In the morning, on january 27, I had my 2 year old and 4 year old in the vehicle and I was driving my son to school. Less than a mile from home, going between 30-35mph, I tapped the brakes as I approached a bend in the road and after a brief initial pause (as you would expect), the car suddenly started rapidly accelerating - I started pressing the brakes to no avail - vehicle did not slow down - at this point I was in the curve and was unable to keep the vehicle on the road. I hit a small tree and continued careening out of control until I crashed in a ditch, hitting a wood hydro pole (thankfully not concrete) - both airbags deployed - I suffered a broken ankle, bruised ribs and seat belt abrasions - my 2 year old required stitches on her eye lid and eyebrow due to impact with her cup that she was holding at the time (we're lucky her sight wasn't affected). My son suffered no physical injuries but 1 month later is still talking about it. Vehicle was a complete write off. Had approximately 161,000 miles at time of incident. Cruise control was likely on but wasn't in use. Similar issue happened on 2 previous occasions. 1st at least 8 months ago and then again about 3 weeks before accident (was going to address with dealer at next oil change) but on two prior occurrences surge occurred when brakes were tapped to disengage cruise control - same pause/surge but not nearly as intense and stopped immediately when brakes were pressed again. After the accident I noted that there are several reports of the same thing happening to other people. No idea how fast it was going when it crashed but it "felt" like at least 50mph. This is terrifying when it happens, I don't want to see this happen to anyone else. I shudder to think what would have happened if this had occurred at an intersection or on the expressway - we might not be here... Also mailing letter to manufacturer.
2003 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 62, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Owner driver was stopped on red light along with 20 other cars , the driver was last in the lane and other driver did not applied brakes, this vehicle was banged from the back. Body damage was repaired by westminster honda in costa mesa . California, body repair cost of $ 3,500 was paid by insurance company of the person who was at fault, the auto transmission replacement cost of $ 6,500 was recovered from the me who was not at fault. The question is at that time the air bag was not deployed because of fault? After that I got recall notice from american honda for two air bags driver side and passenger side, the notice came in the month of january 2015, first they delayed the repair task by making an excuse that they are very busy and first appointment is available on february 28 th at auto nation honda in gilbert az then I got an e mail and a call from dealer that the parts are on back order, and they would not know when part will be available. After that I called american honda, they have intervened and assured me that auto nation honda will call me to schedule appointment again. Then I gave 4 - 5 calls to auto nation honda, till today as of april 19th this repair is not fixed even though all parties know that this is critical to the life of drivers and passengers in this vehicle. Now I am in round rock texas, so I will need to see new dealer will somebody control these auto companies and dealer for compliance? Thanks
Failed front and side engine mounts on honda pilot 2003. This seems to be very common among other honda pilot owners.
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.
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. I asked if that could be making the car shudder and they said probably. I had them change it and the shudder has not gone away. This morning it was particularly heavy so I called the dealer again and they gave me the american honda number. I called them and they said the dealer should look at it. I've seen so many other people have the same complaint and I'm very concerned this is a safety issue that honda is choosing to ignore; a little like other auto companies have done over the past few years until a fatality happens. As I carry my family in this vehicle and I am particularly concerned.
Front motor mounts broke and needed to be replaced. Appears to be a known common problem with honda pilots. Never happened on any of my other vehicles.
Driving in a residential neighborhood, our 2003 honda pilot stalled and would not re-start. We had it towed to our mechanic who has been servicing our vehicle. He states that the timing belt pulley had ripped out the water pump and caused a bolt to come in contact with the cylinder head.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to start the vehicle 10 minutes later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the ignition cylinder lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 209,000.
The motor mounts on my wife's 2003 honda pilot were replaced in 2010 and I was informed today by the dealership that they need to be replaced again. This vehicle had approx 93500 miles on it when it was replaced the first time and now three years later has 140,939. I have been told by honda customer service that the mounts are warranted for 12 months. The vehicle is used by my wife to drive 20 miles roundtrip to work and on our trips. The vehicle is not used for towing and is not equipped with a tow receiver. Additionally, the ignition switch was improperly designed with a split wafer mechanism which according to the dealership and two local locksmiths wears out prematurely and causes jamming of the ignition cylinder as well as wedging of the keys in the ignition cylinder. Lastly, when a transmission recall was done on the car in 2005, it was done improperly. The recall specified a oil jet be installed on the transmission to lubricate the 2nd gear. The problem is that the hose used to connect the transmission fluid supply line to the transmission used a straight transmission hose which had to be bent 90 degrees in a distance of approx 2 inches to be installed. This causes the hose to be kinked and restrict the flow of fluid. Honda won't correct the problem or acknowledge the repair should have incorporated a formed elbow hose instead of a straight hose to ensure proper flow. Now honda is telling me they don't have a representative in new mexico that I can speak to about the above issues. My case number w/honda is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I also had both my front and side engine mounts go bad and I had to fix the problem I paid $934.00. I have 3 children that sit in this vehicle at all times so if I know that there is an issue especially with the mounts that hold my engine I have to fix it went to my local honda dealer dealt with the recalls that came up and had them service the transmission fluid since it was there. I am sure that I got robbed but, what can I do have to keep my kids safe. Husband said, that the mounts should last alot longer he knows a lot about cars have other cars over 180k and mounts are still original what is going on honda getting junky on us. I hope they can fix what is going on too many tranny problems and engine issues. Shame on you not happy at all been a civic, accord owner also....
The key had trouble turning in the ignition. It got worse over time. Eventually the key wont turn at all. Looked up online and saw many complaints of the same problem with the same model and make of our vehicle. Had it fixed in 2011 and it cost over $500. Now in may of 2013 it's happening again. Sometimes it takes over 10 minutes to get the car started with trying to turn the key over and over again which I'm sure it's just making it worse and worse.
Engine revs at 25-30 MPH, and RPM's shoot up. It appears it won't change gears.
I have read on this website and on others that there has been a problem with the engine mounts breaking. I brought my car in for service and, sure enough, my engine mount has broken. The car has never been in an accident and is driven on smooth roads daily. This is a danger to the safety of the driver and passengers in the car. This is a common problem and needs to be recalled.
I own a 2003 honda pilot with 57,000 miles on it. After taking it to a honda specialist for scheduled service, the technician reported that the front engine mount & side engine mount are both broken, with a repair estimate of $503.30. The vehicle has not been in a collision, has had all its scheduled services and in no way should the engine mounts be broken. This is a major issue and honda should be looking into repair as it seems to not have been properly installed to be broken with such few miles.
I recently bought a used 2003 honda pilot from [xxx] of colerain in ohio. The car has 137,000 approximate miles on it. They wanted me to pay over 15,000 for the car and finally after debating for hours over 4. They sold me the car out the door with no warranty offered for 10,500. I was very happy and I have 2 children and one on the way. I bought the car on august 5, 2012 less than two week go by and I am driving home going 65mph on 71 and the car jerks down gears to 30 miles an hour in a split second. My neck and my back are both hurting and I do not want to sue nor try to get rich off of this. My complaint is, I took the car to[xxx] of colerain the next morning they said the transmission was bad and they could do nothing for me. So basically they said I will have to pay for a $7,000 dollar repair. I left the car there and came home did all kinds of research found that car is up for recall on the transmission and thousands of people have the same issue. They even have a facebook page dedicated to fixing this problem! How can honda keep these vehicle's on the road? If my 17 month old would have been in the car with me she would have maybe broke her neck. Go drive 65mph and throw the car in reverse that is what happened to me! And they said I bought a certified used honda? So what do I do ? Who do I call? And why can they sell me a car in such a state? With over 4 recalls on parts and one being potentially fatal. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The pilot shudders going at slower rates of speed at pretty regular instances. My mechanic informed me that the torque converter, possibly the whole transmission needs to be replaced. I was also informed that this is a very common problem with 2003 honda pilots.
Front engine mount was broken and had to be replaced. Now, at 84105 miles, the side engine mount is broken. I have owned several cars since 1975, and have never had a problem with any engine mount until this 2003 honda pilot.
Took pilot in for headlight recall wiring replacement. Mine had connector completely melted. Replaced. Was told on pickup that all three engine mounts were broke! That explains the clunk with acceleration . I drive this pilot like an old lady going to church. How all three are broke at the same time the odds are too high for that! Bad design?? Poor materials???called honda mum is the word,no recall on engine mounts,go figure for sure.
I took my pilot in for a slipping transmission. I was told I had bad motor mounts and that was allowing the transmission to slip. I spent approx. $3600.00 to have the motor mounts fixed, timing belt and water pump, front struts, etc. Fixed. The problem started again, this time, getting a flashing "d" light. Took it back in for failure to fix the problem. Had 4th gear pressure gear replaced for cost. I now have a check engine light on posting a code of p0730, "incorrect gear ratio". I have been into honda 4 times for this issue including today, and I was told I need a new transmission. I am out of warranty of course, but I know there are many, many complaints regarding this particular issue. I do not have the money to replace a faulty transmission that was built poorly. I am worried I might get into a crash because of this. I am contemplating hiring a lawyer to resolve this issue.
Front and right engine mounts need to be replaced per honda dealership.
My 2003 honda pilot has been shuddering at 35-45 MPH. I also have had the "d" light flashing. I see that this is an issue with way too many pilots. Honda needs to take ownership of this problem and fix it! I love honda - we also have a 2004 civic. However, I am beginning to wonder if our next car will be a honda. I have two small children that I drive daily in the pilot, and I am terrified after reading all of these complaints to drive them in this car. This is ridiculous.
Having difficulties puting car into gear from park to drive especially if vehicle is on a hill. Various friends who have the same car have the same issue. One friend had to replace transmission when it failed on the highway.
Front engine mount broke under normal driving conditions; vehicle was never driven off road, only on paved roads.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the engine rpms increased up to 3000. His foot was on the brake pedal but the vehicle continued to lunge forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the idle air control system had an internal failure on the AC motor which needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance because there were no recalls available. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 118,612. Updated 06/01/11*lj updated 06/02/11
2003 honda pilot. Consumer states mechanical problems with the vehicle *tgw the consumer stated the drive light began to flash intermittently from the beginning of ownership. The dealer told the consumer it was related to the gas cap not being secured properly. However, once the transmission was replaced the light no longer flashed. On august 19, 2003 the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a hesitation issue, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Four months later, the check engine and SRS lights illuminated. Also, the vtm lights were flashing. On september 8, 2005 the transmission light began flashing. The consumer was informed that a special part had to ordered. The consumer also stated the power steering pump and gear box had to be replaced. Also, the egr, v-tec seals and o-ring were all replaced to rectify the engine light problem. The timing belt and left and right control arm links were replaced. The inner and outer cv boots were replaced. On february 8, 20011 while driving 70 MPH, the transmission suddenly downshifted almost causing a complete loss of control of the vehicle. The next day, the vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the consumer was informed the transmission had failed again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the engine, the power steering malfunctioned functioning and the ignition turned off. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop but was not repaired. The technician stated the timing belt needed to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
I own a honda pilot 2003. 2 weeks ago our air conditioner compressor died. We were on our way on vacation when it went. The mechanic said we could have lost a lot more had the belt snapped. Don't know if this is an ongoing problem with these but figured its worth reporting.
2003 honda pilot ex failed motor mounts. Seems to be a common complaint.
Front and side engine mounts were broken and needed replacing.
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