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.

9.4

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,320 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda Pilot fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 082007

Pilot 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles

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

After coming to a complete stop, there is a loud thumping that comes from the rear of the vehicle. It scares the heck out of you and you think someone has hit you! took it to several mechanics and the Honda dealer in brantford, Ontario and although Honda acknowledges the problem as a related to fuel tank design they are refusing to do anything about it.

- Brantford, 00, USA

problem #3

May 152003

Pilot 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I owned a 2003 Honda Pilot. It's a very good SUV. Except that last year, I made a complaint with grand Honda dealership in elmhurst il. Regarding an annoying noise coming from the fuel tank which I believe is very unusual. Splashing noise is very strong when the fuel tank is half to almost full tank. According to the dealer it is normal and there was no recall which I strongly disagree. I believe there is not enough chambers to control the splashing noise and might cause further damage. Please help!!!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #2

Jun 062003

Pilot 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,280 miles
Hearing the annoying and pretty loud back and forth sloughing or thumping sound from the bottom or rear of the driver seat (most likely from the gas tank which is where it is located) whenever coming to a stop or accelerate from a stop.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

problem #1

May 042003

Pilot

  • miles
Every time I accelerate from a stop or come to a stop I hear a thumping noise from fuel sloshing around in the tank. The location of the fuel tank is right under the floor behind the driver's seat. It is very loud and annoying to hear.

- Centennial, CO, USA

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