Car ran away in reverse as if it had a mind of its own. Full weight on the brakes but the car kept accelerating. Crashed into utility pole encircled with old car tires. Car bounced off and then crashed into the pole over and over again. Hit gear shift into forward. Engine screaming really high revs, car raced forward and I did everything I could to avoid hitting parked vehicles and a pond as car kept going faster. With nowhere to head but golf course or highway, I steered onto a farm field and drove a half mile until I was able to pull out the keys from the starter which stopped car. I did not think I was injured at time but I ended up with whiplash which meant I lost about six months income. Honda refused compensation, or paid for any of the repairs of the car with exception of the key interface for starter . Honda claimed that nothings wrong with car. Said had my foot on accelerator. However, honda dealership charged me more than $3,000 to fix a completely destroyed braking system how could I have had my foot on the accelerator and destroyed the brakes? Honda refused to buy my car and decommission it because they said car was perfect. Downright rude afterward. I did not let anyone else drive the car and used it as infrequently as I could. Seven months later, I was in an underground parking garage and same thing happened. The car accelerated into thesolid concrete wall just four feet ahead. The impact destroyed car. Front end crumpled in, the engine damaged and all airbags deployed. This from a four foot collision.
2003 Honda Pilot electrical complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 129, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Parked the car. Came back about 10 minutes later, heard loud like shots fired, rounded the corner to see it was our airbags popping...the car was on fire under the hood, and going to the dashboard. Called 911 and by the time the fire dept. Came ( 1 mile away) the whole car was engulfed. The whole car destroyed, all that was left was the shell no seats no dashboard no license plates nothing left. We complied to all recalls and took it to a honda dealership each time for repairs. We had a steering column fire about 2-3 years ago driving along and the car filled with smoke, it was a electrical fire, but pulling over turning off the engine put out the fire. Had it repaired immediately. A week before the big fire we felt the column and it was hot...but cooled after we parked it. Then days later is when it burned to the ground, even the tires were gone. Honda doesn't care about our loss, and of course it's not their fault. P.s. In 2007 we got hurt in that same car we were stopped on the side of the road ( we were in the car) and a truck crossed the line and hit us head on. Our seat belts didn't hold us in, they loosened and airbags did not deploy. We were hurt and honda said the truck hit us too high is why the airbags didn't deploy. That sounds ridiculous. The seat belt shoulder straps didn't hold us cause we weren't moving also sounds ridiculous. Honda didn't care then either.
A couple of years ago, we had our mechanic (who worked with a locksmith) rebuild the ignition switch because our keys were failing to turn the switch, making it impossible to start the car. This repair cost us about $400. We also had new keys cut. Now the problem has resurfaced. The keys are not worn, but they are still unable to turn the switch unless they go in "just right" -- which means 15+ minutes of fiddling with the key to start the car -- and sometimes it just doesn't work at all. The locksmith will charge us another $400 to rebuild the switch again -- or we can pay $535 (plus tax) to the dealership to have them replace it. [this does not include the door locks, by the way, which would still have to be opened with the old key -- and cost another $400 to replace.] we have started leaving a key in the ignition at all times to ensure that we can use the car. Once we get it in there, we just leave it there. We drape a small towel over the steering column to hide the key, but there it stays. It's a ridiculous situation, and we are not alone. I see a lot of people complaining about this online. Why has this not been recalled?
Car key goes in ignition and will not turn. This is a danger when you can not start the car and get out of a dangerous situation. I read on line many other pilots with the same problem. Honda has a bad part. Honda wants $500 to fix a bad part that needs to be recalled.
Left work at night. Low-beams partially failed, but I didn't notice until I was going 55 MPH on the highway. Had to use brights, and go to a gas station. Vehicle had to be towed, and checked by dealer. Dealer said using 3rd party headlight bulbs was the cause. Of interest, the car already had the low-beam failure recall fixed. Looks like this is still an issue after the recall, and using honda oem bulbs is the only safe way to go. 3rd party bulbs were purchased from advance auto parts, and I'm unsure of the brand.
We started to have trouble inserting the key in the ignition. Today the key wouldn't even go in after many attempts wiggling it. After twenty minutes trying had to leave car behind. Now I'm without a car and searching for recalls noticed that although there is none for this problem it is a huge problem with other pilot owners.
I took my vehicle to repair a recall and [xxx] service manger said he will service all the recalls to the vehicle. The recall was something in reference to the ignition. To days later the vehicle will not shout off, the vehicle always make the sound as if the key was in the ignition. I took it back and [xxx] service manger said the do not touch anything around the ignition.... Now the vehicle shout off while driving have video. Took it back and [xxx] said I need to pay additional.... If all vehicle recalls where recall by the dealer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2003 honda pilot. Consumer requests reimbursement for ignition system recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated the dealer completed the repairs outlined in the recall, but charged him for the replacement and installation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that he was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.
Issue with honda pilot's ignition switch not fully engaging the park position. Received recall paper work ordering this issue to be fixed at local honda dealer free of charge. Recall paper work was signed by [xxx] chief recall management division. Local honda dealer, williston honda and chrysler performed the recall service on april 4, 2014. The recall job for a honda pilot was botched. The service mechanic refused to fix. Requested management to investigate this issue. As of today april 18, 2014 an answer to fix or not to fix this issue from the management of williston honda and chrysler has not been given. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2003 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems at dealership. *smd the consumer received a recall letter in the mail. However, when she visited the dealer, they refused to fix it, by stating the vehicle was not in their system. The consumer stated the vehicle was purchased in germany through the military. The consumer has since sold the vehicle.
The ignition switch for the vehicle suddenly wouldn't accept the key. Researching the issue online, http://www.piloteers.org/forums/14-problems/27572-2003-pilot-ignition-switch-problem-solution.html, I found many other references to the exact same problem. Only 160,000 miles on vehicle and in excellent mechanical condition so very unexpected and serious defect. I have two other vehicles with over 250,000 miles and never had this concern. New ignition parts installed over $500 and told me to save my paperwork as there should be a recall on this. I'm fortunate it was daylight, I was at work, and had aaa in order to get the vehicle towed to the dealer. Please force honda to issue a recall on this ignition switch problem.
There is a recall: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7018-en in addition the key and lock mechanism can be warn out where the key can fall out of the ignition while on a freeway or street. The car dies and you can't put the key back in and move the car. Happened to me had to tow the car have the recall done and had to pay for the ignition with replacement. The web shows 100 or 1000 of others with similar issues.
In april of this year I brought my 2003 honda pilot in to the dealership for a recall concerning the ignition switch interlock. After that, it was difficult to put my key in the ignition, but if I jiggled it enough it would finally go in . Now my key does not even go in at all. The honda dealership said that I need the ignition switch assembly changed, but that it is not covered by any recall. It seems like this is a fairly common problem among other owners of the 2003 honda pilot. To be stuck somewhere with my kids in a car that won't start because the key won't go in is a scary thought. It has almost happened to me more than once.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated the ignition switch failed the key could not be released from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.
Certified letter (7011 0470 003 0649 3438) from attorney representing his client regarding paid repaired work he had done to his 2003 honda pilot and later received recall notices about the problem; he is seeking reimbursement. *smd on december 21, 2012, the key became stuck in the ignition, and could not be removed without the assistance from the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer it would cost $624. 41 to fix the problem, despite the fact it was a known defect, which apparently resulted from an improper setting of the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission at the shift lever bracket, which was a common problem with honda vehicles. After the consumer paid for the repairs, he received a recall notice from honda concerning the ignition interlock switch on his vehicle.
The key gets stuck in ignition and does not turn. After numerous attempts it finally turns and then I can start the car. I have noticed a lot other people are having this issue, called up honda and they said there is no recall for this symptom.
Key cannot be inserted into ignition switch. Takes multiple attempts to insert key and once fully inserted key won't turn ignition. Takes numerous attempts and eventually key will turn ignition.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition switch when the gear lever was shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v573000 (electrical system). The dealer replaced the shift interlock lever and failed to include the replacement of the ignition switch. The failure persisted after the remedy repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Key gets stuck in ignition, very frustrating when the key does not work. This effects the lock cylinders(tumblers). This should have been a very, straight forward issue honda would address. Also have a 2011 pilot (in addition to honda minivan) and concerned this will occur with new car. Understand wear and tear, but this is a basic function for ignition. Honda needs to address this issue.
Broken ignition tumbler: I had just finished running errands and was starting home when the key would not turn in the ignition. I had no warning there was a problem, all of a sudden it just would not turn...... Not even after multiple attempts. This left me stranded with my five children. I had to get the car towed to nearest honda dealership..that alone has set me back a couple hundred dollars...now dealership is telling me I have a broken ignition tumbler and is quoting me $500 to fix the problem. I have seen a lot of other complaints online concerning this same issue. To say the least, I am not too happy to be stuck holding the bag for this, not to mention being stranded with my children, which I think is every mothers worst nightmare.
2003 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated he was denied reimbursement twice. The last rejection, was via telephone, in which he was told the symptom fixed at his expense was a sticky tumbler. The consumer explained that the symptoms included an initial interlock failure. The consumer stated the problems started with him being able to remove the key from the ignition, when the gear selector was not in park. A month or two later, the key started to stick in the ignition with the shifter in the park position, and a few weeks later the steering wheel eventually locked with a stuck key. The consumer as since traded the vehicle.
Key will no longer turn in the ignition switch,it is also difficult to insert and remove the key ,take 6 min max sometimes, change keys and the same problem. I was told by service department that this is not a recall. Service department told me it going to cost me $500 or more material $200 and rest in labor I is there a recall in this area?this start to happen after I take my vehicles for a recall ,something to do with the vehicles move went the keys inside.
Key will no longer turn in the ignition. It is also difficult to insert and remove the key. Assumed this was what the ignition recall was for, but was told by the service department that this is not covered and that they cannot fix the recall item unless I first get the ignition fixed.
2003 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to defective ignition switch. *smd the consumer stated when her husband returned to the vehicle 30 minutes later, he discovered the vehicle had rolled backwards on an incline in the parking lot, coming to rest against another vehicle, which caused damaged to the front of that vehicle. The consumer stated she was able to remove the key from the ignition, even though the gear was not in park. The consumers husband informed her, there were three other occurrences prior to the accident, where the vehicle would roll backwards, anywhere from a few feet to a few yards.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). The contact stated that recently, the key was able to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle was not secured in park. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.
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. Honda should be ashamed of their flagrant irresponsibility. Please help us. Thank you.
This problem is extremely common on all hondas and has never been addressed. The power door lock motors consistently go bad. So far, this has happened to the driver and passenger doors on my pilot. The honda dealer is asking for $300 per door!!! This needs to be recalled asap.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the key came out of the ignition switch independently and the vehicle continued operating normally. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that she received a recall letter for the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v573000 ( electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who refused to perform the repairs free of charge since they believed the vehicle had been tampered with. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
Key got difficult to put into the ignition switch. Then after a few days the key had to be jiggled to turn and then after two weeks the key will not turn. This is a safety hazard if you need to start the car quickly or if you are threatened and need to use your car to escape.
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