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.

3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,343 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 wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #7

Jul 202013

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles

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

Yokohama geolander H/T-S GO51 P235/70R16 cracking and separation of tire tread around entire circumference of tires. All 4 tires purchased 6/26/09 and only 27K miles. These were not dry rot cracks.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #6

Aug 172009

Pilot

  • 138,400 miles
Our 2003 Honda Pilot locked up on the highway due to transmission failure of the 2nd gear. We were traveling in the 3rd lane over 60 mph when both front tires locked and we skidded to a halt in less than 200 yards on the highway. Prior to our vehicle breaking down, there were no signs of danger, no unusual sounds, no blinking lights or any hesitation with the car. Our vehicle had 138,400+ miles and has been serviced regularly according to Honda's recommended maintenance schedules, including all transmission fluid changes. On May 7, 2004 with 36,384 miles, our vehicle had received a retrofit of the A/T oil jet kit due to Honda's 04-021B safety recall on the automatic transmission second gear. Luckily no one was injured and there were no other vehicles involved in the incident. The car behind us stopped just in time to avoid a collision. Our car could not be rolled into the breakdown lane as both front wheels were locked and we were stranded in the 3rd lane. A police officer was called to the scene and logged the incident as a disabled vehicle. The officer requested for immediate towing since we were in a dangerous location. The car was towed to a Honda dealer, who provided the following diagnosis and estimate: "transmission internal failure both front axles twisted needs 2 tires - flat spots alignment $5,199.14 plus tax" we opted not to repair the Honda and instead purchased a new non-Honda vehicle and received a trade-in value for 'as-is' condition.

- Redding, CT, USA

problem #5

Sep 302003

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 18,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact noticed that the tires on his vehicle were deteriorating on the interior sidewall. He took the vehicle to the dealer on five occasions and they performed a realignment. He then took the vehicle to an independent repair shop and a technician stated that the rear of the vehicle does not adjust the camber and caster. The contact had to replace four sets of tires, in which all of them had a large amount of tread. The manufacturer stated that the lifetime of the tires were 28,000 miles. All attempts to have the vehicle repaired properly have been insufficient. The failure mileage was 18,000 and current mileage was 79,000. Updated 10-30-08 updated 10/31/08

- Paris, TN, USA

problem #4

Dec 262004

Pilot

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The driver side rear tire blew unexpectedly when the vehicle hit a bump almost causing lost of control of the vehicle. The tire showed immediate deterioration when taken to the dealer for replacement.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #3

May 202004

Pilot

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has vibration / shimmy at 40-45 and 70-80 mph that is quite annoying. New tires have been installed, balanced twice, still no luck, vibration persist in steering wheel and vehicle compartment.

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

problem #2

Dec 222003

Pilot

  • 4,000 miles
The left rear tire blew out while driving at 63 mph.

- Greenville, NC, USA

problem #1

Aug 102002

Pilot

  • miles
The 2003 Honda Pilot has a vibration in the tires that the dealer has had in the shop three times, since day one to try to fix the tire vibration (70 mph and up, sometimes felt at lower speeds). The tires still emits a steady and obvious vibration that eminates from the steering wheel and seats. It seems to me that there is a flat spot in the tires. Pilot owners who experience this problem are entitled to Honda's unrelenting attention and commitment to correct this mystery.

- Dallas, GA, USA

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