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.
During the rebuild of my second transmission, the Aamco technician said he saw signs of radiator fluid in the transmission housing (never heard about radiator fluid during the first rebuild). And that if I wanted this one to last a long time I should have the radiator replaced or have an external added. I opted to have it replaced.
I have never noticed leaking fluid before, maybe low yes. So, a faulty radiator probably caused the original transmission to go bad at 59,000 and the rebuilt to go bad with 54,000 on it. With the two rebuilds (Dec 2009 and now, Nov 2012) and the new radiator being installed with the rebuilt rebuilt transmission, I've spent a total of $8,200. Let's see... if I could sell it for $9,000 I could recoup my $5,000 for the current work and have $4,000 to get a little car? My luck, would be to switch out cars and have more issues. I know what I've got now, so I'll probably stay with it and drive it for the next 10 years! Comon' Honda, this is Ridiculous!!! Why Me?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
During the rebuild of my second transmission, the Aamco technician said he saw signs of radiator fluid in the transmission housing (never heard about radiator fluid during the first rebuild). And that if I wanted this one to last a long time I should have the radiator replaced or have an external added. I opted to have it replaced.
I have never noticed leaking fluid before, maybe low yes. So, a faulty radiator probably caused the original transmission to go bad at 59,000 and the rebuilt to go bad with 54,000 on it. With the two rebuilds (Dec 2009 and now, Nov 2012) and the new radiator being installed with the rebuilt rebuilt transmission, I've spent a total of $8,200. Let's see... if I could sell it for $9,000 I could recoup my $5,000 for the current work and have $4,000 to get a little car? My luck, would be to switch out cars and have more issues. I know what I've got now, so I'll probably stay with it and drive it for the next 10 years! Comon' Honda, this is Ridiculous!!! Why Me?
- Scott H., Kirkland, WA, US