2003 Honda Pilot: won't start

Filed Mar 8, 2020 · Electrical · 138,715 miles · PA

Vehicle had a lack of computer function would not start. All dash lights lite ignition non functional when test plug put on obd plug all problems cleared vehicle now operates correctly vehicle had just passed state inspection and operated correctly for 3days.

Filed Dec 19, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

Honda pilot 2003 cranked up started driving, after a min or two it shut off and wouldn't crank back up. I've replaced the main relay and a new fuel pump but when you put the key in and try to start it, it doesn't turn over all the way. It wants to but won't. Also more electrical issues along with radio and head lights. Something is terribly wrong and ive put alot of money into trying to find out what it is and have been guaranteed that part will fix it but no luck. New parts help but not with turning over and starting.

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Electrical · 121,692 miles · SC

About a month ago I tried to use my spare key and the key wouldn't work in my ignition. So, I located my regular keys and they key worked as it should. Last week my normal key would go into the ignition but, the ignition would not turn. After several attempts the key did finally turn and I was able to get home. Later that day, I went to leave my house for work and again the key would go into the ignition but, not turn the ignition. After 20 minutes of inserting and removing the key it finally worked again. It continued to work for the remainder of the day. I spoke with my mechanic and he suggested I get the ignition replaced before it got to a point where it wouldn't start an in his opinion the ignition was deteriorating quickly. He also stated that this would be a dealer only repair. I did ask two other mechanics in the area & I reached out to a locksmith, they all said due to the structure of the alarm & the lazer cut key style it was a dealer only part. I started to google the issue & saw other people have experienced the same problem & I made an appointment with the dealership. The dealership mentioned that the previous owner had work done on the ignition with a previous recall but, they felt this issue was unrelated and would be an out of pocket expense. The next morning the key became stuck in the ignition. The ignition would now turn but, I was unable to remove the key, leaving my car a prime target for theft. I dropped the car off this morning & I made a call into corporate to file a complaint. It was also suggested I file a complaint here by one of the many other 2003 pilot owners on another forum: http://www.carcomplaints.com/honda/pilot/2003/accessories-interior/ignition_switch_problem.shtml total cost of repair $538.89

Filed Oct 14, 2013 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · HI

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.

Filed Aug 1, 2012 · Electrical · 113,546 miles · MD

The ignition switch locked up and the car would not start. I was stranded at work for several hours. Honda needs to do something about this issue. We should not have to pay $600 for a repair they are well aware do to a parts defect. Previously the vehicle also had started to roll back on the inclined drive way when I removed the ignition key with the shifter still in drive.

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Electrical · 122,000 miles · IL

The ignition key for the 2003 honda pilot has been getting stuck in the ignition causing it not to start for over a year. If I wiggled the steering wheel, the key and pumped the brakes the key would turn and the truck would eventually start. On august 25, 2010 the the key remained jammed in the ignition and the truck would not start. I had to have the truck towed and repaired. This is not normal wear and tear of the vehicle. I have researched and found many other 2003 pilot owners who have experienced the same problem with the ignition key. This is a safety issue because in case of an emergency the 2003 pilot owner would not be able to start the truck in a timely manner.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Electrical · 94,675 miles · NC

Ignition lock failure, key stopped working car won't start left us stranded.

Filed Mar 8, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · 120,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle felt as though it was surging forward. The contact pulled over and put the vehicle into park and the RPM's started to rev-up on its own. The contact has taken the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. Thecontact stated the vehicle has many safety problem and thinks the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/06/10. *lj the door lock cylindeers and ignition switch was replaced. The engine and steering locked up and the vehicle would not start. The key door lock broke and had to be replaced. The heater motor failed. Updated 07/06/10.

Filed Feb 16, 2010 · Body, Driver assistance · 87,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

There are several issues: 1. The problem began with the key not fitting properly as it once did, perhaps after several attempts. When I turn the key or put the key in the ignition it won't turn to get the vehicle started. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and it doesn't matter. The pilot still won't start. When reading the manual, it's a push sign under the ignition but this isn't addressed in the manual. It doesn't tell you the purpose of the push sign. I've tried everything to get the key to turn and I've let others try also. And it doesn't work for anyone. The steering wheel is turned all the way to the left but the wheels are not and it won't turn to the right it all; it's locked. The vehicle won't go in neutral, so I can roll it or nothing. 2. There is knocking noise that is louder when you accelerate on the left front side perhaps it's coming from the drive-train or axle on that side, almost sounds like something is loose and may fall off. 3. The radio turns off for a few seconds randomly and it may not happen again for a while and suddenly does once again. 4. The lock and handle to the glove compartment broke off and cannot be opened. 5. The wire to control the handles for the rear seats to recline and fold down broke from within the seats. I looked inside it's the piece of plastic to hold the wire in place that broke, there needs to be a better replacement part made of steel not plastic. 6. The floor mat sticks in bunches causing the carpet to soil can be hazardous I.e. Toyota, only remedy is to replace the floor mat for the truck entirely, very, very expensive... 7. When it reaches 30mph it shakes and you can hear a loud noise like you're driving over something ridged it's scary. 8. The button for four wheel drive does not function 9. The chrome on the door handles peeled off tearing the skin causing injuries to the hand, my finger still feels tingly and numb. Please help!!!

Filed May 18, 2009 · Electrical, Steering · 73,333 miles · CA

Vehicle will not accept key, after playing with it finally get the key into the ignition, but will not start. Play and play with ignition and car finally starts. Take to honda dealership in el cajon ca , they say because of weight of keys, have a total of 3 keys on my chain, that it has worn out the key and the tumblers in the ignition. They make a new key, it goes right in but the ignition is still not turning over, have to get a ignition. They replace the ignition but now I have two heavy honda keys because the "new ignition" is a sidewinder and it comes with a key that they can't program to fit the doors. Now my key chain is heavier than before. This cost me $850.00.

Filed Nov 7, 2008 · Electrical · 7,000 miles · MS

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact drove the vehicle to work and, later that day, it would not start. He made several attempts to start the vehicle and it eventually started. He drove the vehicle to his residence and, after turning off the vehicle, it would not restart. The mechanic stated that the ignition switch was possibly defective. The dealer advised him to bring in the vehicle for repairs. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 10,348 and failure mileage was 7,000.