2003 Honda Pilot Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 129about this part
- Share
- 18%of 720 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,146miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 129 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Honda Pilot, 18% of the 720 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,146 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was able to pull my key from the ignition switch when my 2003 Honda Pilot is parked and in the transmission shifter in drive position. I already had my ignition switch repaired twice (using my own dime); Honda has a partial recall (nhsta campaign number 12v573000 and Honda recall no. S73/s74), but a Honda rep told me that my Pilot is not affected.”
NHTSA complaint #11315854, filed 2020-03, 125,000 miles“We started to have trouble inserting the key in the ignition. Today the key wouldn't even go in after many attempts wiggling it. After twenty minutes trying had to leave car behind. Now I'm without a car and searching for recalls noticed that although there is none for this problem it is a huge problem with other Pilot owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10605465, filed 2014-06, 160,000 miles“I have been having a hard time turning the ignition with my key. Now the key will not turn in the ignition. I believe this is a safety issue since there may be a situation where the car may need to be moved in a dangerous situation and cannot be turned. I found this website from 23 other complaints for the same issue on this website alone.”
NHTSA complaint #10475093, filed 2012-09, 101,000 miles“The ignition switch locked up and the car would not start. I was stranded at work for several hours. Honda needs to do something about this issue. We should not have to pay $600 for a repair they are well aware do to a parts defect. Previously the vehicle also had started to roll back on the inclined drive way when I removed the ignition key with the shifter still in drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10468757, filed 2012-08, 113,546 miles“There is a problem with the ignition switch on my 2003 Honda Pilot. When I try and put my ignition key into the ignition switch, it requires several attempts before it actually goes in to the key slot without resistance. It is as if one is putting the wrong key into the wrong key hole. When it does finally go in, it may take several more attempts for the key to finally turn and start the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10503343, filed 2013-03, 82,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V573000Dec 11, 2012Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001…Covers: Honda Pilot 2003–2004, Acura MDX 2003–2006, Honda Odyssey 2003–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10130038Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118539Sep 26, 2017Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117863Aug 31, 2017Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10024565Aug 20, 2012Honda service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: opds unit or opds sensor triggers srs. Csc was received. *nj updated 9/12/12.
- 10032953May 9, 2008Honda: warranty extension-vehicle warranty mileage. Class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain 2002-2006 honda models were overstating mileage. Federal court…
- 10018021Jul 1, 2005Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Honda service news.
- 10018176Jun 16, 2005Alternator condition ( no or low output).
- 10016355Apr 16, 2005No or low alternator output - dealer visit request.
- 10016353Apr 16, 2005Transferring odometer mileage at odometer r&r.
- 10014765Jan 16, 20052nd & 3rd row grab rail lights sticking on/off.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 45 | 21% |
| 2024 | 11 | 9% |
| 2023 | 28 | 19% |
| 2022 | 40 | 24% |
| 2021 | 136 | 30% |
| 2020 | 214 | 44% |
| 2019 | 266 | 29% |
| 2018 | 85 | 19% |
| 2017 | 266 | 28% |
| 2016 | 581 | 34% |
| 2015 | 13 | 12% |
| 2014 | 9 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 3% |
| 2012 | 22 | 13% |
| 2011 | 26 | 9% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 9 | 7% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 18 | 7% |
| 2005 | 57 | 8% |
| 2004 | 60 | 11% |
| 2003 | 129 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Pilot
224 complaintsAir bags
115 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsSeats
40 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology