2003 Honda Pilot: check engine light

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 148,118 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,118.

Filed Apr 14, 2019 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · AR

Takata recall I was merging onto the highway and experienced total engine power loss. Rpms revved high and car lurched forward. I had already merged into 60mph traffic when my car stalled. Forced the cars behind me to slam on their brakes. Thankfully I was able to pull off to the side of the road and avoid having a major accident. There was no check engine light on or any other indication of failure.

Filed Mar 25, 2019 · Airbags, Engine · 195,000 miles · NC

Transmission slips engine light does not come on was told transmission is separate so itdoes not show up because the light does not come it does not show up on the computer does not happen all the time so it can and does when driving it goes into neutrol

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 284,469 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. Upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, it failed to move. In addition, while the vehicle was at a stop light or while making turns, the vehicle continued idling. The check engine indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to jeff wyler honda of colerain (8950 colerain ave, cincinnati, oh 45251, 513‑741‑3700) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle misfired and the transmission and gasket needed to be cleaned and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 284,469.

Filed Oct 4, 2018 · Transmission · 164,000 miles · HI

I just bought a 2003 honda pilot with 164,000 miles on it a few days ago and noticed the transmission wasn't shifting correctly. It seemed like it would sometimes over rev before shifting but thought nothing of it. Last night I picked my grandchildren up from town and was heading back up the highway going about 55mph, all of a sudden it jerked back and downshifted to 2nd gear, luckily no one was behind or they would've hit us. I noticed the engine light came on at that time also.

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 134,000 miles · WI

My honda pilot is having difficulty shifting gears in the city and on the highway. I will be moving in a few weeks and traveling about 40 miles on the highway everyday. A few days ago I called honda after looking up recalls and there was a transmission recall number 04v176000. I was told to take it to the honda dealer and if it is a problem with the transmission it will be replaced at no charge. I took it to the dealer and told them what honda told me and they said it is probably the torque converter. (code p0740) the supervisor was going to call honda and get back to me. I feel very frightened to travel on the highway when my check engine light is still on and having trouble with the transmission. I just can't believe that a 2003 honda pilot with only 130,000 miles would have issues with the transmission and/or torque converter !! If it is causing gears to chip or break I don't want to be driving on the highway and possibly be injured or even killed ! Or causing injury to others.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter clutch solenoid valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Dec 8, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 128,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet pilot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light illuminated several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Acceleration, Transmission · 139,500 miles · CA

Driving vehicle on freeway, went to accelerate vehicle did nothing. Took my foot off gas, tried again, nothing. Got in slow lane, finally engaged but had to go slow on freeway. Engine light comes on. Next day vehicle wont shift from 3rd gear, can only go 35 MPH and engine revs up. The drive light starts flashing. Next day cant shift into reverse either. Take to transmission shop, they say no reverse, no 3rd gear, fluid is full but smells burnt. Pulled codes p0730 incorrect gear ratio and p0780 shift malfunction. Recommended transmission replace. I only have 139,000 miles and don't drive it crazy. Also found there was a transmission recall on this year pilot. I call honda so they can look it up, he says yes it was done to my car, but doesn't show on my carfax report?

Filed Mar 5, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 202,115 miles · MA

The vehicle has had unpredictable braking and traction for well over a year. Dealer visit on march 14, 2014 did not produce a cause. More recently I was unable to stop the vehicle from 40 MPH for a red light with full brake pressure. Road conditions were good at the time. I had to accelerate through the intersection to avoid a collision. The vehicle currently displays the "check engine" light and "vtm-4" light quite consistently. Traction is also intermittently compromised by some unknown problem. It seems that when the vtm-4 light is on, the awd feature of the vehicle is disabled. When it is on, it cannot be disabled with the switch on the dash. The driver side air bag was ordered on october 29, 2014 but has not yet become available. I called the dealer again on march 2, 2014 after I received another air bag recall notice. This now includes the passenger side as well as the driver side. Air bags are not expected for another two to three months. They will call...............!

Filed Aug 22, 2013 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · MI

1. Fall of 2011, when attempting to pick up speed car would began to sputter and shake. For safety, I wouldn't drive faster than approx. 35 MPH. Arriving at my destination, I put the car in park, took my foot off the brake. The engine revved and surged forward several times. Fuel injection cleaner remedied this. 2. 2012, when initially accelerating, gears would roughly change with a thumping sound. While driving and picking up speed, car would rev loudly. Brakes were applied to keep it from lunging forward. (very scary), but maintained control. Checked transmission fluid level, added 1/4 qt of transmission fluid. Problem persisted. Engine warning light came on. Drove it to the honda service department. Mechanic checked and test drove car. Advised about light flashing when in drive-(this had not occurred).they couldn't find the problem. Engine warning light reset. Returned to service department one week later when engine warning light came on again. Mechanic test drove and again couldn't find a problem. Warning light reset. Approx. 3 weeks later, warning light returned. Continued to drive cautiously. On aug 20, 2013 (driving approx 20 MPH) three houses from my home, my car changed gears with a loud clunk (sounded like something broke). I turned into the driveway and haven't moved or driven it since. My honda pilot has approx. 65,000 miles on the odometer. I believe honda motors and dealerships are aware of this recurring defect with the honda pilot models and is deliberately ignoring the consumers of their product. I've received several notices from honda dealers stating my 2003 pilot is in high demand. I am angry that I'm stuck with this wreck, but glad this junk was not passed on to someone else. In the meantime I'm without transportation and maybe forced to purchase another vehicle. Very depressed.

Filed Apr 25, 2013 · Transmission · 113,805 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v176000 (power train) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 113,805.