2003 Honda Pilot Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 1%of 720 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Honda Pilot, 1% of the 720 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 2003 Honda Pilot I own is on it's second transmission. The vehicle becomes disabled and the d light flashes on the dash indicating the transmission has failed. The Honda dealer says that the transmission must be replaced again. Two transmissions at only 127, 500 is a sign of problems with the design and manufacture of the transmission itself. I believe Honda should recall all 2003 & 2004 Honda Pilot for transmission replacement for the remainder of the useful life of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10374810, filed 2011-01, 127,500 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“I have a 2003 Honda Pilot with dvd player and wireless headphones. My wife and I were driving on the highway with our two young kids who were watching a dvd with the headphones. The kids stated that the headphones stopped working and started making a white noise sound. A few minutes later we saw smoke come out of the dashboard, through the tape deck and other openings. We were scared to death and had limited visibility. Fortunately, I was able to pull over without wrecking. We all got out of the car and let the smoke clear. Afterwards, we took it to the charleston, sc dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10369040, filed 2010-12, 85,000 miles“The jack collapsed while jacking up the vehicle to change the front tire on the passenger side. The consumer was carrying a load of 4500 pounds when the jack collapsed. The dealer replaced the crushed jack with an same type of jack. The consumer stated that he will never use it.”
NHTSA complaint #10096805, filed 2004-11, 14,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10186009Jan 23, 2021"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
- 10139569May 25, 2018Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty…
- 10139567May 24, 2018Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty…
- 10130038Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10127352Jan 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.
- 10100421Nov 22, 2016Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10086306Sep 7, 2016Posters sent to hawaiian independent repair facilities, automotive part stores, car washes, and gas stations to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment…
- 10086288Aug 29, 2016Letter sent in conjunction with the florida highway safety and motor vehicles department to remind florida owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their…
- 10086381Aug 23, 2016Us virgin islands newspaper advertisements to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 9 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 10 | 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 29, 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