2003 Honda Pilot Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 720 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2003 Honda Pilot, 1% of the 720 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Honda Pilot is having difficulty shifting gears in the city and on the highway. I will be moving in a few weeks and traveling about 40 miles on the highway everyday. A few days ago I called Honda after looking up recalls and there was a transmission recall number 04v176000. I was told to take it to the Honda dealer and if it is a problem with the transmission it will be replaced at no charge. I took it to the dealer and told them what Honda told me and they said it is probably the torque converter. (code p0740) the supervisor was going to call Honda and get back to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10917435, filed 2016-10, 134,000 miles“The vehicle has had unpredictable braking and traction for well over a year. Dealer visit on march 14, 2014 did not produce a cause. More recently I was unable to stop the vehicle from 40 MPH for a red light with full brake pressure. Road conditions were good at the time. I had to accelerate through the intersection to avoid a collision. The vehicle currently displays the check engine light and vtm-4 light quite consistently. Traction is also intermittently compromised by some unknown problem. It seems that when the vtm-4 light is on, the awd feature of the vehicle is disabled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692341, filed 2015-03, 202,115 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310840, filed 2010-02, 87,000 miles“My Honda Pilot starts slipping when it changes from 3rd gear to 4 gear. Now it starts shaking/jugging. With speed 60mph or 65 MPH, it is very dangerous if it starts jugging because you never know how the car behind you reacts and your car will do.”
NHTSA complaint #10549647, filed 2013-10, 160,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | 2% |
| 2019 | 18 | 2% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1% |
| 2016 | 37 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 23 | 9% |
| 2005 | 97 | 14% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Pilot
224 complaintsElectrical system
129 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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