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.

7.7

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,000 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #2

May 132004

Pilot 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

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

We bought a new Honda Pilot in July 2003. We do not tow anything with it. We do not take it off road. There has been no accident. We like the vehicle. However, on May 13th while driving the Pilot a loud snap was heard in the rear of the Pilot. We looked at it and discovered that the left rear shock absorber mount had broken off from the chassis. If that would have happened while on the freeway a serious accident very well might have occurred. This is a real safety concern.

- North Ogden, UT, USA

problem #1

Mar 012004

Pilot

  • miles
I consistently hear noise that seems to come from the right rear wheel area when driving over small or large bumps. My dealer (clair international Inc.) was unable to fix and called Honda tech line. They were advised by Honda tech line (ref.# 1192151, access code 20710502012) that it was normal noise from rear shocks with possible update in the future. A month later I had dealer replace the strut (part# 52610-S9V-A01) but problem persists.

- Dedham, MA, USA

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