2003 Honda Pilot Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 5%of 720 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Honda Pilot, 5% of the 720 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“Driving in a residential neighborhood, our 2003 Honda Pilot stalled and would not re-start. We had it towed to our mechanic who has been servicing our vehicle. He states that the timing belt pulley had ripped out the water pump and caused a bolt to come in contact with the cylinder head.”
NHTSA complaint #10531614, filed 2013-07, 170,000 miles“I own a Honda Pilot 2003. 2 weeks ago our air conditioner compressor died. We were on our way on vacation when it went. The mechanic said we could have lost a lot more had the belt snapped. Don't know if this is an ongoing problem with these but figured its worth reporting.”
NHTSA complaint #10342530, filed 2010-07, 75,000 miles“Had 2003 Honda Pilot in for service for the timing belt. Service mgr called and stated the front motor mount and side mount were broken. He stated this is a ongoing occurrence with the Honda pilots....we had 137,000 miles. I am being informed that this occurs around 60,000 miles all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10253281, filed 2008-12, 113,906 miles“My 2003 Honda Pilot has been shuddering at 35-45 MPH. I also have had the d light flashing. I see that this is an issue with way too many pilots. Honda needs to take ownership of this problem and fix it! I love Honda - we also have a 2004 civic. However, I am beginning to wonder if our next car will be a Honda. I have two small children that I drive daily in the Pilot, and I am terrified after reading all of these complaints to drive them in this car. This is ridiculous.”
NHTSA complaint #10445524, filed 2012-01, 105,000 miles“The motor mounts on our 2003 Honda Pilot broke, and we were alerted by our Honda dealers service department. The car has about 79,000 miles on it. The motor mounts help hold the engine in place. A google search revealed online chat boards with dozens and dozens of Pilot owners complaining that the motor mounts broke on their cars, at as little as 60,000 miles. This problem appears widespread and potentially very dangerous. We had our broken motor mounts replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10269731, filed 2009-05, 78,999 milesRelated recalls
- 02V226000Aug 28, 2002On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and…Covers: Honda Pilot 2003, Accord 2002, Odyssey 2002 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10053545Aug 9, 2013Honda: troubleshooting of diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1456 and p1457. Dealers are to run evap function test to find if there is a leak so the vehicle can be repaired.
- 10024566Feb 5, 2008Honda service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: egr valve contamination or egr port clogging may cause dtc p0401, dtc p1491, or engine…
- 10013616Jan 29, 2008Accelerator pedal hard to press. *eh accelerator pedal feels like it pops when first pressed. Updated 4/1/08.
- 10017431Jul 20, 2005Warranty extension: egr valve contamination or egr por clogging may cause dtc p0401, dtc p1491, or engine hesitation/surge.
- 10016305May 16, 2005Engine-alternator/no or low output.
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10015300Feb 16, 2005Dealer request visit for any adverse engine condition with the alternator (no or low output) that is the root cause.
- 10015294Feb 16, 2005Timesert 14mm drain plug thread repair kit.
- 10015292Feb 16, 2005Timesert 12mm head bolt thread repair kit.
- 10014754Jan 16, 2005Alternator condtion.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 | 13 | 1% |
| 2016 | 45 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 10 | 6% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 43 | 6% |
| 2004 | 28 | 5% |
| 2003 | 37 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Pilot
224 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsAir bags
115 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsSeats
40 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