2003 Honda Pilot Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 4%of 720 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,115miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Honda Pilot, 4% of the 720 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,115 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The ignition switch on my car will not turn. A review of complaints on internet note that this is a common issue with this car as it nears 100k miles. My car is getting there and all of the sudden I have to fight with the steering wheel for it to turn and allow the key to work.”
NHTSA complaint #11098742, filed 2018-05, 97,230 miles“2003 Honda Pilot ignition - at first we were having issues inserting the key into the ignition. Then it progressed to needing to jiggle the key in order to get it to turn to any position of the ignition. The key would go in but it'd take several attempts, of a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes, before we could get the ignition to start. We read the manual and understood the importance of keeping the wheels straight - that seemed to help for a few attempts. Now the key goes in but doesn't turn at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #10471917, filed 2012-08, 127,345 miles“I have the same problem with the transmission and being able to remove my key even when it is not in park that has been reported by others. Its LED to an accident and a near one.”
NHTSA complaint #10478876, filed 2012-10, 63,545 miles“I was about to turn the key in the ignition but it could not get in. The key meets resistance and gets in after I tried several times. When I attempted to turn on the ignition, it wont budge and acted as if it was locked. Since then, I do not take the key off the ignition because I am afraid I will not be able to get it in. It is a really safety issue and Honda refuses to address it voluntarily. I went on line and there are several owners who are left alone to deal with the same safety issue. Why do I have to leave my vehicle with the key stuck in the ignition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508888, filed 2013-04, 130,000 miles“Having trouble inserting key into ignition. Have to try multiple times, turning the key upside down, right side up, repetitive in & out, eventually it goes in, but afraid that eventually it will not work. Called american Honda as I saw multiple complaints online, but Honda said they never heard of this problem and that it's not widespread enough for them to take notice. I'm afraid that I will not be able to get the key to work, so will take it to Honda dealership for repair (apparently only dealership has to fix it because new keys will need to be programmed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454686, filed 2012-04, 168,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013782Nov 16, 2002Power steering belt tension adjustment. Honda tech line summary.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 56% |
| 2025 | 44 | 20% |
| 2024 | 20 | 17% |
| 2023 | 19 | 13% |
| 2022 | 8 | 5% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 9 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 12 | 4% |
| 2012 | 11 | 6% |
| 2011 | 34 | 12% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 13 | 10% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 37 | 5% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 32 | 4% |
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 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 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