2003 Honda Pilot Consumer Discussions

Honda Pilot Noises and Sounds

Honda Pilot loud bang backing up

Written by: krs67 on Nov 13, 2009 02:41 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? Read More...

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

Written by: bgambill on Nov 11, 2009 08:57 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. Read More...

Honda Extended Warranties Pricing and Info

Extending the Extended warranty

Written by: kipk on Oct 29, 2009 06:14 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 ... Read More...

Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

malfunction indicator lamp

Written by: devie on Oct 20, 2009 02:41 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 ... Read More...

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

Re: 2003 Pilot Transmission Problem [karenc3]

Written by: jetrocker on Sep 28, 2009 07:01 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 ... Read More...

Re: 2003 Pilot Transmission Problem [karenc3]

Written by: baltovet on Sep 28, 2009 01:12 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 ... Read More...

2003 Pilot Transmission Problem

Written by: karenc3 on Sep 28, 2009 08:33 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. ... 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 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 ... Read More...

Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

2003 Pilot

Written by: ptank on Sep 23, 2009 11:36 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 ... Read More...

Re: honda pilot 2003 [hon]

Written by: baltovet on Sep 18, 2009 07:04 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 ... Read More...