Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

ppzcgg

I made an appointment with my dealer ahead of time and took my 07' Pilot there for a tire rotation and balancing. Took them 90 minutes...

After all the waiting and on my way home, I found my oil minder reset to 100% though I didn't order an oil change and the oil stick sure doesn't indicate new oil. So I called and they checked with the mechanic -- he reset the minder simply because he thought an oil change was done as well. He even put a sticker on my windshield saying the next oil change is 3 months/200 miles away -- yes, 200 miles is what you get if you do the math on the sticker. So they ask me back for a free oil change so the minder becomes correct.

So my question is how this minder system work? I thought it has some sensors for different purposes and gives alerts accordingly and intelligently. But now according to this incident, it remains 100% on the oil after a few days even though the oil is old and the last good reading was about 50%.

Any insights? Thanks!

parviz

With the new service minders, you are correct. It actually monitors your deriving and engine conditions to suggest the oil change and some other stuff but not all (ie. tire rotation). From my experience, I think your minder very soon will sense the current condition of the oil in your car and you should see a sharp drop on the oil life gauge. Keep us posted. I would be interested in seeing how it goes.

ppzcgg

Well, since the dealer gave me a free oil change as an instant fix to the reading issus, I am no longer able to tell if the minder would work as you said this time. Thank you very much nevertheless! After all, I'm happy to know what I thought was not totally wrong.

needacar41

Hi!

I've had my 2008 Pilot for about 3 weeks now & have noticed an orange colored (dare I say rust??) on the "round" area behind the hubcap. Forgive me, I know I am not using the correct terminology. Picture this. Looking at the wheel and focusing on the hubcap. Then look behind the hubcap at the silver smooth plated circular "covering" right after the hubcap. It is not all "silver." I see orange-colored substance I cannot scrape off & to me, it looks like rust. It does not cover the entire area, just the small circumfrence of the area that seems to attach to the hubcap. I fail to see how this is part of the tire or hubcap for that matter.

I am not sure what is going on but was going to take it to service later this week. I can't imagine it being rust as this car is only 3 weeks old, but why on earth am I seeing this? I don't off-road, only city street driving. Again, this is a new 2008 Pilot (EX-L, 2WD)

Thank you in advance! I am not a car techie so forgive me for my description -- just a new Pilot owner. Loving the car, not loving this!

bdyment

Nothing to worry about. This is just light surface rust on the brake discs. All cars develop some rust in this area.

joeyjoejoe

I also noticed some rust in not only that area, but on my lugnuts as well. I reported to the dealer and they said it was "rail dust". Apparently in transit or if stored by a railroad, the metal to metal friction of the rail cars to the train tracks shoots all sorts of microscopic dust particals into the air. They sometimes land and can imbed themselves on the surfaces of your vehicle.

This would explain the rust on my lug nuts at least. They just have to use some sort of clay to clean it off the original chrome finish. The rust on your rotors or whatever is perfectly fine. Like someone else had mentioned...just typical surface rust. You could always call or e-mail the service department to complain though

joeyjoejoe

I've seen some people post the auto door locking feature on some older Pilot's and was wondering if anyone had experience on an '08? I would really like to get it set up on our VP. I've gotten so used to having the doors lock automatically when putting into gear. Hope someone knows how to turn on if possible. Thanks!

joeyjoejoe

I was tooling around on a few other deal sites and found a post about a free 40 point inspection being offered by Honda through most dealers. Take a look at the link below for more details. I realize the date says 2007, but apparently it is good this year as well. Give the dealer a call to check it out! Doesn't appear to be them all though. Oh well!

http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/hccd.asp

davidd3

Generally these free inspections are money makers for dealers, because through the inspections they find things wrong and charge top dollar to do the repairs right then and there. I'm not saying they find things wrong with all vehicles or even most vehicles, but certainly with enough vehicles to make free inspections worthwhile.

mbciuso

Hi,

I have a 2008 pilot VP, with its first oil change coming due soon. i was wondering if there were any points (ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.) that need to be lubricated as part of the routine maintence?

Thanks,

Gerard

normkol

Other than hinges (door, liftgate, etc.), there really is nothing that needs regular lubrication. Those grease fittings went out in the '70's.

bconsi

The chrome covering on my driver side door handle began to seperate at the seam on the inside of the handle. I kick myself for not paying more attention and driving a focus to it while under warranty. Now I notice a similar seperation issue on the interior handle on the passenger side, second row. Although it is a 2004 Pilot, I only have 36,800 miles on it. I have kids, but we usually take them in our '07 Odyssey.

This seems like a flaw in the construction of the handles. Anyone else experience this issue? I'm sure there is a manufacturing process that establishes the quality of the seam, and wonder if they had a hiccup in the quality.

Also, I had my SRS airbag red warning light come on for the second time. The first time they checked it, they ran a check that cleared the light and didn't show an ongoing issue. I called for service next week, and was told it will be $40 to $75 to check this time. Not sure what's going on with that.

My third issue is I'm getting a maintenance required light. Does anyone know if the maintenance required light is triggered by mileage, or is it a sensor indicating a service issue? Don't recall getting this before on this vehicle.

Thanks for any insight on any of these issues.

strokeoluck2

We have a minor stone chip on the front vertical area of the hood on our '08 Pilot. I went to order some touch up paint online and they said to get the paint code from the inside drivers side door jamb. I looked there and couldn't find anything that appeared to be a paint code. Can anyone tell me where I can find this? It's a white Pilot.

Also, for those of you that have had Pilots for a while, do you wind up with a bunch of stone chips on the front part of the hood given how vertical it's "snout" is? I'm not a big fan of bug deflectors but maybe it's necessary? I just don't want rust to start creeping in w/all the stone chips.

Thanks.

nvbanker

Your tire pressure monitoring system TPMS should detect over inflation as well as under inflation. Maybe 40psi passes within the tolerances, but if so, you just get a little firmer ride, and better mileage, which would be why they were inflated to that level. Personally, I always prefer inflation on the high side of legal.

tiacia

HELLO -------- I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2008 PILOT -- ONLY 550 MILES -- I HEAR LOUD KNOCKING NOISES AT THE VERY BACK EVERYTIME I BREAK -- ORIGINALLY WITHIN THE 1st 100 MILES, I ONLY HEARD ONE KNOCKING SOUND. WHEN BREAKING -- NOW THERE IS SEVERAL KNOCKS EACH TIME I BREAK, AND I HEAR THE GASOLINE SWISHING IN THE TANK -- I AM COMMITTED TO A 5 YEAR PLAN OF PAYMENTS FOR THIS PILOT -- NOW IT BOTHERS ME TO HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME FEEL SO UNEASY -- OTHER COMMENTS I READ OF 2005 AND 2006 MODELS HAVING THE SAME DILEMMA, I READ THOSE COMMENTS ABOUT THE HONDA DEALERS AND AMERICAN HONDA DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT --------- IF I FIND MY HONDA DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE IT, I AM THINKING OF NOTIFYING THE MEDIA --------- NBC IS PRETTY GOOD ABOUT REPORTING TO CONSUMERS ABOUT COMPANY / MANUFACTURING FLAWS --------- HOW ABOUT LETTING THEM KNOW ABOUT THESE HONDA CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION ? --------- I AM OPEN TO ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FROM OTHER PILOT OWNERS?

nvbanker

Have you thought of exercising your rights to the factory warranty Honda provides? Take it to the dealer for heaven's sake! If you can hear it, you'll be able to make them hear it. And please stop screaming. :confuse:

nvbanker

NBC, by the way, is also the network of the incendiary exploding the pickup truck gas tank on impact. So yes, if the car doesn't knock when braking, they'll MAKE it knock for a story....

user777

everytime you brake, or just a little after fillup? i remember in my '03 ODY, i could hear the gas slosh when pulling to a stop with the tank almost full. about a week after ownership, i never noticed it again.

03hondapilot

i've got the same door handle issue. I was thinking of taking them off and having them chromed properly because it is fairly obvious that they were not done properly from the factory. Any other ideas to fix this problem?

bekki10

I bought a 2008 honda pilot and Ii have the same problem. It's driving me CRAZY!!!
I just got back from the dealership and they told me there is nothing I can do it is a characteristic of the vehicle. So do i just need to have them replace the fuel tank?? i noticed this was posted in Jan. Are you having any problems at all now with the new fuel tank??
Please let me know.
Thanks

joeyjoejoe

You can go to Autozone or another auto part store to look up your color. They have large books and a little bottle usually only costs like $6.00. We have a Numbus Grey VP and it also just recived a nasty little chip. It kind of annoys me that it would chip so easily!

After that little incident we decided to get a bug shield. You can get them in clear or smoke color. We opted for the clear and you can't even tell we have one on from a distance. They are right around $42 and can be found on Amazon or at most part stores. The problem is that the '08 is still too new for most stores. Just order on-line and installation is a breeze.

I also purchased a touch-up repair kit at Autozone for like $15. It comes with some putty, sand paper, primer, clear coat, and all sorts of instructions on how to repair that chip professionally. It is a common misconception to just throw some more paint on it. You need to get in that bad boy and fix right from the start. Good luck!

joeyjoejoe

While in the dealership I asked the tech guy about setting up the automatic door locks on our VP. He said he thought it could be done, but had to check with someone. Well that was the same thing about four other people told me. One tech would get in and try some trick with the parking brake and ignition key before giving up and another would hop in. They finally gave up and said it must only be on the EX-L models or something. The same trick works on other Honda vehicles, but apparently not the VP! :-( Oh well.

tiacia

yes, i'm still having that dilemma with my 2008 pilot vp, mainly when the tank is full. i will be taking it in on wednesday to see what the honda sales rep can do for me. if they offer no assistance, i will get back in contact with the attorneys of the california lemon law. they would then investigate and tell me my rights. let me know if you decide to take that route. every state in the usa has their own auto lemon law. these attorneys i am dealing with are very attentive to my situation. :-) tiacia

rameshms

While on a long trip (about 1500miles) on my 20 day old Pilot I ran into this problem 3 times. The SUV slowed down as if it was running out of gas. It would shudder & slow down from 75mph to 40 mph. I pulled over, turned off the vehicle for few minutes & resumed.

It happened twice on the freeway & once on the city roads. I took the vehicle to the dealer but the dealer didn't find any problem. Anyone faced this ? What could be happening ?

TIA.

tiacia

which Honda Pilot model do you have? I have the 2WD VP. in searching the internet, i find problems are only linked to the VP or SE models. i have not read any complaints on the EX-L. in another message i sent to another Pilot owner i told them i will be taking my 3 week old Pilot in tomorrow for the Honda dealer to hear for themselves the knocking and slushing sound of the gasoline, i described via email.

if they do not take me seriusly and offer a resolution, i will contact the attorneys of the California Lemon Law. i already sent them an email inquirying about my rights as a consumer. there were 3 attorneys that contacted me for more info. one of them was from the Consumer Legal Services. every state in the USA has it's own lemon law attorney contacts. i would also contact the Dept. of Consumer Affairs to report my situation, if the Honda dealer does nothing for me. i hope this info is beneificial for you, and to others !!!! :-) tiacia

tiacia

Hi Gerard. I noticed you have a 2008 Pilot VP. I too have a Pilot VP. I am currently having a dilemma when my tank is full. Each time I fill the tank, I tend to hear a knocking sound each time I come to a stop. Also, each time I stop, I can hear the gasoline swishing in the tank. Have you noticed any such flaws in your VP? I find there are other VP owners having the same knocking and slushing dilemmas. I am wondering if it is all VP's, or maybe just some VP's from bad "batches" of production. Thanks for your time Gerard !! :-) TiaCia

strokeoluck2

Thanks for the tip, I'll check out the touch up paint. I hear what you're saying about making sure it's done right, but I get awfully nervous when I start sanding original auto paint. For now I think I'll just touch it up and see what happens. If it turns into anything else then I might call one of those stone chip repair guys over (I know, I know - he probably bougth the same darn kit; but if he's part of a national chain then at least I sleep better at night knowing there's likely some protection if he messes up).

As for the bug shield, I was really trying to avoid that. I doubt my wife will like it. But I'll check one out and see what she thinks.

Thanks again.

normkol

SRS issues should be covered under the Federal warranty, I believe 7 years. I've had this on other cars where there was no charge. I would complain to the service manager about the charge.

The maintenance reminder on a 2004 is triggered by mileage, nothing else.

user777

it is a characteristic of the tank and the baffles in it. it's probably something you only hear when the vehicle is fueled to a certain amount (perhaps near full?), and you come to a stop in a very quiet place, perhaps your garage.

i experienced the same with my honda odyssey (03) when i first purchased it. now, i'm not conciously aware of it at all.

it's not likely putting a new tank on the vehicle will do anything except ease your mind so that you may begin to concentrate on other matters...

... as the sound slowly drifts into the background of your perception and consciousness...

kipk

Good Post user777 !

Every once in a while, under the right conditions our 03 pilot sloshes.
Seems whenever I do hear it, it is here at the house, in the garage and the radio and AC are off. . Really don't recall the noise anywhere else. Could be that away from the house, other worldly noises are more prevalent.

I think the noise that has been the most distracting (mechanically) is the rear brake assemblies making a "clunking" sound when we back up and the brakes are applied. Then when moving forward just a few feet they will clunk again when stopping. Then they are quiet, until applied again in reverse. Thinking that is the sound of slack in the brake pad mounting. OR, Recon it could have something to do with the 4wd rear axle.

Another noise is a very quiet "scrapping" sound from lightly applied brakes, after sitting a couple of days. Pretty sure that is from the light film of rust that forms on the rotors. Notice it when backing out of the garage and gently applying the brakes. Then no more until it has sat for a couple of days. Our CR-V does it too.

Pilot also has a faint wind noise at highway speeds. I'm beginning to think it is from the Vent Shades over the windows. Seems that no matter where I am in the car, the noise comes from some where else. :confuse:

There is also more road noise than desirable. Hopefully new tires will help with that, if and when these ever wear out.

All these things have been going on since new in 03.

Overall, I'm probably more "pleased" with this car than any I've ever owned. That involves 60 or so cars, over a time frame of 52 years of driving. It is not as exciting as the GTO in 64. And it doesn't get the mileage of the Dodge colt (40 mpg) in 70, but it will haul 8 people when necessary, the seats are the most comfortable, and ample power when needed. Good visibility, really comfortable for 5 people, decent handling, 18 mpg local and 24-27 mpg road. It will tow a bass boat or a utility trailer. Versitale interior for hauling. It does everything we need it to do.

What I don't like is what I'm reading about Honda's apparent lack of interest for those that are getting poor mileage in the newer Pilots and the Fits.

Kip

chaskinsnc

I have a 2006 Honda Pilot EX and the Stereo blanked out with no display. I can eject CD's and lights around controls work. Warranty expired 5,000 miles ago and now Honda is telling me it will cost $714 to replace. Possibly my last Honda. Any thoughts? Aftermarket service centers in Charlotte area?

mbilardi

I would love to know if anyone else has had this problem with an 06 pilot. If I either leave my key in the ignition for a short time or put the car in auxiliary mode for even a minute to lets say turn down the window, my battery dies. I have had to have my car jumped over 21 times and it has been in 8 times to Honda repair and every time they say that there is nothing wrong with it, even if they leave the key in the car. Well they are full of it, they just dont want to give it the extremely large amount of time it needs to pull apart the computer.
So I finally decided to take action especially after catching the repair shop in a few lies, so please respond if you have any similar problems,mybe you;ll get help too!!!
Its a real shame when you pay so much and you can't have the right to get into your vehicle feeling safe and secure

parviz

My 06 Pilot EXL has not exhibited that behavior yet. I was wondering, are you saying that he dealer actually duplicated the problem and they are telling you that is normal or it just does not happen when at the dealership.

bekki10

I was planning on taking my pilot back next week to see what they are gonna do for me. If they are not going to do anything then I would appreciate any information on the California lemon laws. I test drove 2 other pilots and 1 of them did not make that noise. I notice it all the time when I am driving. In my car it seems louder than the other one that I test drove. We will see what happens. Please keep me updated on your situation. Thanks

mbilardi

No they said it never happened at all in the 8 times they had my car in for the problem but on the 8th visit I pulled out of their service center and parked right across the street in a shopping center and left the key in the ignition and in 15 minutes the engine was dead with absolutely nothing on in the car to drain it so I called them to come over and see it in action,when the mechanic came he said this is good, checking all the lights lit up on the dashboard which made me think he knew what was wrong and this nightmare would finally be over. But after bringing it back across the street and waiting another 20 minutes for someone to tell me what was going on, the manager comes out and said the mechanic told him that everything was on in the car and i did it on purpose,I then proceeded to go beserk cause I hate nothing more than someone lying like that, then they tried to say I was across the street for an hour and a half. Thats when I knew I had them cause the idiots didn't realize that I had a clocked receipt when I left the first time, another clocked receipt after bringing it back and an additional receipt from the rent a car that I got after leaving it there the second time. The whole ordeal was in less than half of what they were accusing me of. Thats when I knew I had them so off to court we go!!!!

rust08

Bought a brand new 2008 Pilot EX in southern California in late
Feb 2008 for nearly $30k. A day later, replaced a defect door
trim, and about 30 days later spotted many rusty parts underside
the car. Some of them appear to be very rusty and must have
started before I bought the car. Contacted both dealer and regional
Honda office. They claimed that surface rusts are not covered
by the warranty and rudely declined to fix it. Already filed a claim
with BBB autoline. Any advice on how to fight further on this?

Before you decide to buy a Honda, it might be a very good idea
to check out the underside paint carefully. Don't expect after-sale
service, which is non-existent in our case. We never expect this
poor paint quality. We also have a 1999 Camry. Even today, it
shows no underside rust at all. If I am not the only one who
is just bad luck, Honda paint quality is really in question.

tiacia

Hey Smart Guy !! I am so glad you had the evidence to back you up !! I'd like to think not all Honda Dealers are a bunch of inconsiderate knuckle-heads, however, I think situations like this prove different. I recently took my new '08 2WD VP Pilot to the Honda dealer for the knocking sound I hear in the back section, along with the gasoline swishing sound, each time I hit the breaks. They claim that because those noises are “normal”, there is nothing they can do for me. The odd thing is I did not hear those sounds when I first test-drove it. I'm curious to find out what becomes of your situation. I’m also curious which Pilot model you have. And, I am curious if yours has the V-TEC 6-cylinder engine. Now, did you know that Honda and Acura models between 2002 and 2006 have faulty odometers? Those odometers pile up the miles quicker than they should. The deadline date to file would be June 26, 2008. Look up the info from Arkansas Attorney Scott Sturgis. Thanks for sharing :-) TiaCia

tiacia

Hey Unhappy Rust Victim !! Thanks for mentioning the BBB Autoline. I was not aware of them as a source for filing a complaint. I am curious about your Pilot EX. I have a 2008 VP Pilot, and was wondering….Does your 2008 EX Pilot make a knocking or gasoline swishing sound in the very back each time you break, like mine? Also, I learned Honda and Acura 2002-2006 have faulty odometers that collect miles quicker than normal. A lawsuit was filed by an Arkansas Attorney, Scott Sturgis. As a 2008 Pilot owner, do you think our 2008 models would have the same illegal flaw? Also, let me know what becomes of your rust-situation after contacting BBB Autoline. Thank you, rust08 !! :-) TiaCia

rodut

Tiacia, did you have a Chrysler Pacifica before ?

tiacia

Hey Rodut !! No I have never had a Chrysler. I have only had Toyota and Honda autos. Why do you ask? Are you currently having a Chrysler dilemma? If so, does your situation parallel with mine? :-) TiaCia

rodut

Nope, sorry. I thought you were somebody else.

I still have a piece of crap Chrysler Pacifica till tomorrow, when I will trade it for a new 2008 Pilot.

I am looking forward to chatting with you all ! I love cars, but the Pacifica was not worth my love ...
It's a pity because during the first 2 years it was a dream car.

Rodut

tiacia

Hi Rodut --

Be careful with the Honda Pilot. The Pilots tend to make a knocking sound at the very back each time you hit the breaks. It comes from the gas tank, and you can hear the gasoline swishing. These noises are heard from within the car. I did not hear those noises until 1-1/2 weeks after I bought it. Honda claims this is normal, therefore is not able to do anything about it.

Also there was an issue in the past regarding the odometers of 2002-2006 Pilots. Scott Stiurgis, an Arkansas attorney, filed a suit against Honda for the odometers collecting miles quicker than normal. Now they are seeking to investigate Nissan.

If you decide on a Honda Pilot I hope you end up with one of great quality !! :-) TiaCia

nvbanker

That a "normal Knocking and Swishing sound" each time I hit the brakes is not what I am looking for in an SUV, and frankly, if Honda hasn't engineered this out of the Pilot by now, I am not impressed at all. I'll keep my Explorer, which makes no such wierd noises or phenomenons -merely shifts erratically from time to time - annoying enough, but not as irritating as this "engineered in" trait you mention. And shame on Honda - I expect better than this from them! They have built plenty of perfect cars for years, is a crossover wagon above their talents and abilities? I say NOT! The Odyssey has no such wierd quirks. And the Pilot is built upon the same platform as the Odyssey & the Accord, is it not?

But, I wax irrelevant and somewhat rambling, for which I apologize......

Honda: Note to self; get RID of the knock & slosh, before I need to buy another wagon, please! :surprise:

stever

The Odyssey has no such weird quirks.

When I was hosting Vans the complaints about the sloshing Odyssey gas tanks were numerous. The noise was blamed on the flatness of the tank, and the sound was noticeable even after Honda put baffles in the tank.

That said, most people said they got used to the noise and tuned it out after a few weeks.

The first year models were especially bad iirc (Road Tests: Long-Term Test - 7th paragraph).

nvbanker

Well - that explains why the Pilot does it I guess. But I'm still disappointed that Honda hasn't engineered that problem out. It's not beyond their capabilities to resolve it. First year, fine. First car, fine. But after all these years, and cars, and a new line of cars/crossovers? Ridiculous. Anyway, that's how I feel.

strokeoluck2

Be careful not to apply a few problems to the whole group. I own a 2008 Honda Pilot and I hear no such knocking sound.

tiacia

Hi NYBanker !! Thank for taking the time to side with me. Your empathy is a nice change. Some people state their opinion, as if the person in the situation is out of line for being annoyed with a flaw in a major investment. And I agree with you about Honda's failure to resolve the problem, considering they have a good reputation for quality.

The other factor that suprises me is the Consumer Reports Magazine does not mention this Honda imperfection, forewarning consumers. In fact the Pilot was highly rated, and I put my trust in those claims.

I'm sure I will get opposition, again, for referring to the knocking and swishing as an "imperfection" Go figure. Thanks again, NYBanker !! Have a Great Weekend !! :-) TiaCia

rodut

OK, I have it ! AWD Steel Blue 2008 SE.

I can't hear the sloshing noise / thump YET, probably because I barely touched the gas pedal / brakes with the tip of the toe ! Also the dealer delivered it with only 2/3 of the tank full (?!), which could make the gas tank knocking sound dissapear (I guess ...). I will see later.

Questions for you guys:

1) Don't you thing that the steering wheel is too light at high speed (turns too easy at high speed) ? I was used with my 2001 Accord steering, which is way harder at high speed, which gave me a feeling of safety and accuracy on the highway.
My Pilot's steering wheel turns easy at high speed, and harder at low speed, which is the opposite of what I thought I should have (hard steering at high speed, and light steering at low speed in the parking lot). How is your steering at high speed vs. low speed ?

2) Do you get a slight steering wheel vibration (no body vibration) at exactly 75 mph or more ? Fortunately I always drive a bit slower than that, so it doesn't bother me, but I was just wondering if you have it.

:shades:

tiacia

Hi Rodut !! I don't feel any steering wheel vibration, however, I know what your talking about when it comes to the steering wheel at higher speeds. The first time I had to merge quickly onto the freeway I felt the need to hold my wheel tightly in order to control it. Much different from the CR-V I previously had..

I have always driven a 4-cylinder Toyota or Honda. This is the 1st time I have a 6-cylinder, therefore I thought the more-power-factor is what caused the steering wheel to need more control when driving at high speed. I have actually gotten use to it. Thanks for sharing :-) TiaCia

bigdadi118

Rodut

Do you get a slight steering wheel vibration (no body vibration) at exactly 75 mph or more ? Fortunately I always drive a bit slower than that, so it doesn't bother me, but I was just wondering if you have it.

This machine can fix vibration that other machine CAN'T

http://www.gsp9700.com/

It has demo & locate shops.