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2003 Honda Pilot transmission complaints

Page 7 of 9: complaints 161 to 190 of 224, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Honda Pilot transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 2, 2010 · Transmission · MT

Consumers 2003 honda pilot automatic transmission failed. Consumer found an affordable auto shop and learned that the vehicle was under warranty when the information was provide to honda consumer was denied warranty service. A mechanic informed the consumer, there was a recall on the vehicle, regarding the transmission in relation to the second gear, the consumer stated he was not aware of any recalls on the vehicle, as a notice never came in the mail. The mechanic confirmed the vehicle met the recall outlined in the notice he found online. Honda informed the consumer the claim was denied because the problem did not meet the recall requirements issued in 2004. According to the invoice, the transmission diagnosis stated the transmission overheated. It also stated a list of parts that were replaced on the vehicle, mainly the secondary shaft 2nd gear and the counter shaft 2nd gear.

Filed Mar 23, 2010 · Transmission · 128,000 miles · CA

I have a 2003 honda pilot that is having transmission problem. It is slipping gears and bogs while driving. I have notice that their was a recall on this car andi guess it was taken care of but the problem still exit.

Filed Mar 23, 2010 · Transmission · 128,000 miles · CA

I have a 2003 honda pilot that is having transmission problem. It is slipping gears and bogs while driving.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 127,000 miles · FL

2003 honda pilot transmission: my transmission continues to slip in 2nd gear. I have replaced numerous items on the vehicle - steering column, motor mounts, etc. The list is numerous. I have had transmission problems almost since the beginning of purchasing this vehicle in february 2006. The dealer never told me that the 2003 pilot had any type of transmission problems. I know as a consumer, I should have done my own research, but I had always heard excellent things about honda. My transmission continues to slip, after revving. I took it to the dealer and even then they never said anything about problems. I had my repairman look at it because I was concerned. He is the one that told me this vehicle had transmission problems & all dealers were aware of it. I bought the extended warranty when I purchased the car - but of course, it is no longer valid. I am really upset because I drive my 2 children and the transmission will just stall in the middle of traffic - won't leave 2nd-3rd gear. It just revs at about 20-30 miles. It happens quite often and now the check engine light is coming on. The message boards say this is the end of the line. I will attempt to speak with my local dealer. I contacted american honda who basically offered no assistance. Now, I am learning about the horrible things that have happened with the honda 2003 pilot transmissions and am just disappointed that in the effort to make money, no one thought of consumer safety. Obviously, honda recognizes that this is a huge problem and still they are not offering any help to consumers. It is appalling. My car did have the honda repair patch for the transmission in 2004 according to american honda records, as the transmission had a problem even then. Of course, I have the car fax report and it didn't show this information. Is there somewhere else that you can track repairs on used vehicles?

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 Feb 11, 2010 · Transmission · PA

I owe a 2003 honda pilot. In 2007 I complained to the honda service center of a grinding noise several times but nothing could be found. On 2/6/2010 my transmission failed. This problem was reported several times and the dealer could never find a problem. Now since the warranty has expired it is my problem. I have read of the same situation happening to many people and believe it is a problem with the honda transmission.

Filed Feb 9, 2010 · Fuel system, Transmission · 56,000 miles · CA

My honda pilot has an unfixable life threatening defect. It is sticking gas pedal. Usually it sticks after the night in the garage and I need to idle until the engine is hot and then the pedal unsticks. But sometimes it happens while driving. This defect makes the car absolutely unpredictable while driving and could easily lead to the fatal accident. Actually, one time out of four when it happened while driving I was very close to such accident. First time I encountered this defect when my new car was still on warranty nov 4, 2004. Since than the authorized honda dealer has tried to fix this defect more than four times. They replaced the throttle body but all the attempts to fix it were unsuccessful. The problem is still there. I?m very concerned and scared to drive this car at this point as this defect not only directly jeopardizes my life but also the life of my 6-year old daughter who is almost always with me in the car. The american honda stated that it was not anymore responsible for this defect because it?s unfixable and anything else concerning this defect from now on is my responsibility.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Transmission · TX · crash

My car had a transmission recall notice in 2004. I took the car in july 2004 and supposedly the problem was corrected. However, after that time, my car seemed to downshift very roughly and was jerky when putting into gear. Last year my transmission locked up while going down a hill. While, the car behind me did not hit me, my abrupt halt caused at least 3 cars behind me to rear end each other. I had the transmission replaced but I am starting to feel some of the old shifting issues again. I'm hoping it doesn't die.

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. While driving 35 MPH the transmission started to slip. The check engine light came on and the vehicle became difficult to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact is familiar with numerous complaints regarding the transmission failure. The contact is concerned about the safety risk since the lack of acceleration could cause a crash. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2010 · Transmission · 112,700 miles · VA

2003 honda pilot ex-l res; automatic, 112,700 miles. Transmission began slipping while shifting from 2nd-3rd with the selector in drive. Shortly there after at roughly 60 MPH on the highway we experienced a jarring downshift from 5th to 2nd gear with a loud mechanical "thunk", then immediately back to a higher gear, maybe 4th. The truck decelerated so fast and harshly that my wife and 2 children were thrown forward into their seat belts and all items from the floor and back seat were thrown into the front of the cabin. This mishap was unsafe on the highway and I could honestly see this causing an accident under the right circumstances, for instance, merging onto a highway. The maintenance indicator lamp ("mil") illuminated and the transmission mode selector began flashing the drive ("d") indicator. We immediately pulled off the highway and parked the vehicle at our home a short distance away. The clutch slipped between the first 3 gears below 40 MPH on the short drive home. The dealership pulled code p0780. No associated fluid leaks and the transmission fluid was still pink and didn't smell burnt. 3 service technicians test drove it. As soon as the transmission warmed up, it displayed the same behavior reported above and the last test drive barely made it back to the dealership. Dealership recommends replacement of transmission for $4,293.00. The truck was serviced per honda's recommended maintenance/service schedule with honda genuine fluids and parts. The last transmission/ rear differential service was approximately 9,000 miles ago in january, 2009. This vehicle also had the transmission fluid jet kit performed in 2004. I will also be filing a complaint with the better business bureau due to the unusually high amount of 2003/2004 honda pilot failed transmission reports I have read on a number of online forums. Most vehicles that experienced the same failures had between 90k-130k miles. This is unacceptable and should reach class action level.

Filed Nov 15, 2009 · Transmission · 165,000 miles · OK

2003 honda pilot lx 5 speed automatic transmission slipping and changing gears on its own without warning. Transmission failure.

Filed Oct 12, 2009 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · NV

2004 honda pilot, transmission problems!!! Honda said we need to replace your transmission... We had a flashing d light for many year on & off again... They said the recall was done.. My repair record as follows: honda west augs 1/2003 a intermediate maintenance, throttle body service, rear differential service, AC replace ventilation filters, invoice total paid by us $353.10. 10/03/2006 had front brakes done at star import service, they noted {no codes stored for engine or transmission. Possibly cleared @ dealer ???) 08/13/2007 star imports service to check trans light flashes on sometimes, they scan transmission for code and stated on invoice none present..02/18/2009 hondatronics service, check transmission operation, changed transmission fluid twice, we paid 198.13.. June 16, 2009 check d light flashing.. It is now 10/2009 and d light is flashing again and we are told we need a new transmission.

Filed Oct 10, 2009 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · CA

For the past 6 months, I am having this blinking "d" light on the transmission while driving on my 2003 honda pilot SUV. I believed this has to do with the premature failure of the transmission that could cause serious injury to passengers and yet there is no recall yet by honda america to alert the owners of this serious defective transmission problem on this 2003 honda pilot car.

Filed Oct 3, 2009 · Transmission · OH

2003 honda pilot w/45,500 miles hesitation/surging while maintaining speed or while lightly accelerating from maintained speed. Humming noise during hesitation/surge. Very noticeable between 25-40mph. Advised by honda dealer that transmission needs to be replaced. I am the original owner of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 28, 2009 · Transmission · 118,500 miles · VA

Transmission was slow to transition to 3rd gear while going approx. 30-35 MPH. A few days later, the "d" light started flashing, but when car was turned off, it did not go on again. Took it to my mechanic thinking it was a "3rd switch" issue I had read about on car sites. My mechanic said one solenoid was cold, while another was hot. He took it to the dealer to run the codes and get a second opinion. The dealer says it needs a new transmission. My mechanic picked the car up and on the way back, it started shifting from 4th to 1st or 2nd gear on the highway. He said he almost smacked his head on the windshield it jerked so hard. This marks a very rapid decline over less than a week and after my mechanic thought the issue was not the transmission. I believe the car was part of the 2004 transmission recall which was serviced by a honda dealer.

Filed Sep 11, 2009 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · KY

200 honda pilot... Transmission has been slipping... Holding gear before lurching to next gear... Same with slowing down... Pretty alarming... Was told that I need a new transmission at a cost of around $3000... Car only has 88,000 miles on it... Very frustrating... Honda should replace these on their dime.

Filed Sep 3, 2009 · Transmission · 85,284 miles · MA

Car jolted forward while driving on the highway. Very scary. It didn't shift properly afterwards. While pressing the accelerator on a slope, for example, it didn't shift and then jolted forward. In one occasion that I put the car in the r gear, and it didn't go backwards. Checked with a honda dealership, and told that the entire transmission needs to be replaced.

Filed Aug 30, 2009 · Suspension, Tires · 138,400 miles · CT

Our 2003 honda pilot locked up on the highway due to transmission failure of the 2nd gear. We were traveling in the 3rd lane over 60 MPH when both front tires locked and we skidded to a halt in less than 200 yards on the highway. Prior to our vehicle breaking down, there were no signs of danger, no unusual sounds, no blinking lights or any hesitation with the car. Our vehicle had 138,400+ miles and has been serviced regularly according to honda's recommended maintenance schedules, including all transmission fluid changes. On may 7, 2004 with 36,384 miles, our vehicle had received a retrofit of the a/t oil jet kit due to honda's 04-021b safety recall on the automatic transmission second gear. Luckily no one was injured and there were no other vehicles involved in the incident. The car behind us stopped just in time to avoid a collision. Our car could not be rolled into the breakdown lane as both front wheels were locked and we were stranded in the 3rd lane. A police officer was called to the scene and logged the incident as a disabled vehicle. The officer requested for immediate towing since we were in a dangerous location. The car was towed to a honda dealer, who provided the following diagnosis and estimate: "transmission internal failure both front axles twisted needs 2 tires - flat spots alignment $5,199.14 plus tax" we opted not to repair the honda and instead purchased a new non-honda vehicle and received a trade-in value for 'as-is' condition.

Filed Aug 4, 2009 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · CA

I am the original owner of a 2003 honda pilot that has been serviced regularly. I was on ca highway 80 when the "d" light suddenly started flashing then the gears started to stick. The car would not go into overdrive and I had to suddenly slow the car on the highway to 40 MPH. I pulled off as soon as it was safe and was unable to put the car in reverse nor get it into overdrive. Had to drive it at an unsafe speed on the highway to the nearest repair station. Honda is not acknowledging this defect now that the car has 110,000 miles and I have to replace the entire transmission.

Filed Jul 31, 2009 · Transmission · CA

2003 honda pilot transmission was replaced. Consumer request a refund for the transmission work that was a safety recall. *nj the consumer stated there was no reverse gear and the vehicle jerked when switching the gear forward. The dealer diagnosed the problem as internal transmission failure.

Filed Jul 22, 2009 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · VA

Transmission problems, slipping not going into second gear, experienced intermittently, brought in for repair in may 2009 dealer could not find a problem. Transmission problems increased in june, "d" light flashing, slipping near accident trying to pull into traffic and transmission did not engage engine just revved; dealer replaced a part for $800. Transmission problems increasing in frequency, more slipping not going into gear more near accidents pulling into traffic, dealer now notices problem, dealer says we need a new transmission.

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Transmission · 110,259 miles · MD

The federal safety agency recall campaign number: 04v176000 this recall was performed on my vehicle, now the vehicle has started slip and shift hard, the vehicle has had issues with the "d" flashing during normal driving conditions, but resets when the car is shut off. I'm afraid that the as state on the recall consequence: quote: "gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash." I did some research about this and there several hundreds if no thousands of people with this issue.

Filed Jun 28, 2009 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · SC

2003 honda pilot 140k miles. Transmission slips out of gear when accelerating. The "d" indicator began to flash then the car would act like a manual transmission trying start from a dead stop in 4th gear.

Filed Jun 26, 2009 · Transmission · 132,500 miles · GA

Transmission failed to engage next gear slipping. Was merging highway traffic and hardly avoided another car coming from behind me. Seen other customers complaining on 2003-2004 pilot transmissions fails same way soon after 100kmiles.

Filed Jun 20, 2009 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · MO

2003 honda pilot. 2nd gear going out. Seems to have chipped teeth on gear. I contacted honda. They told me that my pilot had already been looked at back in 2004. My mechanic says that this is without a doubt a direct result of original recall on this model. This all began with my "d" flashing. Now my second gear is grinding and about to o out.

Filed Jun 19, 2009 · Transmission · 84,985 miles · FL

Our 2003 honda pilot's (with 85,000 miles) check engine light came on approximately 6/1/09. We recently just purchased this pilot and are the second owners. The car was bought and serviced at the local honda dealership right up until we bought it. Anyhow, we were driving on the highway and the car began to downshift and the car slowed down rather violently as we pulled off on the exit ramp. The rest of the drive home the transmission was shifting and down-shifting quite roughly. Where it gets really interesting was that this vehicle had a recall on the transmission in 2004, warning that the transmission could have "gear failure and lock-up causing a rear-end collision." but the local honda dealership informed us that the recall is totally unrelated to our transmission problem and that we are responsible for the entire cost of repair.

Filed Jun 17, 2009 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · TX

2003 honda pilot, 95k miles, transmission light came on and then started flashing, slipping or popping between gears, acceleration is gone, went downhill very quickly. I logged onto various websites and see the same transmission problems reported by many early model honda pilot owners I am extremely disappointed as I expected a honda to be top notch.

Filed Jun 16, 2009 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · OR

Feb 2009 noticed transmission was periodically slipping at 86,000 miles, 1000 over extended warranty. Did not malfunction when my mechanic checked it. I was passing a truck going uphill at approximately 65mph when the transmission downshifted to first gear on its own and slammed to almost a complete stop. Everything in my car was thrown forward. Took it to a mechanic where I was traveling and he recorded the code p0730, problem in shift control system. Back to my mechanic again for solenoid replacement. Still not shifting properly. Called honda corp and was told that I had to take it to a honda dealer. Honda diagnosed as needing new transmission. I provided all records for proof of maintenance. There is no proof that the "fix it" was ever performed on the transmissions recall. I am out over $2500.00 for a problem that honda has acknowledged responsibility for in the past but is choosing to look the other way now. I am thankful that I did not crash when the transmission malfunctioned.

Filed May 25, 2009 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · TN

Blinking d light on 2003 honda pilot transmission. Dealers say they don't know the cause. Edmunds forum full of same complaint, same evasive answer. Transmission about to fail.

Filed May 14, 2009 · Transmission · 162,525 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the gears failed and the transmission locked up without warning. The dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission); therefore, they would not assume any additional responsibility for the repairs. The contact would have to pay $3,500 to have the transmission replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the cost. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 162,525.

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