Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • charles15charles15 Member Posts: 57
    I am interested in a vehicle that my wife can use to haul grandchildren around but we can also use for long vacation trips. I have some back and neck problems and am looking for a comfortable front seat - both sides. The Pilot and the Odyssey are on my radar screen because of reliability. Any thoughts on seat comfort on the road for 10-12 hours at a pop. Thanks for any input.
  • master1master1 Member Posts: 340
    Hi.
    #1 - Go to your Honda dealer to sit in the Odyssey and
    the Pilot and test drive to get a quick idea of the
    seat comfort.
    #2 - The Odyssey and Pilot's seats are very comfortable.
    Most Hondas do have very well paded seats, and are
    very cushiony.
    #3 - When you go to the Ex Fabric trims the fabric
    quality is a little better.

    Hope this is useful
  • kabillkabill Member Posts: 35
    My experience with Pilots is that they all have quite a lot of wind noise (usually kicks in at about 60 mph and seems to come from the windshield AND windows). It's the main issue keeping me from taking the plunge. One was so bad it whistled a pure tone/note. I told my salesman he couldn't pay me to take it. He heard it too. Overall, Pilots do not have that cookie-cutter quality found in Hondas past. I drove one Pilot on which the moonroof wouldn't close. I've driven 2 that had the steering wheel "vibration" spoken of in other posts here. I don't care if these are fixable problems. I will not buy a $30000+ car that needs to be fixed!

    That said, I still like the vehicle, Hopefully, after driving my salesperson crazy test driving, I'll find one that is relatively quiet (I drove one that was, but was not the color I wanted) doesn't shake, and has a moonroof that will close. Then we can start dealing.

    I think you're in for a rough road, but if you ever resolve your noise issue, PLEASE write back and tell us how it was done.

    Will
  • kabillkabill Member Posts: 35
    Obviously, not every Pilot has this issue, but I have test-driven one '06 that has, so the problem still exists. I, too, was hoping it was a dead issue. Hopefully, you got a good one.
  • kabillkabill Member Posts: 35
    I am only 6ft tall but have a long torso to leg ratio and this was the first thing I ever noticed the first time I sat in a Pilot (EX) driver's seat. No matter how low I adjust the seat and how high the steering wheel, the tops of the gauges are obscured by the top of the steering wheel. I know I could resolve this by tilting the seat back, but I like my seat upright.
    Ironically, the driver's seat on the LX, which has a spartan, manually adjustment, seems to naturally set in a more suitable position to see the guages, so I may opt for it, and add the missing features as needed.
  • billjohanbilljohan Member Posts: 3
    Bought an '06 EX-L yesterday, 2WD. Noticed the center pass. window rattling yesterday, and the front pass. today. I'm a rattle nut.... drives me crazy.

    Had the same problems with a BMW 318i and Infiniti G35x. Had the 318 in Germany. 3 visits to BMW service shops there netted zero results. 5 more years of rattling. Then one day I just theorized the window wasn't sitting in the frame properly. I tested it by pressing on the window and noticed the rattles would stop.

    Anyway, all I did to cure the problem for the first 2 cars was roll the windows down, open the door, brace my knee against the door panel, and pull the top of window frames SLIGHTLY (careful here) towards me. You can feel it flex just a little. In the BMW, I had to pull outwards. The Infiniti was tricky because I bent it one way and that made the rattle/click WORSE. So then I had to bend the other way (to about the original spot, then further). I had to watch not to dent the door. Was bending this way and that, but the frame held.

    So my reaction today was a smile while thinking "Why can't manufacturers get this right?", and yet another chance to do my low-budget, left-field fix.

    I pulled over and stopped in a parking lot and bent the two window frames IN all but about 1/8". Took about 30 seconds per window. Gave it a "bumpy" test drive. So far, it's working like a champ.

    Thing is, if the rattling returns, I'll have to decide whether to bend the frame in further and risk wind noise/door closing issues/window closing issues/frame weakening or bend it the opposite way. BTW, it looks stupid when it's being done. My wife isn't happy about the bending, but heck, those frames are attached strong right? Right??!!

    Certainly not recommended fix (although a buddy who scoffed at this fix went ahead and tried it on an old 745i and it worked), and my theory could be way off, but so far I'm 3 for 3 in curing the rattles/clicks.

    I better not read here there is a TSB for this! LOL.
  • redwigredwig Member Posts: 1
    My 03 Pilot makes a squeaking sound on the drivers side front end at any and all speeds but, it comes and goes. Anyone else have this problem? It makes the same noise when you first push on the gas pedal if the transmission is in drive. It doesn't make the squeak in reverse, park, or neutral.
  • pwgilbertpwgilbert Member Posts: 16
    I've had my '05 Pilot EXL for 8 months now with no real complaints--well, a little noisy at speed perhaps but much quieter than my '99 CRV and an overall average 18 mpg is less than I had hoped for-- but one thing is irritating. When merging onto the freeway, and I tromp on it, the downshift from 5'th to 4'th (could even be to 3'rd as far as I can tell) takes a 1/2 second or so and the car "hesitates" ("stumbles?) it seems. Like the old manual transmissions of yore with a solenoid operated overdrive transmission? Not big enough a deal to even mention it to the dealer but am curious if this is the norm? This is my first 5 speed so have no experience in this and have never experienced it in any of the 4 speed automatics I have owned or driven.

    The manual recommends 91 octane when towing--does this mean I could also get better gas mileage if I use a higher octane gasolene? Has anybody tried it and made a decision? Thanks in advance.
  • sbarbersbarber Member Posts: 2
    I had a problem with my factory radio. About two days after I bought my 2006 Honda Pilot (Dec. 9th), my speakers went out. I could see that it was getting a strong signal and that the volume was turned up. After about 20 minutes it made a loud pop and the radio suddenly came on. I have not had trouble since. However, I took it to my dealer and they said they could not simulate the problem. They checked the connections and told me to come back if it happens again. I have read of similar problems in the Pilot '06 Forums. Does Honda have a problem with their radio? (It is a Honda EX with six disc changer.) Did anyone get their speaker problem resolved? I would like to hear about any similar problems. At times, I also seem to get distortion and/or rattle from the sub-woofer. When I took it to the dealer I noticed they turned down the bass setting. This kind of defeats the purpose of the sub woofer. We love the SUV and had no other problems. I am slightly disappointed with the Pilot's sound system. (4x4)
  • rajrajanrajrajan Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Honda Pilot with Nav. Whe we travel on Highways at speeds of about 60 MPH, the station skips or the tracks skip in CD or cassette. The same CD or Cassette does not do that in my other car. Honda dealer service team is not able to help.The Radio system has been swapped once. It still does that. Is there any one with similar problems or can you suggest possible cause and/or fix if known. Thanks a bunch
  • lcullinanelcullinane Member Posts: 2
    I have had problems consistent since about 35,000 with my suspension. I have had the same strut replaced twice under warranty (extended warranty). My 03 Pilot has the following symptoms and I've had it in the shop at least a dozen times and they keep telling me they can't find anything wrong. Noise ride, thunking noise going over bumps (I live on dirt roads so it is contantly making this noise), grinding when I brake (and it's not the brakes as I've had them checked several times), pulling side to side when making a long sweeping curve. My husband thinks it is related to the CV joints but the dealer swares that it is not. Any ideas? Think this is the dealer trying to get out of doing the repair? :cry:
  • lcullinanelcullinane Member Posts: 2
    Did you ever get an answer as to what your grinding sound in your Pilot's brakes were? I have the same problem only this grinding happens allot not just in going downhill. It comes and goes without much continutiy. I have checked the drums and pads and they are both relatively new. This had been a problem for over 40,000 miles and it is there no matter what they do to it at the dealer.
  • master1master1 Member Posts: 340
    The dealer is not trying to get out of doing a repair because each repair benefits them. After each repaire, besides getting your money, they get additional money from Honda, or the manufacturer.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Simply not true.

    While Honda does reimburse dealers for warranty repairs, they are fairly stingly with the amounts; this is to prevent dealers from doing unnecessary work to keep their service bays humming. There is a constant push/tug between the dealer and the mfg to keep their warranty costs "in line with expectations". Thus, dealers are under consistent and relentless pressure to reduce their warranty claims to a minimum and are icented to do so by a wide variety of programs. And this is why a certain dealer on a certain month whose claims are down for a period may be quite happy to do a borderline repair while a different dealer on a different month will fight tooth-and-nail to deny problems and keep their warranty work down.

    Dealers would much rather fill their service bays with $1200 brake jobs and $600 30K inspections where they make $150/hour rather than the $50/hour they effectively get from Honda's warranty repairs at Honda's sharp-pencil flat rate schedules.

    - Mark
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    wait, i thought you had a problem with wind noise.

    if they've swapped the radio, and if your vehicle isn't incurring some terrible vibration, the cause of station skips => could be use of the search function?

    ok - presuming you are not using the unit incorrectly (consult your owner's manual), i'd be inclined first to believe you have an intermittent supply of power to the radio/CD. the wierd thing is you are saying this also occurs with the cassette... (?) i would be looking in the owner's manual for the location of the fuse that handles the radio and i'd make sure it was inserted firmly in it's position.

    now then - I don't own a pilot nor a NAV configuration in my Odyssey. Do you have steering mounted controls? Do they have a search button on the steering wheel? If so, I might suggest someone examine the "clockspring", the device that is mounted on the shaft of the steering column, and maintains electrical continuity between the vehicle's electronics, and the steering wheel mounted controls (cruise, radio, horn) and air bag as the wheel is turned from one extreme to the other. maybe there is an intermittent short on the contacts for the "search function".
  • dla2dla2 Member Posts: 87
    o5 Pilot now has about 8000 miles. The window squeaks that drove me nuts for the first 1000 miles are long gone. I believe it was caused by the stuff they use to detail the car made the rubber squeak. when it wore off the noise stopped (my theory). Anyway its gone now.

    I read about front seat complaints in this forum before I made my purchase ,however, I find that the cloth seats are wonderful and even on a recent 2000 mile trip I experienced no lower back pain like I have had in most other cars and suv's I have owned. Mileage is less than expected and I find varies wildly with conditions (a low of 14MPG and a high of 23MPG)

    One complaint is that the steering wheel has never been straight. It sits at a slight angle. The car drives so nice and tracks straight so I opted not to re-align and just live with it.

    One thing I really miss that I had on my 99 blazer is the tailgate glass opening seperatly from the hatch. No need to open a big hatch to throw in a soccer ball.
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    My brother's '06 Pilot with 1800 miles on it has to have a new tranmission because of a similar reason. He was trying to travel at freeway speeds but the car would not shift up enough to allow him to go faster than 55mph. That's tough going when everyone else is going 75 plus.
  • bob11bob11 Member Posts: 18
    i had a update and a question
    i have honda pilot 2003, and its giving 18-20 mpg. so far the only problem it has had is that the AC died. honda dealership charged me the labor costs and honda provided AC without charge even though the car was outside of warranty. dealership said thats its unusual for AC to die that early in the course of life of car (50 K), so thats why honda replaced it without cost.

    its due for 67500 miles service. so far i have been getting the service at honda dealership. should i get the service only at honda dealership or are there other solutions available. problem with honda in my area is that they wont open on saturdays, and on weekdays they open only 9 to 5 when i am working.
    what are some other choices available are they as good as a dealership. how bout oreilly, sears auto center, walmart? or any others. Thanks for your responses.
  • hkeinerhkeiner Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2006 Pilot EXL with NAV and had the same symptom with the audio. We drove up to the mountains over the weekend and the temperature was below freezing. When starting the Pilot in the morning the audio on the radio and NAV did not work. After driving for about 15 minutes the audio came back with a popping sound. This only happened once so far.

    I can probably live with this intermittant problem, as we are not in cold weather often. We live near San Francisco. However, if this is a sign that the audio will fail more often in warmer termperatures or that this is a common problem that the dealer should fix, then I would like to find out what anyone else's experiences are.

    Thanks
  • cj7cj7 Member Posts: 9
    I remember reading somewhere that your not supposed to do your first oil change at 3000 miles. There is special break in oil in the new pilot. Is this TRUE???? :confuse:
  • hkeinerhkeiner Member Posts: 11
    I have had my 2006 Pilot EXL for a few months now and it runs great. However, I recently realized when trying to downshift for the first time that it is very hard (near impossible) to move the shift lever from Drive to a lower gear, either when parked or moving. I asked the dealer about this and he said that this was normal on the 2006 Pilot. Admitedly I can do it after jiggling and pulling down hard on the shift lever, but it is certainly not easy and a new driver would think that the shift lever is stuck in Drive and won't go further down.

    I have had many automatic transmission vehicles over the last 30 years and have never found it hard to move the shift lever from drive to a lower gear.

    Does my Pilot have a problem that the dealer does not recognize or is everyone else with a 2006 Pilot experiencing a similar difficulties moving the shift lever down from Drive to lower gears?
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    You have to pull the shift lever more towards you to get past a 2nd detent between D and D3, but other than that, I don't notice anything especially difficult or different about engaging D3, D2, and D1 on my 2006 Pilot.

    If you're in the mode where the dealer is saying something is "normal" that you feel it is not, there's an easy solution - drive another model on the lot and compare.

    - Mark
  • gapeach64gapeach64 Member Posts: 1
    My family and I had the same problem on a trip from MD to GA; however, smoke started pouring out of our CD player. After shutting the entire system down for several days, everything now works fine. We have a 2003 Pilot with 48000 miles.
  • ty2005ty2005 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2004 Pilot now but I want the 2006. What are the Pros and Cons of the 2006? I see that there are a couple of messages with radio problems. I hate to take a brand new car back to the dealer for repairs. Any advice would be appreciated too!
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Look at the owner's manual. It describes how the shifter moves. I think you have to push rather than pull to get past 'D' (or is it pull rather than push?) I'll have to check the manual again, I'm not sure. (I don't drive it more than once a week at most) I agree, it's not intuitive, but once you realize how they've set it up, it's pretty easy to do.

    tom
  • jen123jen123 Member Posts: 5
    I have a acura vigor has the same problem. The click, click,click...noise over bumpy roads. I took it to the acura dealer but they could not fix it and told me to wait till the noise get worse and go back. Now I just bought a 06 odyssey and I found it has the exact same problem.I am so diappointed with Honda.
  • dedogdedog Member Posts: 12
    It has been my experience dealers want to get out of looking at a car if there is a chance they might not find/reproduce the problem - and it is exactly because they might not get reimbursed by the manufacturer if there is nothing to fix. Makes sense that they don't want to waste their valuable time, but its a funny thing when you know there is something wrong with your car, but they want to place all the risk on you.

    My dealer made sure to tell me 3 times, and sign a statement, that they would charge me $99.95 for diagnosis time if they couldn't find the problem. This was despite knowing the check engine light had been on (off when I brought it in) and the problem code was still stored in the car's memory (see #1458 and related posts). Fortunately they found the problem (TSB 04-007), but there I was at the Service counter, the car wasn't showing the uncontrolled revving problem at the moment, but I also didn't want to risk my wife being surprised by uncontrolled revving when she least expected it - like at a busy intersection.
  • master1master1 Member Posts: 340
    You can change the oil whenever you want, and it wont damage the car.
  • vksvks Member Posts: 5
    I am getting a knocking sound sometimes when i start my new Honda pilot EXL 06. Is that the same sound you get?
  • vksvks Member Posts: 5
    Has any body noticed a knocking sound on starting the Honda pilot. I am getting this sound, once or twice a week when I start it. This a new Honda pilot 2006 EXL-NAV.
  • ofarchyofarchy Member Posts: 1
    I just bought honda pilot EXL, when I am accelerating out of a turn the gear is hesitating to shift down, it take 1/2 a second before it shift down and starting to accelerate. We took it to the dealer and he say there isn't a problem. We drove another pilot and is doesn't feel the same way, What to do? Is any one have the same problem?
  • anewdayanewday Member Posts: 3
    I purchased my 2006 Pilot last October and just brought it in for the first oil change at 3,700 miles. The owners manual states 3,500. The first oil change was free. I was told every 5,000. I plan to bring it back to the dealer for future service as I was impressed with the express service and the paperwork given to me as to when the next service should be and what service should be performed.
    :)
  • anewdayanewday Member Posts: 3
    I have the 2006 Honda Pilot EX w/Navi and I love it. The ride is like sailing...nice and smooth and quiet. I have not had any problems with it. Don't know how it compares with your 2004, but I am very happy with it. I traded my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer and I'm glad I did.
    The Navi is fantastic!
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    The 06's use a service reminder system in the dash rather than fixed mileage serivce intervals - did the car indicate it needed an oil change at 3700 or was this something the dealer recommended beyond what the car was saying?

    - Mark
  • jimzopsjimzops Member Posts: 39
    There is a service reminder system in the dash, however, you still need to folow the schedule if you do not want to void the waaranty. Be careful and follow the service schedule for oil changes, transmission
    fluid changes, etc..........
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Say what? The service reminder system essentially IS the recommended schedule. Read the OM.

    - Mark
  • anewdayanewday Member Posts: 3
    When I purchased the Pilot I received a print out regarding the first free oil change. It suggested I change the oil at 3,750. The next one will be at 5,000 as recommended.
    Deedee
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    If it's an 06 and the dealer is recommending a 3750 first, and 5000 subsequent oil change, than this is their personal recommendation and they're overriding the maintenance reminder system with fixed length intervals. This goes against what Honda recommends. It probably won't hurt a thing (lots of owners change oil more frequently), but Honda put a maintenance reminder system on the vehicle to replace fixed mileage interval servicing, not to supplement it.

    - Mark
  • barthobartho Member Posts: 1
    This is the first Japanese designed car I have owned that I was disappointed in the radio and speakers. My last Acura had a Bose
    system, so maybe I got spoiled. This one is
    garbled and the speakers rattle. Question to
    the forum, are just the speakers bad and maybe
    I should have them all replaced or I am wondering if XM provided a cheap radio to Honda to get subscription business and it needs to come out too. Any advice?
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Stereo opinions are very subjective, but I don't think the basic stereo in the Pilot is very good either. I don't think it has anything to do with XM - all sources sound equally bad.

    The folks who have made improvements think the place to start is the speakers, but the head unit isn't great either. But the speakers are a good first step. I'm looking for drop-in/minimal-mod recommendations for speaker replacement also.

    - Mark
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    It's definitely according to your taste. To be honest, there are very few stock stereos that I find impressive. I have yet to listen to a great sounding stock Bose stereo (no offense, but Bose is not looked upon very highly) although a Bose system is still a lot better than what comes standard in the Pilot.

    Replace the speakers first. It doesn't matter what amp you're using, if the speakers stink so does your sound. If it's still not enough, you can install a Line Output Converter and replace the stock amp and still allow you to use the headunit and the steering wheel controls. If that's still not enough, then replace the headunit. And remove the thrid row seats to make room for your amps, 4 Subs, neon, etc. ;) (j/k)

    Good luck!

    tom
  • accordfreakaccordfreak Member Posts: 39
    anewday, can you please tell me if your navi system displays the xm info (maybe on three lines showing title, artist and station) or is it in a more compressed format? The EXL's radio has such a small display :( and my wife's 05 accord is so much better (but even it doesn't always display the whole title because it is limited to the width of the display). I just thought with navi, they have more screen real estate to use. Also how easy is it to enter an address for routing in the navi? thanks for the feedback in advance.
  • cosmicsolcosmicsol Member Posts: 1
    My sister just bought a honda pilot and after a rainstorm had water inside the car on the driver and passenger sides, between seat and door. The dealership acted like she had left the doors open. They kept the car and let it dry out and then ran it through a car wash and they are saying there is no problem. She goes back in tomorrow to pick the car up. She is completely dissatisfied with the Pilot. What should she do, can she check out the problem herself and ssk them for a hose and see it the doors leak? I have checked out other forums and saw where another person had the same prob. What should she do???
  • jensadjensad Member Posts: 388
    Dear cosmicsol

    Do you live in a state that has a lemon law? Check it out.

    Also, you probably need to work with the dealer to correct the problem. I am not a lawyer, but I would FIRST try to get the dealer under the warranty to fix it for you.

    Here in Ca, er. Disneyland, we have a lemon law.

    Good luck to you.

    Good luck to all and stay safe.

    jensad
  • kabillkabill Member Posts: 35
    I just made a very interesting discovery while test driving a 2006 Pilot LX and comparing it's features to the EX. This knowledge won't help you, roxon, because you already have your vehicle, but I have a tip for all of you long-legged potential buyers who find the EX driver's seat leg room a little cramped---The LX driver's seat, with it's manual adjustment, can be moved approximately 3 more inches further back than the EX's. I was amazed, as was my salesman, who had not noticed it before. Personally, I don't need all that extra leg room, but there's got to be people out there that do. Go check it out for yourself if you are skeptical or interested.

    By the way, the sound system in the LX, as basic as it is, does not sound bad. Nor is the seat covering cheap feeling. I'm really leaning toward the LX, with lots of the accessories that I want, without the things I don't. Might not be a bad way to go.
    Will
  • buddy11buddy11 Member Posts: 1
    Hello has anyone else noitced the road noise transmitted into the passenger space? Is there a good fix. The dealer is trying to sell us a undercoating/sound proofing product. This is our first Honda and we are very surprised at the level of noise at highway speeds.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    The 2006 Pilot often receives criticism for relatively high levels of road noise. It's one of the weaknesses of the model. Tires and road surfaces make a big difference too.

    I doubt undercoating will make any significant difference. Instead, I'd try a different tire that is known for being relatively quiet. If the noise is still unacceptable, I'd trade for a RX350.

    - Mark
  • yoey8ballyoey8ball Member Posts: 2
    I just had the exact same thing happen to me on my 2003 Pilot with 77K miles. Did you ever find out what caused this? There are two other messages in this forum that had the same problems - message 1450 & 1504. Seems that Honda may have a safety issue on their hands. The smoke that pours out of the radio is going to get someone killed.
  • yoey8ballyoey8ball Member Posts: 2
    I just had the exact same thing happen to me on my 2003 Pilot with 77K miles. Did you ever find out what caused this and how much did it cost you to get it fixed?
    There are two other messages in this forum that had the same problems - message 1171 & 1504. Seems that Honda may have a safety issue on their hands. The smoke that pours out of the radio is going to get someone killed.
  • shimbunshimbun Member Posts: 1
    I love my Pilot with the exception of two issues with it that had me think otherwise.

    1.) While 27k miles on the odometer, it was summer time in North East of US, I was playing a CD at a pretty high volume....approx one hour into the session when smoke started to bellow out from the stereo and the LCD display got all browned out. I immediately ejected the CD and turned off the radio and took it to the dealer in the next couple of days. They checked and even took me for a drive with the same CD playing at full volume and no smoke. I haven't seen this issue after that. I didn't have to pay a dime as it was still under warranty.
    2.) At the start of every summer (ever since I bought my Pilot), I have to take it in for an Freon recharge. The dealer told me that there was probably a pinhole leak somewhere in the line which caused the Freon to escape during Winter (the funny part is that I do use AC during winter with the heat turned on). I have had to do this for two years now. The dealer has supposedly fix the leak for good. Lets see what happens in summer of 2006.
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