2003 Honda Pilot Suspension Problems

“While my wife was driving my 2003 Honda Pilot she almost lost control without any warning. She drive it the few remaining miles home and asked me to examine it for a possible loose wheel. Upon inspection I found that the entire rear suspension had separated from the body and that only the ABS brake wires was holding it in place. There was no apparent reason for this. There was nothing to explain why this had occured”

“We were driving straight on the highway at ~65 MPH, fully loaded for a week-long camping trip, and hit a large pothole. The rear wheel assembly of my Honda Pilot broke so that it was only partially attached to the frame because the frame of the car rusted through. The 2 back bolts were still in place, but the frame itself was crumbling apart; the 2 front bolts were the only things holding the rear wheel and axle to the car. The photo shows the steep angle of the wheels, and how low to the ground the back of the car was. …”

“I am the original owner of a 2003 Honda Pilot. I am an older, cautious driver and have babied this vehicle, doing all regular service at the dealer's, so it would run in top shape for many years to come. Around six months ago I noticed at lower speeds (20-30 m.p.h.) the vehicle shudders. To counter the problem I have to accelerate and then it goes away. I have had the dealer check it three times and each time they say they cannot replicate the problem, which is hard to believe. Last week the d light started to flash. I took it into the dealer right away and they said it was a sensor. …”

“Our 2003 Honda Pilot locked up on the highway due to transmission failure of the 2nd gear. We were traveling in the 3rd lane over 60 MPH when both front tires locked and we skidded to a halt in less than 200 yards on the highway. Prior to our vehicle breaking down, there were no signs of danger, no unusual sounds, no blinking lights or any hesitation with the car. Our vehicle had 138,400+ miles and has been serviced regularly according to Honda's recommended maintenance schedules, including all transmission fluid changes. …”

“The front lower ball joint on my 2003 Honda Pilot separated while being driven out of a parking lot. The front right suspension collapsed. Upon inspection, the joint had never been lubricated when the car was assembled. This joint is a lubed-for-life joint that cannot be inspected or lubricated once assembled. The protective boot and retaining clip were in perfect condition when the joint failed. I am a mechanical engineer (tennessee license # 110751) and have been involved in several metal failure investigations. …”