2003 Honda Pilot - Consumer Discussions

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

• Re: [safetymatters]

  Written by: lb_va on Mar 24, 2013 12:40:28 PM

  My 2003 Pilot started auto-braking after starting. A new recall was announced on March 13, 2013: http://owners.honda.com/Documentum/Recall_Press/Recall_Press_Release_0000083.pdf- -

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: Problem w/ 2003 Pilot Transmission [campkapala]

  Written by: adioshonda on Jan 18, 2013 12:58:31 PM

  We have a 2004 Honda Pilot. The vehicle began to shudder and shake as we drove around town. It felt like the transmission was going to fall out. We took it into the mechanic who at first couldn't replicate the symptom. Upon persistence he kept at it and felt what we had been talking about. He said the only way to properly inspect was to pull the transmission. We gave the ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• No Heat-2003 Honda Pilot

  Written by: mikewave on Jan 2, 2013 4:35:57 PM

  I have a 2003 Honday Pilot and don't have any heat. The A/C works well and will blow cold air. The blower works well and will blow air, but I can't get it to blow hot air. I am planning to change the cabin air filter as I expect that can only help, but was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how to make it blow warm air again ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Issues?

  Written by: spamman66 on May 29, 2012 8:36:44 AM

  I've heard so many issues with the trans, torque converters, pressure switches etc. on the Pilots. I have 2003 Pilot 224K, rebuilt trans at 120K (started to fail with high rev, high jerking on highway). I , NOW, have a rough jerk at 30-40 mph. I have the flashing D, but that started at 150K or so and no other symtoms on the trans. AAMCO thought it was a bad electrical ... Read More

• Re: Problem w/ 2003 Pilot Transmission [eagleeye3]

  Written by: campkapala on May 28, 2012 1:55:44 PM

  You might want to call Honda directly and check on the VIN. I don't think that is the message I got when I entered my VIN in on the site and my car is outside of the recall even though it is a 2004. Maybe you are a lucky one that fits in with the group that can get fixed. If you are not in the recall, follow this thread. One ... Read More

• Problem w/ 2003 Pilot Transmission

  Written by: eagleeye3 on May 28, 2012 10:15:17 AM

  Well, add another potential victim to the transmission problem list. Our 2003 Pilot only has 87,000 miles and we have a shuddering transmission and check engine light. Our mechanic says we have error code P1750. We have changed the transmission oil as scheduled. Going to bring vehicle into Honda tomorrow for their diagnosis. I went to the Honda site and entered my VIN on the Owner's Link site for recall info ... Read More

• Re: 2003 honda pilot transmission [southpaw7]

  Written by: campkapala on May 25, 2012 10:16:23 AM

  Here is what I know. Honda did recall a certain amount (over a million) Honda Pilots in the years 2003 - 2004. If your VIN number fits in the recall, then provisions have been made for you to have it replaced by Honda. If you fall outside of the VIN numbers - even if you have the transmission problem, like I do - then, you will have to fight with the ... Read More

• 2003 honda pilot transmission

  Written by: southpaw7 on May 25, 2012 7:31:28 AM

  Need help. Have a 03 pilot and the transmission is giving me fits. Flushed tranny and replaced solenoids. Yesterday would not shift up. Transmission looks like its gone. My question is there any recall still on a 2003 pilot for honda to replaces transmission? The pilot has 92K on it. If no help from honda then how much does a jasper cost roughly? Have had hondas for over 20 years and ... Read More

Honda Pilot Real World MPG

• Re: 2012 Honda Pilot EX-L MPG [ggonz2800]

  Written by: brian125 on Oct 18, 2012 7:08:23 AM

  I have a 2003 pilot exl bought new great truck. Had trany problems at 100k replaced trans . Gas mileage is not good maybe 18 city 23 hwy . Overall still very happy. the new pilot is ok but there are alot better choice for 2013. if gas mpg is your main concern the pilot is not your answer

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• trans issues?

  Written by: spamman66 on May 16, 2012 12:54:23 PM

  I have the Flashing D, sometimes. It will flash for a few days, every trip, then sometimes it disappears for weeks...or months and it's back. I also have a strong feeling shift at 35-40 mph, again, sometimes it's stronger than others, sometimes it's a smooth shift. Last week, I have the VTM-4 light go on for a few trips and nothing every since. I've had the flashing D for over 2 ... Read More

• Same issue

  Written by: rocketsgarage on Oct 15, 2012 9:16:06 PM

  Sounds like i'm late to the party. My wife bought a 2003 Pilot about 2 months ago used. The car seemed to be in great shape with only 97K. I thought she did ok. about 2 weeks after she got it I noticed a funny/slow 2-3 shift. It seemed to be ok sometimes but has gotten worse in the last few weeks. I'm extremely angry sense we just started paying for ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• Re: My 03 Pilot 'Snorts' [ponyride66]

  Written by: hoss33 on Aug 12, 2012 2:11:03 PM

  I have a 2003 Honda Pilot EXL w/ 137,000 miles. Around 45 mph, it sounds as thought I am driving over rumble strips/ speed bumps (?). I am not sure if it is from the front or rear. I have replaced left front wheel bearing and tie rod ends, flushed the differential and the transmission fluid. When a TECH rides with me-there is no sound that we cn hear. But it ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: 2004 Pilot transmission problems [mmcurley]

  Written by: campkapala on May 12, 2012 5:42:31 PM

  Hi again...I just read this new post. It may prove helpful for you. Other people have written in about using Shutter Fix. My mechanic used it and it helped some. I am going to ask them to do as this post suggests: I own 2003 Honda Pilot which I bought new and had the shudder issue described in many of the blogs around 30-40 mph. I always have changed the fluid ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• Air Conditioning Warm When idle

  Written by: urbs15 on Jul 20, 2012 5:47:47 AM

  I have a 2003 Honda Pilot. My air conditioning works fine when I am on the highway or when I am not stopped but when I am in stop and go traffic, the air conditioning blows warm air. Also, when I turn the car off, the fan stays on for five to ten minutes then shuts off. In the winter, I was having the opposite problem. The car would only blow ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• It is the torque converter

  Written by: freudie1 on May 29, 2012 1:32:55 PM

  Folks, The "shudder" is the torque converter going bad in your Pilots. It's not: Spark plugs, differential fluid, tires, wind, etc. Also for those that do not know the basics of transmissions, a torque converter requires complete removal of the transmission to access/remove/replace. Also know that it is quite likely that material from the "bad" torque converter has already polluted the same transmission fluid inside the actual transmission. Moral of story: ... Read More

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

• 2003 Honda Pilot EX-L Feature

  Written by: slr29 on May 18, 2012 9:01:37 PM

  I have a 2003 Honda Pilot EX-L and recently thought about the auto lock where it automatically locks itself when the car is in drive. Does this car have this feature and if so, how to I enable it?

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: 2004 Pilot WITH the jet fix having problems [swdypdy]

  Written by: pilotfunfinder on May 11, 2012 2:11:17 PM

  I own 2003 Honda Pilot which I bought new and had the shudder issue described in many of the blogs around 30-40 mph. I always have changed the fluid on the scheduled interval and was extremely upset that the vehicle was prone to this problem. So much for Honda's quality reputation for which they command a such a premium sticker price. Here is how I solved the transmission shudder which had ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• Same old song and dance....

  Written by: sfergson727 on Apr 7, 2012 11:37:59 AM

  I had this very problem with my 2003 Honda pilot. When I took it to the dealer, and they test drove it and it acted up, they claimed my pilot was the first pilot they had ever seen with this issue. Of course they offered no assistance other than to try to change the transmission at full price. When I took my 2008 pilot in, and expressed my concerns, the dealer ... Read More

• Join the Group

  Written by: swdypdy on Apr 7, 2012 9:15:03 AM

  If you are having troubles with your 2003-2005 Honda Pilot please consider joining this Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/384099154955943/

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• 2004 Pilot WITH the jet fix having problems

  Written by: swdypdy on Mar 28, 2012 7:38:14 PM

  Thank you to everyone who has posted about this before. I bought my 2004 Honda Pilot in 2008 with 26,000 miles on it. We didn't have any problems with it at all until late last year. We have have performed all of the regular maintenance on the car as well. Late last year I took it to the Honda dealership with the exact issues you all are complaining about. They claimed ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• 2004 Honda Pilot WITH the fix - shuddering at 35-40 too

  Written by: swdypdy on Mar 28, 2012 7:02:02 PM

  Thank you to everyone who has posted about this before. I bought my 2004 Honda Pilot in 2008 with 26,000 miles on it. We didn't have any problems with it at all until late last year. We have have performed all of the regular maintenance on the car as well. Late last year I took it to the Honda dealership with the exact issues you all are complaining about. They claimed ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• 2003 pilot a/c

  Written by: jessd82 on Mar 13, 2012 1:39:50 PM

  my 03 honda pilot has never given me any problems. but when i turned the a/c on last week it just blew hot air. my husband took it to wk & re-charged it & it passed leak test. It seemed to blow cold air again @ that point but the temps had also been back in the 40 & 50's. turned a/c on on another 75 degree day & it blows ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• Re: honda want fix shuddering problem with all honda pilots [kawi9893]

  Written by: campkapala on Mar 8, 2012 5:33:53 AM

  I contacted the Acura Facebook page to find out if we should join their group or start our own. I also asked specifics about what they did to get the service bulletin issued and whether that bulletin truly helped everyone - inside and outside of warranty. Acura posted 83 complaints on NHTSA for the years 2003 and 2004. The Pilot has 104 for the year 2003, 43 for the year 2004 ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Honda Pilot Shudders [schann5]

  Written by: campkapala on Mar 8, 2012 4:17:51 AM

  I have a 2004 Honda Pilot that is outside of the recall. I see that the problems are still occuring beyond the 2003 and 2004 Honda Pilots that have been recalled as many 2005 Pilot owner's are writing in about the same shudder. The Acura had the same problem and they started a facebook page. Acura issued a Service Bulletin to fix the transmissions and the torque converters in and out ... Read More

• Re: Vibration/Griding @ 35 to 40 mph [big_mike2]

  Written by: campkapala on Mar 8, 2012 4:14:28 AM

  I have a 2004 Pilot outside of the recall (2003 - 2004 Pilots) which replaced the transmissions. I see that 2005 Pilots are still experiencing the same problem. Acura owners put together a Facebook page and Honda issued a Service Bulletin so the cars could get fixed. It included in warranty and also OUT OF WARRANTY repairs. I think Facebook seems like it would produce a good result. Honda needs to ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• Honda Pilot loud bang backing up

  Written by: krs67 on Nov 13, 2009 2:41:08 PM

  My 2003 Pilot makes a very loud bang sound when I am backing up. It doesn't seem to happen backing up on flat surfaces (ie a parking lot); but if I back up my elevated driveway it happens every time. I have taken it in to the dealer at least three times and they can always replicate the noise but have no answers. Has anyone experienced this? Any diagnostics?

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• 2003 Honda Pilot automatic a/c problems

  Written by: bray20 on Feb 1, 2012 10:30:44 AM

  About 10 minutes after driving, the heat starts to blow out of the upper vents when the a/c is on automatic. The heat comes out even if the outdoor temperature is warm, which heats up the SUV quickly making it very uncomfortable. Turning the a/c off tends to somewhat solve the problem most of the time, however, occasionally hot air creeps through the vents even with the a/c off. The a/c ... Read More

Towing with a Honda Pilot

• What to do to prep 2003 Pilot for towing?

  Written by: mildbill on Jan 14, 2012 9:37:08 AM

  Got a great deal on a tight 2003 Pilot with tow package and 135k miles. It has been used for towing before as can be seen from wear on the hitch and screw holes from what is more likely trailer brake controller. It will be used to tow a small box trailer with my Harley and some other kit in it, 2.5k lbs max. Newly handicapped I'm towing rather than riding ... Read More

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2004 Honda Pilot,engine tap or knock [bjader]

  Written by: walk_the_walk2 on Dec 13, 2011 2:17:26 PM

  There is some limited information on this web page about knock sensor replacement on an 2003 Pilot that should help. The knock sensors are available for sale on the Internet from several companies, and it sounds fairly easy to replace. YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT, TOO, as it is an important part and it generates its own voltage, so you cannot bypass it, or do without it. See: http://www.carparts21.com/engine-drivetrain/crank-oil-and-piston/where-is-the-kn- ock-sensor-on-a-2003-honda-pilot/ ... Read More

Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2012 Pilot EXL w/RES

  Written by: w902 on Dec 6, 2011 4:39:09 PM

  Hi everyone, long-time lurker, thought I'd post my deal from Sunday. Paid $36,500 (not including tax) total including all-weather floor mats, wheel locks, an extra DVD headset (have 3 boys), wax and pinstripe from South Tacoma Honda in Tacoma, WA. Their added sticker total was $40, 271 - and their first offer was $39,600 - gee, thanks. I know it's about $1400 over invoice, but I left happy. Also got the ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: 2003 Pilot Acceleration Problem [happydriver123]

  Written by: jtsibes on Dec 2, 2011 10:13:48 AM

  Mine did the same thing with no shifting and I had the revving at 40 mph....could not replicate it at all with the mechanic, etc. I went online and started looking and low a behold found out that there's a bunch of us all with the same problems. Have them check out the torque converter...that was defective on mine that led to finally a whole new transmission. I haven't had any ... Read More

• 2003 Pilot Acceleration Problem

  Written by: happydriver123 on Dec 2, 2011 8:58:41 AM

  Every so often our 2003 Pilot will not go into 2nd and 3rd gear. When accelerating at 20 mph, the rpm's rev, but the car does not speed up past 30mph. A few seconds later, it accelerates. It happens intermittently so it is very hard to figure out. It occurs on backroads and highway entrance ramps. The Dealer cannot replicate it or find anything wrong on the computer. This all started ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Pilot Transmission problems [kendall8]

  Written by: hil7 on Nov 16, 2011 1:28:26 PM

  Your Pilot may well be okay, Mine was the first year that the Pilot was sold 2003 ~ and it's riddled with problems. Not sure when Honda re-designed the vehicle, but I hope for your sake that they built the 2005 better than the 2003 !! Good Luck. There really is nothing you can do to prevent a transmission failure if that's the way the car was designed and built.

• Re: Unfortunate Pilot Owner [pilotowner69]

  Written by: hil7 on Nov 10, 2011 8:22:24 PM

  My 2003 Honda Pilot has had seat belt recalls, air bag recalls, and has been serviced regularly. In fact, it had a scheduled service yesterday. Today ( with 122,000 miles on the clock, ) it decided to only reach 20 mph on the interstate, with me driving in the rain and dark, with my 11 year old son, coming home from swimming practice. That was a trip from hell. It took ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• Re: Water gurgling sound in roof area 08 honda Pilot EXL [tacoma50]

  Written by: bgambill on Nov 11, 2009 8:57:53 PM

  Has the windshield on your Pilot been replaced? RE: I hear a similar gurgling sound while driving in the rain on my 2003 Pilot after having the windshield replaced by a Honda dealership. I suspect the windshield molding was not installed correctly. The molding has undulations that appear to have been caused by heating during the installation.

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• A/C stopped working

  Written by: imjaja on Oct 8, 2011 10:46:02 PM

  Mine is a 2003 honda pilot that the front blower quit. I read throught this forum and replaced the blower motor resistor and it worked for about 10 minutes and quit again. Is the Resistor bad again. It cost me $95. What is my problem? Please help!!!

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Unfortunate Pilot Owner

  Written by: pilotowner69 on Sep 23, 2011 5:10:03 PM

  Wow, if only I had read this forum a few weeks ago... I am an owner of a 2003 Honda Pilot and my transmission needs replacing at 139,000 miles. Actually, I'm not sure if that is accurate, if I recall correctly there was a recall on this vehicle due to a defect that affected the speedometer and mileage readout. Regardless, the car has been serviced at the dealership according to the ... Read More

Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Honda Pilot 2011 EX-L Nav

  Written by: ct44 on Sep 20, 2011 4:57:46 AM

  I traded in my 2003 Honda Pilot EX-L Nav, with 225,000 miles on it, and purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot EX-L Nav, which I picked up yesterday. The dealership I went with gave me the best trade in, $4,300 (the transmission/4WD was failing and the catalytic converter needed work/replacement to pass emissions). The sales price was 34,200, before two options I added - remote start and chrome/wood trim package - along ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: File Complaint on NHTSA Web Site !!!! [stevet51]

  Written by: diygent on Aug 14, 2011 9:51:58 PM

  I had this very same vibration problem with my 2003 Pilot and spent a lot of money trying to chase it down including the Honda dealer and three shops. I found the trouble by accident. Strange as it may sound, change the transmission fluid to Honda's very expensive $10.00 per qt. magic oil. My problem left about 80% of the time. I drove it 1000 miles and spent another $40. for ... Read More

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Replace lost key and remote for 2003 honda pilot [poodog13]

  Written by: ralphiehonda on Jul 12, 2011 5:36:32 PM

  sddeb wrote: >when it comes to keys, the Honda Pilot doesn't impress me.... poodog13 >What did this story have to do with the "impressions" of the key itself? Better >question: who would expect to be impressed by a key? Yo poodog, sddeb is dead on, the Pilot ignition/keys/door locks suck! Same exact thing is happening to me right now... they don't make 'em like they used to doggy

• To do the (expensive) service or not

  Written by: bob11 on Jul 12, 2011 8:21:42 AM

  My 2003 Honda pilot has 250,000 miles on it. This 250 k miles service was quoted by dealer as 575 $. I am hesitant in spending this much money for service on a car that is getting up there in terms of mileage. I am curious if any one can give me some ideas about whether it is worthwhile doing this service? The car is probably near the end of its ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Transmission at 112K???

  Written by: gregoryor on Jun 26, 2011 5:22:21 PM

  Just started having transmission problems. 2003 Pilot EX with only 112K miles, just started slipping. Going 65MPH on the freeway and suddenly it feels like I slammed on the brakes, and engine revs without changing speed, like, I just shifted into neutral. Haven't taken it in yet. Wondering if I should go to a dealer and try to get Honda to cover some of the bill, or my usual guy who's ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• Re: 2003 Honda Pilot Air Conditioning mystery [leo41]

  Written by: jim475 on Jun 26, 2011 5:06:29 PM

  2004 Pilot, 176k miles - Same symptoms, i.e, going down the road, the front blower stopped, no AC air from front vents, although blower for back still worked. Did the self-check as described in this thread via the post by piealot (Jul 11, 2008) and confirmed air conditioner/heater front blower motor and fan transistor (Honda P/N 79330s3va01) was at fault. Purchased a replacement from ebay store for 69.00 (inc. shipping). While ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Honda Pilot 2003

  Written by: applefarmer on Jun 16, 2011 9:15:39 AM

  138K: Just replaced my transmission from my local Honda Dealer. They said I was very lucky have a transmission that longer 138K miles. Why would they be surprised? I suspect Honda is aware of a transmission problem in their Pilots but not telling the consumers of the possible problems. If I know there was ticking time bomb in my Pilot, I would have traded it in about 30K ago.

• Honda Pilot Transmission

  Written by: edoug3906 on May 24, 2011 8:30:52 PM

  Pilot 2003 with 132,000 miles--Transmission had no problems until now. Gears ruff shift at about 40 mph and a hard down shift thru 40 mph. Its at the Transmission repair shop and a torque converter appears to be in the future. Est. $1800-$2200 big.

Honda Pilot Leather Seat Wear

• Re: 2003 Honda Pilot leather seats cracking [aschmann]

  Written by: harmoney on May 13, 2011 7:42:18 PM

  I purchased a used certified 2008 Pilot about 2 months ago. The dealer promosed to fix a rip on the drivers side leather seat at the time of purchase, but I would have to bring it back in order to get it fixed. The dealer fixed it was with a patch. Now, less than a month after this fix it job, the patch is peeling off. I am not happy at ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Original owner of 2003 Pilot

  Written by: tvsp on Apr 29, 2011 12:46:23 PM

  At 130K miles, I found out I need a new tranny. Don't know if any of these are related to the problem, but at 74K, check engine lite/code p0128/engine powertrain control module replaced - - at 120K, flashing D/code p1740/4th gear pressure switch replaced. i remember at some point after 60K during a service appt mentioning to the tech that the trans seemed to be shifting late from 2nd to 3rd, ... Read More

• Re: 2003 pilot transmission replaced [okeedokee]

  Written by: lovett_honda on Apr 21, 2011 9:46:33 AM

  I went ahead and had a new one put in. I know that there is a honda number to call for all owners of Honda's and I would have your friend call them or type his vin # into the honda owners website to see if the recall covers his pilot, I would even do your Vin because some of the 04's were recalled as well.

• Re: 2003 pilot transmission replaced [lovett_honda]

  Written by: okeedokee on Apr 20, 2011 4:45:45 AM

  My friends 03 pilot transmission just went out at 160,000 miles and was wondering what he can do since there was a recall . The dealer qouted him $3000 to repair it . I have a 04 pilot with 167,000 . I am holding my breath . I`m wondering if I should trade it in . I would rather take a new vehicle depreciation hit rather than a transmission repair cost ... Read More

• 2003 pilot transmission replaced

  Written by: lovett_honda on Apr 19, 2011 8:17:14 AM

  I've just had to replace the transmission on my 2003 pilot for a cost of $4,000. I've read all of the above post and now I'm wondering...is the nightmare going to be over?? Has anyone else replaced the transmission and had any problems occur after that action is taken with the Pilot?? I sure hope not...I'm wondering if I should go trade it in after just replacing the transmission.

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

• KYB shocks in rear and keep stock front?

  Written by: rlbjr2 on Apr 6, 2011 7:59:35 PM

  My rear shocks are leaking. Can I replace them with KYB's and keep the front stock? I will be selling the car soon so I don't want to replace all 4 and the KYB rears are cheaper than OEM Honda's. Will using rear KYB and stock front cause any ride issues? If I trade the car in will it hurt resale value? It's a 2003 Pilot EX-L.

Honda Pilot Leather Seat Wear

• Re: 2003 Honda Pilot leather seats cracking [hogwild1]

  Written by: aschmann on Feb 25, 2011 6:38:35 PM

  Other than the leather seat issue I loved the car and never had any other problem with it, Rossi Honda in Vineland NJ was very good to deal with, I can't say that about the Honda company rep though, who wouldn't stand behind their product.

• Re: 2003 Honda Pilot leather seats cracking [tracib1]

  Written by: hogwild1 on Feb 25, 2011 5:28:19 PM

  My 2005 Pilot is cracking on the bolsters as well. This is in part due to the low grade leather Honda used, and in part due to the nylon fake leather used where leather was implied to be used. I had to replace the short block on my pilot at 30K miles, the VTM system failed at 75K miles requiring all the wheel sensors to be replaced, and the auto has ... Read More

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

• Re: Engine Failure 2003 Pilot [safetymatters]

  Written by: boneman72 on Feb 10, 2011 6:18:48 PM

  Thanks for responding....the car was undriveable so it didn't seem feasible to me to try to get it anywhere else for another estimate, especially since I suspected it was a catastrophic breakdown and I didn't know any mechanics in the area. The dealer just finished replacing the engine today. I just paid the car off a few months ago and since it is a Honda I was hoping to drive to ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• Add me to the list

  Written by: sfergson727 on Jan 17, 2011 5:49:26 PM

  I have a 2003 Honda Pilot that I bought from a dealer in December, 2010. After two weeks of ownership, it was apparent that I had a problem. As described by others, the car would shudder and vibrate between 35 - 40 mph, for a duration of 5 to 10 seconds. The events are intermittant, but present none the less. I took the car to the back to the dealer, and ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• Whining noise while accelerating

  Written by: id_snowman on Jan 1, 2011 9:06:00 PM

  I have a 2003 Honda Pilot. When accelerating a whining noise can be heard. When you let off the throttle the noise goes away so the noise is only heard under a load. I have made sure it is not a bad ground connection on the radio and I have also checked for diconnected vacuum lines and have found none. Not sure what to check next? Have not had the "D" ... Read More

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Timing Belt Replacement [tslen]

  Written by: leasenewbie on Dec 13, 2010 10:32:43 AM

  tslen wrote: "My dealer is recommending replacement of the timing belt because it is 7 years old, though the manual recommends replacement at 105 K miles." The Honda Pilot 2006 manual states to change the belt at 105k or 7 years... if it's not in your manual, I guess the dealer is applying the newer recommenadation to your 2003.

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• Re: Honda Pilot 2003 EXL 51,000 buy it? [infonurse]

  Written by: wow4help on May 26, 2009 1:55:08 PM

  Thank you for the info. We bought a Toyota Sienna instead of the Pilot:)

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: Honda help [pudgey]

  Written by: neichholz on Oct 16, 2010 12:33:27 PM

  We had the SAME thing happen with our 2003 Honda Pilot ! The transmission failed while my daughter and I were on the highway and we were lucky we did not get into an accident. The dealer we got it from refuses to do anything to help us look into the matter and wanted to charge us over $7000 to fix it. We ended up having our mechanic do it and ... Read More

2004 Honda Pilot transmission is junk!

• Re: 2004 Honda Pilot transmission is junk! [proudmom0507]

  Written by: pudgey on Oct 15, 2010 7:00:19 AM

  Hello, My 2003 pilot had the same problem and it was exactly to your story! My transmision failed at100,000 miles and there was a recall that honda claimed they fixed???????????? Honda wanted to charge me 5,000 to fix the trany I cant afford this money! Do you know of anything we can do to hold honda accountable? I am willing to try anything? I am proud to say i will never ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Honda help

  Written by: pudgey on Oct 15, 2010 6:49:38 AM

  My 2003 honda pilot had a transmission failure and there was a recall on the trany that honda claimed they fixed????? Now my pilot has 110,000 miles with a rebuilt trany , honda claims it was my fault and wanted to charge me 5,500 to fix the problem??? I fixed it myself with a local dealer for 4,000. Can anyone help with information on how to hold honda responsible? I have ... Read More

• Re: ????? [tomtom12]

  Written by: tortellinis on Oct 5, 2010 9:04:08 AM

  Same deal with my 2003 Pilot. Only it started to fail at 65K miles. I did all the scheduled maintenance and never towed. Never drove it hard. Honda is the next Toyota, only worse. Big cover up. They are no longer reputable. They won't admit a major design and safety flaw with these transmissions. Where's the lawsuit and big law firms. This is easy money for them. Never buy a Honda ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• 2003 Honda Pilot

  Written by: eddy27 on Sep 6, 2010 9:15:13 PM

  More pics http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg74/DjEddyBoy/photo2.jpg ..

• 2003 Honda Pilot

  Written by: eddy27 on Sep 6, 2010 9:13:35 PM

  My A/C went out so i look on the internet and found this forums it help a lot ..So Thanks the symptoms where console was working.turns on for only a second then cut off back blower works but not getting cold ....So before i change it i unplugged the small wire harness off and tried it before i even unscrewed the old resistor and the ac came on so i change ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: ????? [proudmom0507]

  Written by: tomtom12 on Aug 10, 2010 10:50:31 AM

  A few weeks ago, the "D" light on my 2003 Pilot started flashing. It has 120k miles on it. I stopped by a Honda dealer, who said it was nothing urgent. A few days ago, it slipped out of gear while upshifting on a hill. My mechanic said the transmission would have to be replaced and that it would cost around $4k. I phoned Honda America and they said there was ... Read More

Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications

• Re: sliding and tilting 2nd row [qbrozen]

  Written by: cnvrtbl5 on Aug 9, 2010 6:26:24 PM

  I bought second row sliding seats from a 2006 honda pilot. I bought these from extremewheelsandparts from ebay for less than $500.00 -this included shipping directly to my front door!! . The seats bolted directly in place of the ones I took off. It was a gamble but it paid off. I now have sliding second row seats in my 2003 pilot. The seats were the exact same color by the ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: 2003 trannie issue [jackerley]

  Written by: kpsmith999 on Aug 3, 2010 10:28:36 PM

  Please read #177 & #179 above. It has been well documented in many forums (such as this one) that the 2002 through 2006 model years for both the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX (same transmission) have exceptionally high instance of torque converter failure in the transmission. If you have the grinding/vibration/shuddering noise while accelerating between 30 to 40 mph, it is probably your torque converter. Even though Honda did not ... Read More

• Acura/Honda Admission of Faulty Transmission

  Written by: kpsmith999 on Jul 28, 2010 6:56:58 AM

  To "gatdammit".....Is Consumer Reports applying the "recommended" designation to specific years or all years of Honda Pilots/Acura MDXs? I'm not sure if the more current model years (2008-2010) are impacted by this problem?? But certainly the CR repair charts for model years 2003 through 2007 should indicate a "poor" status for transmission reliability. For those who are interested, you can obtain the actual Acura/Honda Service Bulletin that addresses the Torque Convert ... Read More

2005 Honda Pilot Shudders

• File Complaint with NHTSA !!!!!

  Written by: kpsmith999 on Jul 22, 2010 6:57:31 PM

  At last check, there were 15 complaints filed with the NHTSA (National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration) regarding the torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 mph while accelerating). I would encourage everyone who is following this link to take a few minutes and file a complaint. The web site is as follows: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/index.cfm Also, the NHTSA has issued a "service bulletin" for this exact same problem for all Acura's for model ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• File Complaint on NHTSA Web Site !!!!

  Written by: kpsmith999 on Jul 22, 2010 6:55:54 PM

  At last check, there were 15 complaints filed with the NHTSA (National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration) regarding the torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 mph while accelerating). I would encourage everyone who is following this link to take a few minutes and file a complaint. The web site is as follows: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/index.cfm Also, the NHTSA has issued a "service bulletin" for this exact same problem for all Acura's for model ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• '03 Honda Pilot Ex air conditioner loud fan noise

  Written by: willaz on Jul 1, 2010 7:20:54 PM

  I'm writing this message to warn others regarding '03 Honda Pilot a/c problem and the very very expensive cost to repair it. My 2003 Pilot (86,000 miles) is at the dealer for service now. When idling, there's a loud fan noise and no cold air coming out on all vents. When the suv is running, the noise is substantially lessened and cold air comes out nicely. It was diagnosed to have ... Read More

Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

• 2003 HondaPilotEx a/c failure & very expensive repair

  Written by: willaz on Jun 25, 2010 9:38:57 PM

  I'm writing this message to warn others regarding my 2003 Honda Pilot a/c problem. My 2003 Pilot (86,000 miles) is at the dealer for service now. Loud fan noise when I start the engine with a/c on and on cold air coming out on all vents. When the suv is running, the noise is substantially lessened and cold air comes out nicely. It was diagnosed to have a failing a/c compressor ... Read More

What is the Best SUV For me?

• Re: Need help with finding a best suv with an infant seat [ask420]

  Written by: mtairyordge on Jun 18, 2010 12:51:00 PM

  I owned four Toyota Highlanders all Limited, a 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008. I got rid of the 2008 for a 2011 Pilot because I noticed the quality on toyotas's had slipped markedly. Other reasons I got the Pilot nice room in the 3rd seat compared to HL. Neither 3rd row is SAFE for baby, so forget it, the 3rd row is okay for smaller adults. It is not a full ... Read More

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

• 2003 Honda Pilot AC rattles when Idling

  Written by: hondajunkie on Jun 15, 2010 9:57:34 AM

  I just bought my friend's 2003 honda pilot exl. he put near 160k mikes on it but knowing how well hondas run and their reliablility, I didnt think it would cause many problems. But, 2 weeks ago, I noticed a rattling sound coming from the undercarriage of the vehicle when I am running the AC and idling at the same time. I am going to the Honda dealer today to get ... Read More

Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Chicago Area Prices for 2011 EX-L 4WD or Touring with Nav [chitowntwins]

  Written by: pmpatel on May 11, 2010 9:30:24 PM

  Hi Chitowntwins, Congratulations on your new Pilot purchase. I wanted to share my purchase buying a used 2003 Odyssey at Castle Honda in Sept 09 and thought I paid atleast 2K less than blue book price. I recently purchased 2010 Honda Odyssey EXL with Navi and RES from Brilliance Honda in Crystal Lake and I did go to Castle honda for a quote and they gave me a decent quote but ... Read More

Honda Pilot Wet Carpet from Leaks

• Honda Pilot wet carpet driver and passenger side

  Written by: neener0625 on Apr 15, 2010 8:38:12 PM

  Bought my 2003 Honda Pilot in 2009 and my floors are soaked after a heavy rain too. It's so annoying!! There really needs to be a recall on these vehicles.

Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2010 Pilot EX 4x4 OTD 31,859 WA

  Written by: wapilot2 on Mar 15, 2010 10:37:17 PM

  It took over 8 HOURS of negotiating in 2 days, but I paid 30,213 -1,500 (instead of 0%), tax 2,813 doc/lic 326 total of $ 31,859 OTD------no accessories. Pilot EX 4x4. I know in other states they are doing better than that. There were no more of the Gray w/black in the areas, So I took their last Silver w/black cloth..There are just 5 more in the areas. The EX's are ... Read More

• Re: 2010 Honda Pilot Touring with NAV and RES [frukio]

  Written by: bubbaboy1 on Mar 14, 2010 8:56:02 AM

  Ii's Hamilton Honda on Rt130. We requested an online quote and dealt with Phil. We also traded in our 2003 Odyssey. He pulled up Edmunds for us as the used dealer guy was checking out our car (of course we already did that and knew a range that we were willing to do the trade in for). I wasn't thrilled with the first offer, went back with $500 higher and they ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• 03 Pilot Transmission problems

  Written by: kcos on Jan 29, 2010 10:45:40 AM

  I own a 2003 Honda Pilot EX. Somewhere over 120K miles, the transmisson began slipping. As soon as I took off from a stop, the engine would start to rev and it would not shift into second gear. This only happened a few isolated times at first, and no lights came on, so I didn't think much of it. Over time, it happened more often, then finally my engine light came ... Read More

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Replace lost key and remote for 2003 honda pilot [sddeb]

  Written by: poodog13 on Dec 28, 2009 4:59:05 PM

  and it made me quite frustrated to have such a problem. Never in the 13 years and 170,000 miles of my Honda Accord did I see anything like this. If not having a problem with a 13 year old car resulted in your drawing the conclusion that a 6 year old car would never have a problem as well, you were being a bit naive. Consider yourself luck on the first ... Read More

• Re: Replace lost key and remote for 2003 honda pilot [njm2]

  Written by: sddeb on Dec 28, 2009 11:35:51 AM

  Our power lock for the driver's side stopped working this summer,and then the passenger side went as well. There's a part inside the door (of our 03 Pilot) that needed replacement. Not cheap. But the keys were fine, and it made me quite frustrated to have such a problem. Never in the 13 years and 170,000 miles of my Honda Accord did I see anything like this. Then the ignition stopped ... Read More

• Replace lost key and remote for 2003 honda pilot

  Written by: njm2 on Dec 26, 2009 6:57:57 PM

  I have a 2003 pilot lost my key and remote, today I had Honda replace them. I asked the service attendant if I could go online to purchase the key and remote he said no because the dealer is the only one that can program it - I really wanted the key & remote so I went ahead with the purchase. The cost: $35 for key, $85 for transmitter and $84 ... Read More

Honda Pilot Lights

• Head lights

  Written by: sketterer on Dec 13, 2009 11:35:05 AM

  We purcahsed a 2003 Honda Pilot new and we continue to have one or the other headlights burn out within a 4-6 month time frame Is this a problem with a 2003 Honda Pilot or is there soemthing I should be looking for ? I replace them with the Silver Star bulbs @ a price of $ 22.00 +/- each Thank You

Honda Extended Warranties Pricing and Info

• Extending the Extended warranty

  Written by: kipk on Oct 29, 2009 6:14:20 AM

  Thank you camrygal09 for your suggestion. Talked again with the "Honda Care" folks hoping there was a loop hole in their plan as my car has only 39K miles. Still NO! And still for the life of me, I can't understand why they were willing to sell me the original 75K policy, but not willing to sell me another one to complete that mileage. Especially since every drop of oil and ... Read More

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

• malfunction indicator lamp

  Written by: devie on Oct 20, 2009 2:41:29 PM

  hi guys.,i got a 2003 honda pilot,mileage now is about 67,000.i noticed recently that my "malfunction indicator lamp" light was on.i did not notice anything wrong in the car.i dont want to go to the dealership right away because aside from being afraid to be charged big time,i dont have any warranty anymore. i tried to checked the fuel cap,tighten it ,but still the warning sign was still on. i hope ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Re: 2003 Pilot Transmission Problem [karenc3]

  Written by: jetrocker on Sep 28, 2009 7:01:33 PM

  My first "replacement" transmission from Honda, refurished by Honda, lasted from 60K miles to 115K miles........so it was good for 55,000 miles. Sad and pitiful. My "new" one now (replaced at 115K) has 3K on it and I worry everytime I drive the car that it's going to go again at some point. The new one downshifts at weird times, like if I'm going down a slight grade on the expressway ... Read More

• Re: 2003 Pilot Transmission Problem [karenc3]

  Written by: baltovet on Sep 28, 2009 1:12:07 PM

  My 2003 Pilot original transmission had essentially the same problem at 138,000 miles. I didn't know these transmissions were having a problem at the time, as the Honda dealer said this was one of the first he'd seen. I was quoted nearly $6000.00 by Honda, so I had it done by Aamco. Unfortunately, the particular one I used was not very reliable, and I had two torque converters fail after that. ... Read More

• 2003 Pilot Transmission Problem

  Written by: karenc3 on Sep 28, 2009 8:33:33 AM

  I just filed a complaint with NHTSA as suggested by other posters. Description reads as follows: "Transmission was slow to transition to 3rd gear while going approx. 30-35 mph. A few days later, the "D" light started flashing, but when car was turned off, it did not go on again. Took it to my mechanic thinking it was a "3rd switch" issue I had read about on car sites. My mechanic ... Read More

2010 Honda Pilot Curtain Side Airbag

• Re: 2009/2010 Honda Pilot Curtain Side Airbag [wkwk]

  Written by: erikanc on Sep 26, 2009 11:22:32 AM

  It should not be a problem at all. In fact it is the safest thing! See below, taken from http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q61 : Q61: Is it safe to install my carseat near an airbag? First, you MUST check the carseat and vehicle owner's manuals to see if they specifically mention installing the carseat in a seating position with an airbag. Some carseat manufacturers do state that their carseats should not be installed in ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• 2003 Pilot

  Written by: ptank on Sep 23, 2009 11:36:30 AM

  Transmission failed @ 113,000 miles on 2003 Pilot. My mechanic suggested I take it to the local Honda dealer and then call Honda of America to seek good will assistance. After being assigned a case number, was asked to provide service records. Since I am the 3rd owner, I decided to pay $30 and get a report from a big name company that rhymes with "Bar Snacks". With the report I ... Read More

• Re: honda pilot 2003 [hon]

  Written by: baltovet on Sep 18, 2009 7:04:43 PM

  Sorry, hon.........but you're wrong. My 2003 Pilot has 221,000 miles and it doesn't need an engine rebuild.......or any of the other things you posted. I put Amsoil full synthetic in a few days after I purchase the vehicle, and have used nothing else since. I burn a bit of oil, but it's not visible while I drive. The transmissions in this car ARE bad, as mine had to be replaced at ... Read More

• Re: honda pilot 2003 [bob11]

  Written by: hon on Sep 18, 2009 2:40:18 PM

  What do you think happens when a car has 185,000 miles on it? It won't run for ever. That's alot of miles for anything. TIME FOR COMPLETE REBUILD: Engine, Trans., Brakes, Rear end, Front end, actually, :( everything.

• Transmission slipping at 133K miles

  Written by: sluh on Jun 26, 2009 5:06:32 PM

  2003 Pilot. Bought it used four months ago. Assume tranny was the reason previous owner got rid of this car. Tranny fluid replaced with Honda original, looking on the service records - previous owner serviced it at Honda dealer. Tranny shifting hard and slips sometimes. Gets worse after long highway ride. Filed complain with NHTSA cause hardly missed another car when slipped when merging highway.

• Disappointed in Honda

  Written by: sjnorman4 on Jun 20, 2009 6:57:42 AM

  I have had Hondas since 1978. NEVER any major problems. Only minor repairs like brakes. My wife's 2003 Pilot transmission now needs to be replaced, after only 90,000 miles. Car jerks into 2nd gear, after barely making it out of 1st. I just can't believe a transmission could go out this quickly. Checked with two Honda dealers. Not much help there. Took it to AAMCO who estimate between $2400 and $2800. ... Read More

• Honda Pilot nighmare

  Written by: pbassham on Sep 8, 2009 1:55:56 PM

  I purchased a 2003 Pilot a year ago and now I'm having all of the same problems that are being talked about on here. Downshifting to 1st and 2nd gear at different speed limits, green drive light flashing, now it's acting as if it jumps into first gear when you slow down. We've already put a $1000.00 into it and now we don't know what to do with it. I still ... Read More

• Re: Transmission Failure [boomer55]

  Written by: kijam99 on Jun 5, 2009 3:34:09 AM

  I took my Honda Pilot 2003 (61,000 miles) to he mechanic yesterday. I was very stress thinking about this possible expense. They told me later on that they just need to replace the transmission fluid. Run it and it was perfectly fine they said. It was a savior but I was still very disappointed with Honda, this car hasn't seen rough roads, driven well yet with low mileage. I am still ... Read More

Honda Pilot Tires and Wheels

• Re: Go with continental [kipk]

  Written by: amyjesseemma on Sep 7, 2009 9:35:06 PM

  I am doing my research as it is time to get new tires for my 2003 Honda Pilot. I bought it new with Integrity tires that did well. We had to replace them on the road after a blow out (hubby hit something). Don't remember what thoes were, but needed to be replaced within 25000miles. The new tires are horrible as we have had a lot of difficulty with balancing my ... Read More

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

• Check engine light on

  Written by: bellmi6413 on Aug 27, 2009 5:15:03 AM

  I also have a 2003 Honda pilot EX-L and the check engine light turned on. I took to a mechanic and have it diagnose. There is a code P0730 Incorrect gear ratio, Is this a sign of bad tranmission also? I was driving one time and the rpm went up for some reason I push on the gas pedal but the rpm keeps on going up for about 5 minutes, this ... Read More

• Trans problems in 2003 Pilot

  Written by: xx123 on Aug 18, 2009 7:44:12 AM

  There seems to be a littany of problems with the transmission in the 2003 Pilot from what I read. I am in the process of getting a rebuilt transmission in my 03 Pilot at 95000 kms (about 60000 miles) but just after the 5 year warranty has expired at a cost of $4500. Honda must be aware of the problem by now but will do nothing. I suggest anyone with an ... Read More