2003 Honda Pilot: engine failure

Filed Nov 18, 2016 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · WA

On may 26, 2015, I was traveling north on I-5 at 60 MPH when the wheels of my car seized. At which point the car began a rigorous slide, black smoke billowed as the tread of my tires peeled off. The force of the slide eventually jammed the tires sideways causing the car to hop as it propelled forward, finally coming to a stop about a mile from the starting point. Needless to say it was a horrific ride, which still causes me some stress. The car was towed to bill's tech trans where they informed me that the transmission was faulty. Bill's sent the faulty transmission to the maker. At that time I was unaware of the recall on honda pilot 2003 transmissions. After hearing of the recall a couple of months later, I informed american honda of my incident. They requested receipts pertaining to the incident which I provided in full 3 times. One of the four customer service representatives had lost some or all of the paperwork that I had sent. It has been a year and a half of dealing with american honda and they continue to put me off, even closing the claim at one point; they sent a letter which stated, "we have attempted to contact you in regards to your request, but have not been successful in reaching you." I called immediately and they informed me they had closed the claim due to my lack of responding to their phone calls. I told them that both my home phone and cell phone keep logs of who calls and that they are not on either one. American honda reopened the case. Since then I have been rebuffed repeatedly. About a month ago I was told someone was reviewing the case for possible reimbursement and have heard nothing since. It seems as if they do not want to honor the recall on the 2003 honda pilot transmission. Is there anything you can do to help? American honda recall case no. 04263486

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Electrical · 141,400 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated the ignition key seized within the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shift interlock lever needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). However, the remedy caused the ignition key to seize within the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,400.

Filed Jul 25, 2013 · Transmission · 78,785 miles · NJ

2003 honda pilot transmission started slipping in low gear after engine warmed up. Whenever vehicle is going from a stop to movement, such as red lights, stop signs and traffic, vehicle doe not click into gear right away. Took vehicle to honda dealer who stated transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $4100 + 12 hrs labor for installation. Vehicle only has @78,00 miles on it. Luckily my transmission has not seized as many others have on the highway causing grave safety concern.

Filed Oct 5, 2012 · Electrical · 133,568 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that while trying to start the vehicle, the key seized in the ignition and could not be turned. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 133,568.

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · NY

2003 honda pilot started to sometimes drop out of gear. Feels like car is in neutral. I step on gas, can hear engine rev, but feels like transmission has disengaged. I have to coast over to side of road, place car in park and then in drive again to correct problem. When tranny is not acting up, I also have noticed the car shakes around 50-60mph. D was flashing and engine light on first time tranny disengaged, so I took car to me mechanic, who told me diagnostics were telling him car needed new sensors, which he replaced. Went upstate, thinking prob solved, well, I almost caused a pile up on gwb in new york with car dropping out of drive again at about 45mph, nowhere there to pull over, so I had to stop car in middle of road, drop it into park, then move it into drive. This time no flashing d or check engine light came on.I brought it to honda. They told me they would check the tranny. The only thing they found wrong was tranny fluid was slightly overfilled, so they drained some fluid. They did tell me if problem persisted I would need a new tranny and also needed new engine mounts on my 8 year old car with 103,000miles. Next day problem was still there! Meanwhile I had dealer check on the price of new tranny..4,700.00! Was very upset to find all of the other complaints on this and many websites. I called honda dealer, told them I felt honda should issue a recall on this ongoing problem with the 2003 pilots, and other models. They asked me what I would be willing to pay for the repairs.I told the man, if they are negotiating a price on a new tranny, then honda knows there is a problem with the transmissions in these cars.I explained to him I've already spent 700.00 on sensors at my mechanic, and another 250.00 with his service station on this tranny, and would not pay any more than 500.00. Next day got call telling me they wouldn't give me anything toward new tranny.very unhappy honda not making good on an obvious defect in these trannys! No more hondas for me.