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.
Many of the panel control lights are burned out and the remaining ones are dimming. I tried to replace any burned out fuses, but they all seem to be in working order. It's annoying, especially when driving at night, to see half of the panel lights out. Luckily, I know what many of the buttons do and don't really need the lights, but it makes the car look raggedy, and not well-cared for. For it being a 2003, it still looks good, and runs well, but when other people get into the car, I feel a little embarrassed. I don't want to pay a mechanic for what should seem like an easy fix. It's bad enough I have to give up my car for a whole day to have the brights repaired.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Many of the panel control lights are burned out and the remaining ones are dimming. I tried to replace any burned out fuses, but they all seem to be in working order. It's annoying, especially when driving at night, to see half of the panel lights out. Luckily, I know what many of the buttons do and don't really need the lights, but it makes the car look raggedy, and not well-cared for. For it being a 2003, it still looks good, and runs well, but when other people get into the car, I feel a little embarrassed. I don't want to pay a mechanic for what should seem like an easy fix. It's bad enough I have to give up my car for a whole day to have the brights repaired.
- rjsca, Coalinga,, CA, US