2003 Honda Pilot body problems

Filed Feb 18, 2022 · Body · 209,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the rear axle separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the subframe replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 14, 2021 · Body, Suspension · 236,000 miles · OH

Rear suspension mounting locations have rusted through allowing the rear suspension to hang down. The front mounting points of the rear suspension are not damaged yet. Was noticed as a noise while driving and found during tire inspection.

Filed Jul 15, 2020 · Body · 220,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the until the vehicle was repaired the vehicle should not be driven. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Body · 135,000 miles · MD

I heard crunching noises coming from the driver's seat cushion. I assumed it was a spring giving way, since the car is 16 years old. I arranged to have the front seats reupholstered and repaired the following week. A couple days later, I got into the car after running an errand, and the driver's seat acted like a rocking chair! This was in the parking lot of sam's club. I slowly and cautiously drove home, since it felt like the driver's seat could let go. Online research indicated a bracket broke that holds the drivers seat down, and this is a well known issue for the honda pilot. They said no recall because nobody had died?? This doesn't seem right. The re-upholsterer had the bracket welded as a side-job when he did his work. Still, this isn't ok. If the seat had let go and slid forward while I was driving, it could have been a serious accident. I needed to report this.

Filed Aug 6, 2019 · Body · 195,000 miles · MN

The attachment points on the frame where the rear subframe attaches have nearly completely rusted out. The rest of the frame appears to be in good condition. An internet search showed that this is a common issue with honda pilots. Given the prevalence of the issue, it appears to be a design flaw. This is a significant safety issue since complete failure of the mounting points could result in loss of control of the vehicle. The attached picture is not from my vehicle but the damage is identical to that shown in this picture.

Filed Sep 7, 2018 · Body · 218,876 miles · KS

2003 honda pilot ex with 219,000 miles on it. The two rear subframe mounts that attach the body chassis to the frame were rusted out and completely disconnected from the frame. In fact on the right side there was a large hole that had rusted out. Apparently no excessive rust on the rest of undercarriage. Vehicle was in very good mechanical shape and maintenance kept up. Vehicle was kept in a garage at night not subject to unusual wear and tear. Upon slow acceleration from a red light I heard a loud crash as if we'd been hit from behind. I was crossing a busy intersection and the lights weren't functioning so I was proceeding very slowly through the 4 way flashing lights when this happened. There were no vehicles behind us so I cleared the intersection then parked the car to check it out but no visible damage, no debris in intersection etc. Drove in town for another couple days and it seemed to drive fine. The incident bothered me enough to take it in to firestone and have the car checked out on the lift for anything unusual while getting an oil change. I was concerned about the vehicles safety. I was called back to look at this issue and was told the rear of the vehicle was not attached to the frame at all. Extremely dangerous situation and I was advised not to drive the vehicle home. Thankful this wasn't worse and not on highway when it happened.

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · Body · 279,000 miles · IN

Rear subframe mounts completely rusted out. Subframe sitting on exhaust. Just had pilot at dealership for oil change and inspection and they did not even mention the issue to me, guess they didn't inspect it very well. Found on my own after driving home and hearing noises coming from the rear end. Thankfully the exhaust did not break from the weight of the subframe or the whole rear end would have fallen down.

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Body · 207,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. While repairing the rear brake pads, the contact noticed that the subframe was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (sullivan honda, 45 migeon avenue torrington, connecticut 06790) where it was diagnosed that the rear frame was rusted and that dirt and moisture were collecting in the frame rails, which entered trough holes on the frame. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Body · 185,000 miles · KS

The rear driver side electric door lock mechanism is jammed not allowing the door to be locked or unlocked either manually or electrically. This, I imagine, can happen with any door. Luckily, the jam is in the unlocked position allowing the door to be opened. What is not safe is that door cannot be locked leaving the car vulnerable to theft or car jacking. If the door was jammed in the locked position, this can be unsafe for passenger exit in the event of emergency (a fire or emersion in water). Any electric door lock mechanism made by any vehicle manufacturer should be designed to fail safe allowing manual locking and unlocking of the door in the event of electrical power lock mechanism failure. This is just as much a safety issue as a jammed seat belt or faulty airbag. This should be a no cost repair by manufacturer dealerships like they do with jammed seat belts or faulty airbags. At least they should be able to free up the lock mechanism without charge to customers. This needs to be seriously reviewed and addressed by the federal safety agency for safety with policy and repair procedures and practices clearly spelled out. This failure happened as a result of remote key activation of the door locks with no manual physical operation of the door itself.

Filed Feb 23, 2018 · Body · 190,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic because other 2003 honda pilot owners informed him of rust issues. The mechanic discovered rust on the rear subframe of his vehicle. The contact also heard a rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to jeff wyler honda in florence (949 burlington pike, florence, ky 41042, (859) 283-2727) where the rust was confirmed. The dealer stated that they were unable to repair the vehicle due to the location of the rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.