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.
I was driving and transmission fluid sprayed under all over. Nobody can say where that came from. It's been a big challenge for me to find this problem.
Really enjoyed this vehicle until I was driving down the road last week and it decided to downshift by itself for an instant. Did this a few times, especially when engine warmed up. Took it to a nearby body shop who recommended I see a transmission shop. Tranny shop said the torque convertor was shot and tranny needs replacement. They said it would cost around $3400 which was less than Honda dealer. Tranny shop would give a two year parts/labor warranty which I could transfer to a new owner. I was hoping this Pilot would have lasted until the '15s came out with new body style but now will look at the '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This Pilot was our third Honda: my wife still drives her '99 CR-V EX. I called Honda yesterday and sorry to see they had no goodwill program for this problem. I drove an Audi for over 287,000 miles and never had a transmission problem--in fact, in54 years of driving high mileage vehicles I have never had a transmission problem. Now I know why Honda doesn't have up to date technology like a power passenger seat as they can't seem to build a tranny that will go 150.000 miles.
My transmission D light started blinking. I took it in and after dropping 3600.00 for other issues, they replaced it for just the cost of the part. Transmission is still not working properly and my check engine light is now on. Code is P0730.
This vehicle is my wife's car. I am in the military and frequently gone for long periods of time, so I wanted something that would be dependable for my family. All maintenance has been performed according to the factory scheduled maintenance and with honda fluids. We bought the Pilot with 90k miles expecting to have little or no problems with it, as other Hondas we have previously owned (Element, Accord, Fit, Oddysey, Cr-V) have been very reliable. Recently, the "D" indicator for the transmission started flashing. After reading about some of the safety issues related to honda transmission failures, I immediately had my wife park her car until I can have it looked at. (She is currently driving my car while I'm deployed). After reading all of the other complaints, I'm not as hopeful for an acceptable solution...it sounds like the transmission will likely fail in the next several months. What's worse is that the "repaired" transmissions are not lasting more than 30-40k miles. Unacceptable.
- shanem,
Red Oak, IA, US
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My 2003 Honda Pilot had a recall on transmission the first year I own it. Now at 50000 miles this D flashing light happening. Its too early for the transmission to cause problem. I will take it to the dealer tomorrow and see what they will say.
Check engine light comes on along with flashing VT-4 light on dash.
Car accelerates by itself when idling. After cutting the car off for the 4th time, the car idles normally and the VT-4 light goes off, but the engine check light stays on.
Every few weeks the "D" light flashes. It seems to happen on the highway going over
50 miles per hour. After I restart the car it goes away. It has happened 5 times since October 2007 until now February 2008. I brought it to my mechanic the first time
which is not a Honda dealership but a great mechanic and he said he could not find anything wrong. The car manual states it could indicate transmission problems. I called 2 Honda dealerships and they said they never heard of it. I just took it to my mechanic again yesterday and same thing, they could not find anything. But they did tell me that in their computer it said Honda was aware of the problem but the problem was not diagnosed. I guess I am going to have to take another day off of work and probably spend a million dollars and take it to Honda.
Experienced the blinking D on my dashboard traveling across country back in Aug 07. I called the Honda service line, but no one could explain the problem nor did the Honda Book in my vehicle cover this. After turning off the vehicle and starting it up again, it quit. However, in the last month (Nov 07) the blinking D has started again. It is very frustrating not knowing the problem.
After about 2 hrs of driving the "D" drive light on the transmission gear indicator on the dash starts blinking, even if I shift manually into another gear. If I stop and turn off the car, then start again, it no longer blinks. I've had the modification done from the Honda recall for the 2nd gear problem, so I am not sure what this is.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Honda should recall the Honda Pilot 2003 and fix the transmission before people get killed.
- Juana C., Beachwood, OH, US