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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
120,500 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 accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #4

Sep 022013

Pilot

  • 90,000 miles

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

There is a recall: www.Honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7018-en in addition the key and lock mechanism can be warn out where the key can fall out of the ignition while on a freeway or street. The car dies and you can't put the key back in and move the car. Happened to me had to tow the car have the recall done and had to pay for the ignition with replacement. The web shows 100 or 1000 of others with similar issues.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #3

Apr 192013

Pilot

  • 165,000 miles
This problem is extremely common on all Honda and has never been addressed. The power door lock motors consistently go bad. So far, this has happened to the driver and passenger doors on my Pilot. The Honda dealer is asking for $300 per door!!! this needs to be recalled asap.

- Smithtown, NY, USA

problem #2

Oct 042010

Pilot

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the ignition would lock abnormally and when the failure occurred, the contact was unable to insert the key into the ignition. When the contact was able to insert the key, he was unable to turn the ignition over and the wheels would remain locked. Additionally, the contact would sporadically have problems with inserting the key into the driver side door. The dealer advised that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The dealer also advised that he would attempt to repair the vehicle so that the key would fit into the ignition. The contact stated that the key was the original key provided with the vehicle when purchased. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 140,000.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #1

Feb 132010

Pilot

  • 87,000 miles
There are several issues: 1. the problem began with the key not fitting properly as it once did, perhaps after several attempts. When I turn the key or put the key in the ignition it won't turn to get the vehicle started. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and it doesn't matter. The Pilot still won't start. When reading the manual, it's a push sign under the ignition but this isn't addressed in the manual. It doesn't tell you the purpose of the push sign. I've tried everything to get the key to turn and I've let others try also. And it doesn't work for anyone. The steering wheel is turned all the way to the left but the wheels are not and it won't turn to the right it all; it's locked. The vehicle won't go in neutral, so I can roll it or nothing. 2. there is knocking noise that is louder when you accelerate on the left front side perhaps it's coming from the drive-train or axle on that side, almost sounds like something is loose and may fall off. 3. the radio turns off for a few seconds randomly and it may not happen again for a while and suddenly does once again. 4. the lock and handle to the glove compartment broke off and cannot be opened. 5. the wire to control the handles for the rear seats to recline and fold down broke from within the seats. I looked inside it's the piece of plastic to hold the wire in place that broke, there needs to be a better replacement part made of steel not plastic. 6. the floor mat sticks in bunches causing the carpet to soil can be hazardous I.e. Toyota, only remedy is to replace the floor mat for the truck entirely, very, very expensive... 7. when it reaches 30mph it shakes and you can hear a loud noise like you're driving over something ridged it's scary. 8. the button for four wheel drive does not function 9. the chrome on the door handles peeled off tearing the skin causing injuries to the hand, my finger still feels tingly and numb. Please help!!!

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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