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TIA,
Spyder.
Type: 2003 Honda Pilot AWD LX 53,000 miles
Pros: 1) Utility, utility, utility (people are amazed this is an 8 person crossover, and it delivers, even if it's not the most comfortable in the 3rd row); 2) pretty dependable; 3) looks better with age; 4) peppy - you can punish guys on the highway if you want; 5) cargo capacity plus seats are very easy to use/fold (amazing with seats down); 6) safe (all the airbags you could ever want); 7) i don't think the headlights are bad; 8) AWD works great in the wet (i have NEVER hydroplaned, etc in this thing); 9) smooth and sweet with great passing power and speed; 10) interior lighting (complete and impressive); 11) the little things Honda doesn't forget (lights automatically turn off to preserve the battery, lots of storage space everywhere including cell phone holders and outlet plugs)
Cons: 1) stereo (first thing I replaced, OEM speakers are good and deserve a 2nd chance with a new head unit); 2) mileage (I can only blame myself, but the Pilot is heavy and driving habits really matter, especially in the city; 3) high-speed vibration issues at 75+ mph (improved dramatically with Continental Conti-tracs); 4) hesitant transmission (particularly when going downhill, definitely not efficient in upshifting to lower rpms) - this did improve with changing the fluid, but not completely; 5) looks (you won't impress girls with this thing, lol); 6) cheapy interior: the aluminum-lookalike paint scratches easily and there is quite a bit of scratchable/cheap plastic, but fit/finish is impeccable (no creaks here)
Verdict: 11 major Pros, and 6 nit-picky cons. Looks like a winnah!
Most car parts places sell power ports you can easily install yourself. Find a place to mount it, run the wires directly to the battery thru the fuse that usually comes with this type thing.
Presto! You have a 24/7/365 live power outlet and have not done anything to cause future problems with the car wiring.
Kip
I don't feel my needs are unique. While on vacation I _NEED_ to travel with refrigerated medication and _NEED_ constant power for the little Coleman powered cooler in the rear of the ODY. (This is easily done in a GM product) A 90 day supply of this medication is $5000 so I cannot risk not having constant power.
What do folks do who have MOBILITY needs? For example, how does one power the hoist that lifts the electric scooter in the back of the vehicle? Power needed for this has to be properly done and when it is, I cannot see how it becomes a warranty issue. The switched outlets isn't just a Honda oversight (IMHO), Toyota, Chrysler products and perhaps other do the same thing. GM can do it, why cannot others?
We have been looking for an '03 Pilot for a few months, and got a call from a local dealer who said he has an '03 EX-L with leather seats which are heated and a moonroof. I was under the impression that the '03s didn't come with these options, and from what I've read under other posts, I expect that this is a Canadian model. Does anyone have any advice regarding the Canadian vs. US models? How about difficulty in finding repair parts, or issues with quality? Thanks!
When we bought ours in Georgia, a moon roof was not a factory item. It is possible that heated seats were part of a package we didn't get.
I believe your Honda dealer can "RUN" the vin number and tell you how it was equiped when new. He can also tell you which Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) apply to that vehicle and whether or not they have been done.
There were several TSB that were important, regarding the engine timing belt, transmission lubrication, seat belt sensor sensitivity, etc..
We have enjoyed the dickens out of our Pilot. For some reason the 03's seem to have less "Quirks", squeaks, water leaks, popping noises, and get better mileage than later models.
I would get an extended warranty!
Kip
Don't know when the time frame expires, but seems to me the :lemon: law should be invoked here. This is not a simple aggravation like a rattle or bump or sloshing sound. If it should happen when someone is tail gateing or just in a bad mood, there could be serious consequences. Crashes or gun shots come to mind.
Honda needs to take that one back and let their "Tech" people deal with it. The customer is not supposed to be the test dummy.
Kip
Do you still happen to have the fleet managers contact information? E-mail or phone number for the dealerships in Burlingame? Thanks Please e-mail me back at theboi4585@yahoo.com
My daughter said that the Honda dealer in El Paso kept her Pilot for 5-weeks, and thoroughly checked it over. They, of course, were unable to duplicate the problem, nor were they able to get a solution from Honda USA.
After extensive testing, the only thing found wrong was a very minuscule contamination (less than 1%) of the brake fluid. As incredible as it sounds, based on that finding alone, the dealer recommended replacing all components of the brake system, and a thorough flushing of the brake fluid.
My daughter opted for a new master cylinder along with thorough flushing of the system. Thusfar, the Pilot is performing fine. However, I have serious doubts that the cause of the brake problem has been found.
If ca1aa will contact me, via the "make a friend" feature on this forum, I will be glad to share a few additional details.
stingray5
The other frustrating problem is when I go to pump gas for my Pilot and after several seconds of pumping gas it keeps making the clicking sound as if the tank is full, please keep in mind my tank probably has only two or less gallons remaining, and it does this all the time when I go to pump gas. I have tried different gasoline stations and the problem still persists. I would have to spend like 20 minutes just to pump gas each time because once it click I would have to squeeze the nossle again. It basically click indicating the tank was full every 0.3 gallon that goes into my tank. Also, I have been smelling gas lately when the car is in park and it does not have to be right after refueling the vehicle.
Please, please help me out. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.
As I mentioned before, we took our 2005 Honda Pilot to our local service center. They test drove the vehicle so many times but, unfortunately, could not recreate the problem. Finally, the Director of Service Operations became involved. The final determination was to change the transmission. According to them, this problem have been observed on Honda Accords. Although, he couldn't tell me if they occur on Pilots. He assured me 99.9% that after changing the transmission, I will not encounter the same problem again. We took the vehicle out 2 weeks ago.
It performed well, but after two weeks, it happened again. On 7/13/08, the same problem started re-occurring. This time the yellow triangle and VSA lights were both on. We didn't turn it off but drove very slowly home (about 14 miles). When we got home, we took a picture of the dash board so we can prove that we are not making all of this up. Anyway, last Monday, we brought it back to the Honda service center. The technician there called me up yesterday afternoon to inform me that the computer gathered enough information to indicate that the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) system was malfunctioning. They told me that they will be replacing the brake switch and the modulator -- secondary option.
Hopefully, this will solve the problem. By the time Honda is done, I would have a brand new/old Pilot.
The first time: I thought that my parking bake got stuck. I pushed and released it several times and then took off with no problems. I did not take the vehicle to the dealership. (no sensor indicators came on)
The second time was a month later: I pushed and release the parking brake several times and then took off with no problems. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They could not find any issues and gave the vehicle back. (no sensor indicators came on) They checked the parking brake and saw no signs of grinding or burn marks, they checked the brakes and said the pads had good thickness, they checked the sensors and said all sensors were working properly. They told me if it would happen again that they would pay to have the vehicle towed to there shop.
The third time on Monday (9 months later) : The vehicle came to a grinding stop while driving 55 mph. When I pressed the brake pedal it went to the floor and the vehicle did not respond. I controlled the steering until the vehicle came to a complete stop (about 20 seconds). I looked down and the VSA and the triangle with ! mark indicators were on. After calming myself down, I called the dealership. They said it would be a while before a tow truck could make it to my location. I had to get to my son's day-care before it closed. Thus, I decided to drive it to my son's day-care and that they could tow it from there. When the car stopped, I never turned the car off or placed it in park. Thus, I maneuvered to the outside lane and drove slowly (never over 40 mph) about 3 to 4 miles to my son's day-care. The vehicle never locked-up during those miles. The dealership checked the vehicle and could not find anything wrong. I requested them to look further. They are driving it for a few days to see if it will happen. I will not ride in this vehicle again. Nor will I have my family or friends ride in the car.
In my opinion, the vehicle is a death trap.
Our problem started happening last year around August 2007. Everytime the problem occurrred (about 3-4 times), we brought it to the dealership service center and everytime they would test drive the vehicle but could not recreate the problem. Until last month, July 2008, that the Director of Service Operations got involved. They decided to change the transmission (saying that they've seen this problem with Accords). However, 2 weeks after taking the vehicle back from them, it happened again. This time the VSA light and the triangle light with ! came on. We drove home slowly (like you) and, thankfully, these lights stayed on. Apparently, according to the service technician, the vehicle's computer detected error codes for them to determine that the VSA has crashed. In addition, the computer detected a brake switch failure. As I mentioned before, they are in the process of changing the modulator and the brake switch. The parts have been ordered and they're hoping it will come today.
You should go back to your dealership and have them check the VSA. When we had our recent reoccurrence, the VSA and the triangle lights stayed on until we got home (which was 14 miles). Good luck and let me know what happens. I will also keep you posted on any developments, if any, on my side.
I requested the service department to deliver the vehicle to my home (~30 miles away). They delivered it to my home. I have borrowed my mother-in-law's truck to drive until we find a replacement vehicle.
I have filed a formal complaint with the Honda Customer Relations at 1-800-999-1009 on Friday 7/18/08. They acted very surprised when I made the complaint. I also referenced this website when making the complaint; like you this was the most informative website about the issue. They suggest to inform others with the problem to file a formal complaint about their vehicle as well. The complaints are made against the vehicle's VIN.
I ask if there was a way that they could gather the current know vehicles VIN with the issue and research if all vehicles were built in the same manufacturing plant and close to the same time frame. They said that they could track the vehicles. This could help them identify a range of vehicles with the issue and hopefully get them off the road.
I have heard nothing from the Customer Relations in regards to my pilot issue nor did the Customer Relations contact the dealership that was looking into my pilot.
Like you I have never heard back from the American Honda Customer Relations about my case.
I wish you the best of luck with this issue. I will continue to follow the forum to see what resolutions Honda finds to correct grinding stop of the vehicles.
We have posted a youtube video to explain what happened to us. Hopefully we will be heard FINALLY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EKFeLD5pzI
:lemon:
I am leaning towards purchasing a used (2006-2005) MDX but also considering the Pilot. What do you think the financial incentives will be post-labor day?
Any 0% for 36 month financing, or extending 0.9% for more than 36 months?
And anything I should be evaluating between the pilot and mdx other than cost?
Anyone have both or experienced what repair/maintenance costs are? Wouldnt you just service an acura at honda for cheaper?
Thanks
My uses of the hitch will be for a bike rack and using one of those simple utilty type trailers for the occasional moving of a lawn tractor or trip to Lowes...(haven't bought the trailer yet).
Questions I have are:
- For those who have installed themselves, did you have any issues? Is the muffler easy to lower from the rubber hangars? How about the wiring harness - easy to connect/route?
- The kit I like comes with a 4" drop (2 3/4' rise) ball mount. That 4' drop seems like a lot to me... Does that make it too low for a typical trailer? (I 've been told 18-19" from the ground is a good rule of thumb) What are the rest you using?
Thanks - Mike
Look closely at the wiring part of the hitch installation. There may be more to it than simply plugging into a hidden connector. Such as installation of relays and such under the dash. :sick:
Hopefull not!
Kip
Any recall about this issue?
Thanks.
:sick:
I agree that most transmission deaths are somewhat dignified. Never heard of one trying to take the owner with them.
I would certainly think that HONDA Corporate would want a close look at yours, as it appears to be a very dangerous failure. They might just wish to quietly slip a new one in at little or no charge.
How many miles on your Pilot when this happened.
Kip
Kip
I'm still concerned that this could happen to someone else. My car came to a complete stop in less than 20 feet by literally bouncing down the road since the wheels locked and stopped turning. I'm fearful that a terrible accident is forthcoming for someone.
My, now, 88 year old mom bought a new Explorer in 1995. Odometer is now in the high 90Ks. She replaced the first trany at around 60K and the next at around 90K.
Ford did nothing to help. :sick:
Kip
My transmission is making weird noise when switching gears. I got 130k. I went to the dealer they told me that it wasn't on the recall list and I need a new tranny. I ask them to purge the oil for now and I will see what I'll do later. It seems to have solve the problem for now. Is there an additive that I should use to extend its life expectancy or should I run it like until it get worst?
Thanks
Don
Just curious.
Did you keep up with the recommended transmission servicing?
Thinking that IF NOT, the tranny fluid may have indeed been causing the problem.
My dealer didn't change the rear end dope in our 03 pilot at the 15K service and at about 18K it started making noises when going around corners. Changing out the rear end dope "Fixed" the problem. Car now has near 33K with no farther problem from that area.
Kip
So you think that by purging the old oil it would cure my problem?
The dealer told me it would be like using a band aid.
What do you mean by rear end dope? Is it the differentiel?
Thanks
Don
The dealer may be right. Only time will tell.
On 4WD models, the rear differential dope needs to be drained and refilled with the proper lubricant, every 15,000 miles. If you don't wish to pay a dealer to do it, you can buy the lubricant from the dealer and do it yourself.
IF you car was maintained at a Honda dealer, it should be available for any Honda dealer, Nation Wide , to pull it up on their computer and see what has been done.
Did you purchase it from a Honda dealer?
Kip
The same thing happened early this week but the VSA light did not come on. After coming across your posting I called Honda at the 800 number and was told they had never herd of this problem. I referenced this web site and had no reply.
I took the car back to the dealer who again found nothing.
I called Honda again and they now agree to do some "diagnostic" on the car at the dealer... will wait and see what they find.
I do believe this issue is known by Honda and either they have no fix or the fix is expensive and will not issue a recall. I also agree it is simply a mater of time till someone gets injured caused by this condition....
In June 2008, we called the 800 number and filed a complaint with Honda. They are aware of this problem because they documented our problem. We even have a case file # that they provided to us. Be persistent with them and inform your service center of the dangers of driving an unsafe vehicle. The second to the last time we brought our Pilot to them and they could not find anything wrong with, I refused to take it back and drive it home. I was totally afraid to ride in it. They ended up diagnosing it as a problem with the transmission (which they replaced with no charge). The manager assured me 99.9% that it wouldn’t happen anymore that the problem was fixed. But lo and behold, it happened again 2 weeks after. That was when the VSA light came on again and we drove home with it on. I hope that you do not have to go through what we have gone through. It is very stressful and dangerous for your family.