MYRModel Year Report

2003 Honda Pilot

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Honda Pilot
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
720
Recalls
14

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 544 complaints 2005: 679 complaints 2006: 267 complaints 2006 2007: 211 complaints 2008: 133 complaints 2009: 134 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2011: 293 complaints 2012: 171 complaints 2012 2013: 271 complaints 2014: 116 complaints 2015: 109 complaints 2015 2016: 1,706 complaints 2017: 929 complaints 2018: 439 complaints 2018 2019: 905 complaints 2020: 491 complaints 2021: 435 complaints 2021 2022: 161 complaints 2023: 144 complaints 2024: 115 complaints 2024 2025: 204 complaints 2026: 23 complaints
2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 544 complaints 2005: 679 complaints 2005 2006: 267 complaints 2007: 211 complaints 2007 2008: 133 complaints 2009: 134 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2011: 293 complaints 2011 2012: 171 complaints 2013: 271 complaints 2013 2014: 116 complaints 2015: 109 complaints 2015 2016: 1,706 complaints 2017: 929 complaints 2017 2018: 439 complaints 2019: 905 complaints 2019 2020: 491 complaints 2021: 435 complaints 2021 2022: 161 complaints 2023: 144 complaints 2023 2024: 115 complaints 2025: 204 complaints 2025 2026: 23 complaints
2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 544 complaints 2004 2005: 679 complaints 2005 2006: 267 complaints 2006 2007: 211 complaints 2007 2008: 133 complaints 2008 2009: 134 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 293 complaints 2011 2012: 171 complaints 2012 2013: 271 complaints 2013 2014: 116 complaints 2014 2015: 109 complaints 2015 2016: 1,706 complaints 2016 2017: 929 complaints 2017 2018: 439 complaints 2018 2019: 905 complaints 2019 2020: 491 complaints 2020 2021: 435 complaints 2021 2022: 161 complaints 2022 2023: 144 complaints 2023 2024: 115 complaints 2024 2025: 204 complaints 2025 2026: 23 complaints 2026

2003: 720 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2003720
2004544
2005679
2006267
2007211
2008133
2009134
2010111
2011293
2012171
2013271
2014116
2015109
20161,706
2017929
2018439
2019905
2020491
2021435
2022161
2023144
2024115
2025204
202623

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

31% · 225 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately shift out of gear. Also, while driving, the transmission indicator erroneously changed from the drive position to the drive 3 position.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-16

I have the same problem with the transmission and being able to remove my key even when it is not in park that has been reported by others. Its LED to an accident and a near one.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-06

Also filed under Steering

Electrical system

18% · 132 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

16% · 117 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving on sr 207 when a truck sideswiped me which sent my car to a deep ditch. It briefly laid on its side then up and out the ditch but driver's side airbag didn't deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-23

Takata recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-04

While driving at 35 MPH hit a pole, and neither of the four air bags deployed. Vehicle was totaled. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-18

Structure

7% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The chrome finish on the door handles from the inside, this chrome finish is a think later of material almost like flex metal - it's very sharp and easily creates cuts in hand when opening the car doors.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-11

While driving Honda Pilot ex-l on a local street at 35 MPH, the right rear wheel seems to have hit something or skidded. Attempt to control the vehicle by moving the steering wheel resulted in the SUV going out of control.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-17

Seats

6% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing head restraint and recliner.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

14 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-08-30Engine and engine cooling02V226000 On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with V6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002. Owners who take their…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 720 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2004-04-27Power train04V176000 On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic…

    Remedy: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2011-09-12Engineering analysisClosed 2012-09-17 Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating
  5. R
    2012-04-27Exterior lighting12V136000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 CR-V; model year 2003 through 2005 Pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 Civic vehicles. In March 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall…

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in April 2012. Owners of…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2012-10-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-01-14 Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
  7. R
    2013-02-22Electrical system12V573000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock…

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  9. R
    2014-09-12Air bags14V353000 American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2015-01-26Air bags14V700000 American Honda Motor Co.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  12. R
    2015-07-01Air bags15V320000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2015-07-01Air bags15V370000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2016-06-29Air bags16V344000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold,...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2018-06-22Air bags18V268000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2019-04-10Air bags19V182000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2019-08-12Air bags19V499000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey,...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2019-08-12Air bags19V501000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey,...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  20. R
    Date not on fileEquipment08E013000 Honda is recalling 2,032 hitch style bike racks sold as aftermarket for use on my 2003-2007 and some my 2008 Honda Pilot, ridgeline, and Acura mdx vehicles.

    Remedy: Owners should contact thule at 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) to obtain a free repair kit along with repair instructions or owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238 for further information.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Honda Pilot — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 225 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 132 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 117 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08E013000 · Equipment
  • Recall 02V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 04V176000 · Power train
  • Recall 12V136000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 12V573000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 14V353000 · Air bags
  • Recall 14V700000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V320000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V370000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V344000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V268000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V182000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V499000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V501000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Honda Pilot reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Honda Pilot is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda Pilot?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Honda Pilot have?
14 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.