2003 Honda Pilot Review
Price: $6,999
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Eight-passenger seating, stable on-road demeanor, versatile storage and cargo-hauling abilities, many standard features, Honda's reputation for reliability and high resale value.
Cons
- Mediocre towing capacity, smallish V6 can't match torque of domestic competitors' bigger engines, high demand means little chance of price negotiation.
What’s new
The 2003 Honda Pilot is an all-new crossover SUV from Honda. It features eight-passenger seating, standard all-wheel drive, a 240-horsepower V6 and optional DVD-based navigation and entertainment systems.
Edmunds says
The 2003 Honda Pilot is one of the best crossover SUVs in just its first year out. An excellent choice for active families in need of versatility.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
51 listings
- 69,927 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- Procars Auto Sales (5 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Third-row seating
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 3500lb Towing Capaci...
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Located in Sterling, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2HKYF18183H618677
Stock: 618677
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-22-2025- 178,237 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- Mack 1 Motors (54 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
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Located in Fredericksburg, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2HKYF18693H596622
Stock: 596622
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-29-2025
Vehicle overview
Introduction: The Pilot is an all-new vehicle for Honda. It is a welcome replacement for the company's previous midsize SUV, the Passport. As the Passport was nothing more than a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, we're not sorry to see it go. The Pilot, however, is all Honda. It's very similar mechanically to the more upscale Acura MDX. The Pilot's stated mission is to be the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle." We don't know about it being the "ultimate," but the Pilot is certainly one of the best crossover SUVs available.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: The four-door eight-passenger Pilot comes in two trim levels: LX and EX. As is typical of Honda offerings, nearly everything is standard equipment. This includes a heavy-duty climate control system with rear-seat vents and ducts; cruise control; power windows, doors and locks; a rear window defroster; and a CD player. Going with the EX adds alloy wheels, auto-off headlamps, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar, available leather seating, keyless entry, extra interior storage, automatic climate control, HomeLink and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
On EX models with leather (EX-L), a DVD-based navigation system and a DVD entertainment system are available. If the nav system is ordered, the Pilot comes with a center stack-mounted 6-inch LCD display screen. Though the Pilot isn't available with a reverse parking sensor, a rear-mounted wide-angle miniature video camera can be ordered from dealers. Once installed, the camera will project its field of view on the nav screen anytime the vehicle is put in reverse. The entertainment system includes a 7-inch flip-down LCD screen for second- and third-row occupants. It also comes with remote wireless headphones and video input jacks. Unfortunately, the nav and entertainment systems cannot be ordered together (Honda says there's not enough room inside the dash to house the components for both).
Powertrains and Performance: The Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6. With only minor variations, it's the same mill found in the MDX. And as with virtually every other Honda and Acura vehicle, the engine features the VTEC variable-valve timing system to improve high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy. The engine makes 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. More power can be found in some domestic SUV offerings, but all are thirstier at the gas pump. The Pilot runs on regular fuel, unlike the MDX, which requires premium. EPA mileage estimates are 17/22 mpg for city and highway.
The engine's power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission. The transmission's gear spacing is fairly wide to improve low-end grunt while still keeping the revs down for top-gear highway cruising. Equipped with the optional dealer-installed tow package, the Pilot's maximum trailer towing rating is 3,500 pounds.
From the transmission, power goes to a standard electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that's the same as the one seen in the MDX. During normal cruising conditions, the Pilot applies power only to the front wheels for better fuel efficiency. To get the most traction possible, the AWD system monitors throttle inputs and wheel speeds and then continually adjusts torque output to the rear wheels. This is different from the Honda CR-V's mechanical AWD system, which must encounter front-wheel slippage before torque is diverted to the rear wheels. Safety: In addition to dual-stage front airbags, all Pilots come with second-row LATCH child-seat anchors, front side airbags and ABS-equipped disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). There's also a sensor in the front passenger seat that can prevent deployment of the side airbag when a child or small-statured person is incorrectly positioned in the airbag's path. Each passenger position has an adjustable headrest and a three-point seatbelt. Though government crash testing has yet to be done, Honda expects the Pilot to earn a five-star rating in front- and side-impact National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, as well a "good" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset frontal crash test.
Interior Design and Special Features: The Pilot seats eight passengers, one more than the Odyssey minivan. The second- and third-row seats are positioned theater-style, meaning that they are elevated to give occupants a better outside view. Legroom for second-row passengers is quite good, but the tight third row is best suited for children. Both the second and third rows are split 60/40 and can be folded flat to expand the Pilot's cargo capacity.
Lowering the second- and third-row seats reveals an impressively large 90.3-cubic inch cargo hold. Because of the Pilot's wide stance, there's sufficient clearance between the wheelwells to place 4-foot-wide items, such as sheets of plywood, flat on the floor. If the second-row seats are in use, cargo capacity is 48.7 cubic feet. With the third row up, there's still enough room for grocery bags, baby paraphernalia or a set of golf clubs. Driving Impressions/Opinions: At more than 4,400 pounds, the Pilot isn't a lightweight vehicle. And in terms of dimensions, it's wider than, and just as long as, a Ford Explorer. Acceleration is more than adequate, however, thanks to the V6's wide powerband. As the Pilot features a stiff car-based unibody structure and a fully independent suspension, it is quite smooth and comfortable on normal roads. The wide stance also helps to give the vehicle an extra helping of stability. In terms of offroad ability, the Pilot can take on common hazards such as boat ramps, washed-out gullies and rough roads. Its lack of a two-speed transfer case limits its ability to climb or descend extreme grades, but otherwise the Pilot is just as capable as popular offerings like the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$202/mo for Pilot LX
Pilot LX
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2003 Honda Pilot has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 18 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
18 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 19V501000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- E5D, X5C
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-10-16 to 2004-12-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1657752
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
- Recall Number:
- 19V499000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Q5A, Y58
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-08-22 to 2002-08-22
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3947
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
- Recall Number:
- 19V182000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- U40,M45,O4
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-08-12 to 2005-09-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1101534
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
- Defect Consequence:
- An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning on April 17, 2019, however, dealers are ready to begin repairs immediately. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
- Recall Number:
- 18V268000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- C1X
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-10-21 to 2005-01-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 492
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
- Defect Consequence:
- An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
- Recall Number:
- 16V344000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- KA0, KA1,
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1790894
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
- Recall Number:
- 15V370000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- JS1, JS2
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-03-21 to 2001-09-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3399157
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JS1 and JS2. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
- Recall Number:
- 15V320000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 5100000
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153.
- Recall Number:
- 14V700000
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-02-21 to 2005-03-30
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger+s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 14V353000
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-08-12 to 2004-09-24
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger+s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 14V351000
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2001-2007 Accord (4-cylinder), 2001-2002 Accord (V6), 2001-2005 Civic, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Pilot, 2006 Ri
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 14V349000
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Civic, CR-V and Odyssey vehicles, and model year 2003 Accord, Element, Pilot, and Acura MDX vehicles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 21, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Note: This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall
- Recall Number:
- 12V573000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- S73/S74
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 807161
- Defect Description:
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
- Defect Consequence:
- Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, February 7, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 12V136000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- S34
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-11-26 to 2003-08-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 554428
- Defect Description:
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 11V260000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1709477
- Defect Description:
- IN DECEMBER 2011, THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 272,779 VEHICLES AND 640 AIR BAGS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT PARTS. BECAUSE HONDA IS UNABLE TO ASCERTAIN ON WHICH VEHICLES THE 604 REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS WERE INSTALLED, AN ADDITIONAL 603,241 VEHICLES ARE ALSO BEING RECALLED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,709,477. THIS RECALL CONCERNS CERTAIN VEHICLES FALLING WITHIN THE FOLLOWING MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR POPULATIONS, INCLUSIVE OF THIS EXPANSION: MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 HONDA ACCORD, MODEL YEAR 2001-2003 CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR MODEL, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 CR-V, MODEL YEAR 2001-2003 ODYSSEY, MODEL YEAR 2003 ACURA CL, MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 ACURA TL VEHICLES. THIS RECALL IS RELATED TO A SERIES OF RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES IN WHICH HONDA IS REPLACING THE INFLATORS WITHIN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO ADDRESS A DEFECTIVE CONDITION. THIS RECALL ADDRESSES BOTH AIR BAGS THAT WERE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES, AS WELL AS REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS REPLACEMENT SERVICE PARTS. A REPLACEMENT AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, AS ONE EXAMPLE, IF A VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A CRASH NECESSITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG, THE INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE WITH METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING AND INJURING THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS OF ALL VEHICLES ON WHICH A REPLACEMENT SERVICE AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WILL BE NOTIFIED. DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLES, AND WHERE A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG INFLATOR IS IDENTIFIED, THE INFLATOR WILL BE REPLACED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 27, 2011. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE DECEMBER 2011 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. THIS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO RECALLS 08V-593, 09V-259, AND 10V-041.
- Recall Number:
- 10V041000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Q96 & R13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 379000
- Defect Description:
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 HONDA ACCORD AND CIVIC, MODEL YEAR 2002 CR-V AND ODYSSEY, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 3.2TL AND ONE VEHICLE FOR MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA PILOT, CIVIC AND ACURA 3.2CL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IF AN AFFECTED AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE.
- Defect Consequence:
- METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FATALITY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG INFLATOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 08E013000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2032
- Defect Description:
- HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
- Defect Consequence:
- WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
- Recall Number:
- 04V176000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P30/P31
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-04-02 to 2003-08-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1099796
- Defect Description:
- ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
- Defect Consequence:
- GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
- Recall Number:
- 02V226000
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-07-09 to 2002-07-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 17551
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
Honda Pilot Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(85%)
4(11%)
3(3%)
2(1%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Remember the Hondamatic?
5 out of 5 starsPatrick King, 11/30/2018
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I bought a 1977 Accord brand new and had to wait on a waiting list of 6 months to take delivery! I put 220,000 miles on it in 15 years and was very happy! Don’t know why but I strayed away from Honda’s until 6 months ago when I purchased a 2003 Pilot with 240,000 miles on it! Got a great deal and have put another 50,000 on it without a hitch! Everything still works perfectly except the … normal things everybody else has spoke about such as the metallic film coming off the door handles, the two from seats are starting to rip and have only done oil changes and windshield wipers since buying it! Highly recommended and I’m back to being a Honda man!!!!
Mine was a very Reliable Car
4.5 out of 5 starswarrenam47, 09/24/2012
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I live in the mountains of NC. The roads are very dangerous here, esp. in the winter. I test drove my Pilot in a snow storm, and bought it for its size and great gas mileage. i Never got stuck in the snow. and i drove this past winter for an hour from boone to beech mountain Everyday. nothing, and i mean nothing ever went wrong in the car. the only things i spent money on were literally … break pads and a few oil changes. it was at 125k when i recently hit a deer going 70mph and its now totaled and im now heartbroken. there seems to be something seriously wrong with every SUV i consider to replace my pilot with. i loved luxury cars but now im feeling more sensible... and a grille guard is ness
Soooo good, we named it.
4.5 out of 5 starsautosavant, 05/29/2014
2003 Honda Pilot EX 4WD 4dr SUV w/ Leather (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I brought home my first born from the hospital in my new Honda Pilot.
After 200,000 miles in ten reliable years, I must say that it has been a pleasure owning it.
"Hans" my daughter named it, the ultimate compliment;
rides as smooth as it did when first purchased.
It would be nice to buy a new car but just can't let go of it to see how far it'll go!
Many say it's a 300K miles … automobile.
Over 278,000 miles...
5 out of 5 starsStephen Wollman, 10/22/2015
2003 Honda Pilot LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
My wife and I are now Piloteers. I bought my first pilot--an'03--in 2013. The guy I bought if from had sent his last kid to college and didn't need the extra car, otherwise I'm sure he would've kept it. It had 245,000 miles on it. Since we've owned it (it's been my wifes primary driver) we've rolled it up to 278,000. Other than standard maintenance, I've put no money into it. It … literally still handles like it's brand new. The invinceable V-tech engine is very quiet, and the transmission doesn't slip in the least. As of a week ago, we are now piloteers for life. I gave away my perfectly good Chrysler Pacifica and bought my wife a newer pilot with half the mileage. The '03 is now mine. I will never buy another vehicle. When my oldest gets into high school (in the next two years) I will give him the '03 and buy another. Make no mistake, the honda pilot is the absolute distance you can take your dollar. It is well worth the money.
2003 Pilot Highlights
LX
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,900 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $202/month |
| Seating | 8 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.3 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Pilot include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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