally turned. Since that date I keep having the same problem and I recently received a recall letter and thought since its a recall Honda would repair at no cost to me. Well to my surprise I just found out that this is not part of the recall and will have to pay for them to repair. The recall I received said the interlock lever in the ignition switch may become deformed. :(
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lowell, IN, USA