Problems with 2003 Honda Pilot ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Honda pilot 2003 cranked up started driving, after a min or two it shut off and wouldn't crank back up. i've replaced the main relay and a new fuel pump but when you put the key in and try to start it, it doesn't turn over all the way. it wants to but won't. also more electrical issues along with radio and head lights. something is terribly wrong and ive put alot of money into trying to find out what it is and have been guaranteed that part will fix it but no luck. new parts help but not with turning over and starting.

Lo beam headlights stopped working. bulbs fuses and relays are good. high beams work ok. lights stopped working and i discovered it at night when i went to drive the car home.

Window regulators stop working and window can crash when driving. so far i have had to replace two regulators and one window.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start upon turning the key. when the vehicle was driven and then turned off, it was unable to restart. the vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin and failure mileage were not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. while the vehicle was stationary, the key became stuck in the ignition on august 26, 2017. the contact removed the battery to disengage the engine and the ignition key was able to be removed. the vehicle was towed to titans honda in tysons corner, virginia, but the dealer was unable to reinsert the key into the ignition to start the vehicle. in addition, the dealer stated that there was no recall for the vehicle. on another occasion, while stationary, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the key fell out of the ignition. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with case number: 06264304. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system) applied directly to the failure. the failure mileage was 152,000.

Ignition lock problem. key is difficult to insert into ignition lock cylinder. once inserted, the key will not turn.

My honda pilot is having difficulty shifting gears in the city and on the highway. i will be moving in a few weeks and traveling about 40 miles on the highway everyday. a few days ago i called honda after looking up recalls and there was a transmission recall number 04v176000. i was told to take it to the honda dealer and if it is a problem with the transmission it will be replaced at no charge. i took it to the dealer and told them what honda told me and they said it is probably the torque converter. (code p0740) the supervisor was going to call honda and get back to me. i feel very frightened to travel on the highway when my check engine light is still on and having trouble with the transmission. i just can't believe that a 2003 honda pilot with only 130,000 miles would have issues with the transmission and/or torque converter !! if it is causing gears to chip or break i don't want to be driving on the highway and possibly be injured or even killed ! or causing injury to others. *tr

Ignition key can pull out while driving

The ignition key can be removed while the vehicle is still in gear.

When the vehicle is in motion and i have to press down on the gas to accelerate/ speed up the vehicle quickly the driver seat bounces backwards/moves and it feels like its going to come off the frame its mounted to like some bolts may be broke or something. the car locks are messed up. the both front door locks have to be unlocked with a key. the inside unlock mechanism only unlocks the driver side passenger door and the trunk. in order to unlock the passenger front and the passenger rear locks a window has to be rolled down and you have to reach in and manually unlock it and those also have to be manually locked back when you exit the vehicle. also, the passenger air unit does work. it does not blow out air even with the rear control on. the inside car lights have to be manually cut on and off and not set to come on when the door opens and closes because it runs the battery down. sometimes while driving the headlights flicker. and the power port to charge phones, etc. works but anything plugged into it gets hot real fast. all that points to electrical issues. the air bag lights kept coming on and going off. the transmission light has been flashing d and did not stop until fluid and filter was changed. so far that seems to have helped. and last but not least, the contacts in the ignition switch act defected. the key has to remain in the ignition switch and the spare key has to be used to unlock the car because if the key is removed, it does not want to go back into the switch to crank the car. the switch does not want to accept the key and turn to crank the engine once it has been removed from the switch. even trying to turn the steering wheel and pressing the brake to release the switch doesn't work. and the gear shift stick/shaft acts almost like it's not park, but it was put in park.

About a month ago i tried to use my spare key and the key wouldn't work in my ignition. so, i located my regular keys and they key worked as it should. last week my normal key would go into the ignition but, the ignition would not turn. after several attempts the key did finally turn and i was able to get home. later that day, i went to leave my house for work and again the key would go into the ignition but, not turn the ignition. after 20 minutes of inserting and removing the key it finally worked again. it continued to work for the remainder of the day. i spoke with my mechanic and he suggested i get the ignition replaced before it got to a point where it wouldn't start an in his opinion the ignition was deteriorating quickly. he also stated that this would be a dealer only repair. i did ask two other mechanics in the area & i reached out to a locksmith, they all said due to the structure of the alarm & the lazer cut key style it was a dealer only part. i started to google the issue & saw other people have experienced the same problem & i made an appointment with the dealership. the dealership mentioned that the previous owner had work done on the ignition with a previous recall but, they felt this issue was unrelated and would be an out of pocket expense. the next morning the key became stuck in the ignition. the ignition would now turn but, i was unable to remove the key, leaving my car a prime target for theft. i dropped the car off this morning & i made a call into corporate to file a complaint. it was also suggested i file a complaint here by one of the many other 2003 pilot owners on another forum: http://www.carcomplaints.com/honda/pilot/2003/accessories-interior/ignition_switch_problem.shtml total cost of repair $538.89

I never got recalls fixed and dealer service marked as checked but not replaced and srs light has been on since service and i had to pay to get recalled due to emergency interlock was damaged

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the battery failed in the vehicle and caused the air bags to deactivate. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 149,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. while attempting to start the vehicle, the key would not go into the ignition slot entirely. the contact stated that it took several attempts to get the key to enter and once it was in, it took several attempts to turn the key in the ignition. the failure recurred on several occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the ignition key could not be removed while the gear was in park. the failure occurred without warning. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system) in 2013 and took the vehicle to a local dealer. the vehicle was repaired, but the ignition failure recurred two years later. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 137,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the key failed to insert in the ignition. after excessive force was applied, the contact was able to place the key in the ignition and start the engine. the failure recurred, but the contact was unable to get the key in the ignition at all. the contact used the spare key to start the engine. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v320000 (air bags), 14v700000 (air bags), 12v573000 (electrical sysytem), and 12v136000 (exterior lighting); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the vin was unknown. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. when attempting to start the vehicle, the key failed to turn in order to start the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v351000 (air bag, exterior lighting, electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

I was driving my daughter to school and parked my car and took her inside like i always do. when i came outside and unlocked my car (with the key) my key would not go in the ignition - leaving me stuck and late for work and having to use my aaa towing because i couldn't even drive it to the shop - this should be a recall***i have seen mannnyyyyyy complaints on this issue even my tow truck guy stated this model and year and (known) for this problem, and now will cost me 450.00 to fix. a ignition switch is not normal ware and tare - its not like tires or timing belt or any of those things and should be replaced - this is complete disregard for consumers - this will definitely be a problem if someone gets hurt due to the fact that they cant even get the key in there ignition - lawsuits will happen if a recall is not made. *tr

I parked my car in the hospital lot. after my late afternoon appointment, i was about to go home. i was able to insert the key into the ignition but failed to turn to start the engine. there was no contact or clicking sound even i tried with a little force to turn the key. i called the towing company and he was able to start the engine. i drove the car about 5 miles to get my prescription medicine and parked again in the parking lot. i was about to go home again. i was able to insert the key into the ignition but failed to turn to start the engine. again, there was no contact or clicking sound even to try with a little force to turn the key. i called again the towing company and he was able to start the engine. i decided to bring my car to the dealership to stay overnight (early bird). i parked my car in the drive through lane and shut-off the engine. i remove the key and inserted again but was not able to turn the key and not able to start the engine again. the dealership checked my car problem and i was advised that the ignition assembly was worn-out. the new ignition assembly was installed and re-keyed, cut and programmed new key. i saved the old part for future reference. i paid $618.58 for parts and labor. i am thinking this repair was so expensive. the estimate failure mileage was 128,292.

I took my 2003 honda pilot in to repair the ignition recall. ever since the repair i've been having a hard time getting my key into the ignition. i never had an issue with it prior to the service. i have to literally wiggle and insert and take out the key many times for it to sit right in the ignition. i have found numerous complaints for the same issue from other pilot owners. something needs to be done to resolve this issue. honda dealer wants to charge me a diagnostic fee just to see if my problem is related to the work they did for the recall. i don't think i should be charged just to check if they caused a problem with my car. *tr

Srs light which was under warranty came on,2003 honda pilot. the dealership replaced both drivers side and passenger side air bags under a recall. the srs light still remained on so a diagnostic test revealed a code 15-3 in the opds system and found faulty wiring in passenger seat harness which was under warranty for ten years which we were not aware of until the s rs light came on. after doing my own research i found honda service. bulletin 06-009 dated feb.5,2008,which set the warranty at 10 years or 157000 miles. my vehicle falls within in the mileage parameters but not the years. you would think the time would run from the date of the bulletin. it doesn't seem fair that i have tp pay to replace this part when honda knew it was a defective part and should replace it without any restrictions on time or mileage. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the key failed to eject from the ignition and remained in the off position. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 141,586.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated the ignition key seized within the ignition switch. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shift interlock lever needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). however, the remedy caused the ignition key to seize within the ignition switch. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 141,400.

The car was moved into location, turned off, and the key removed leading to the driver thinking the car was in park, however the car was still in drive. the car was on a slight incline which caused the car to roll backwards down the driveway, across the street, roll over a tree, and crash into another tree causing significant damage. *tr

Parked the car. came back about 10 minutes later, heard loud like shots fired, rounded the corner to see it was our airbags popping...the car was on fire under the hood, and going to the dashboard. called 911 and by the time the fire dept. came ( 1 mile away) the whole car was engulfed. the whole car destroyed, all that was left was the shell no seats no dashboard no license plates nothing left. we complied to all recalls and took it to a honda dealership each time for repairs. we had a steering column fire about 2-3 years ago driving along and the car filled with smoke, it was a electrical fire, but pulling over turning off the engine put out the fire. had it repaired immediately. a week before the big fire we felt the column and it was hot...but cooled after we parked it. then days later is when it burned to the ground, even the tires were gone. honda doesn't care about our loss, and of course it's not their fault. p.s. in 2007 we got hurt in that same car we were stopped on the side of the road ( we were in the car) and a truck crossed the line and hit us head on. our seat belts didn't hold us in, they loosened and airbags did not deploy. we were hurt and honda said the truck hit us too high is why the airbags didn't deploy. that sounds ridiculous. the seat belt shoulder straps didn't hold us cause we weren't moving also sounds ridiculous. honda didn't care then either. *tr

Car key goes in ignition and will not turn. this is a danger when you can not start the car and get out of a dangerous situation. i read on line many other pilots with the same problem. honda has a bad part. honda wants $500 to fix a bad part that needs to be recalled. *tr

We started to have trouble inserting the key in the ignition. today the key wouldn't even go in after many attempts wiggling it. after twenty minutes trying had to leave car behind. now i'm without a car and searching for recalls noticed that although there is none for this problem it is a huge problem with other pilot owners. *tr

Faulty ignition. key will not turn. wafers in cylinder are malfunctioning. *tr

Left work at night. low-beams partially failed, but i didn't notice until i was going 55 mph on the highway. had to use brights, and go to a gas station. vehicle had to be towed, and checked by dealer. dealer said using 3rd party headlight bulbs was the cause. of interest, the car already had the low-beam failure recall fixed. looks like this is still an issue after the recall, and using honda oem bulbs is the only safe way to go. 3rd party bulbs were purchased from advance auto parts, and i'm unsure of the brand. *tr

2003 honda pilot. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems at dealership. *smd the consumer received a recall letter in the mail. however, when she visited the dealer, they refused to fix it, by stating the vehicle was not in their system. the consumer stated the vehicle was purchased in germany through the military. the consumer has since sold the vehicle. *jb

2003 honda pilot. consumer requests reimbursement for ignition system recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated the dealer completed the repairs outlined in the recall, but charged him for the replacement and installation. *jb

Issue with honda pilot's ignition switch not fully engaging the park position. received recall paper work ordering this issue to be fixed at local honda dealer free of charge. recall paper work was signed by [xxx] chief recall management division. local honda dealer, williston honda and chrysler performed the recall service on april 4, 2014. the recall job for a honda pilot was botched. the service mechanic refused to fix. requested management to investigate this issue. as of today april 18, 2014 an answer to fix or not to fix this issue from the management of williston honda and chrysler has not been given. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I took my vehicle to repair a recall and [xxx] service manger said he will service all the recalls to the vehicle. the recall was something in reference to the ignition. to days later the vehicle will not shout off, the vehicle always make the sound as if the key was in the ignition. i took it back and [xxx] service manger said the do not touch anything around the ignition.... now the vehicle shout off while driving have video. took it back and [xxx] said i need to pay additional.... if all vehicle recalls where recall by the dealer. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was unable to be restarted. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000.

The ignition switch for the vehicle suddenly wouldn't accept the key. researching the issue online, http://www.piloteers.org/forums/14-problems/27572-2003-pilot-ignition-switch-problem-solution.html, i found many other references to the exact same problem. only 160,000 miles on vehicle and in excellent mechanical condition so very unexpected and serious defect. i have two other vehicles with over 250,000 miles and never had this concern. new ignition parts installed over $500 and told me to save my paperwork as there should be a recall on this. i'm fortunate it was daylight, i was at work, and had aaa in order to get the vehicle towed to the dealer. please force honda to issue a recall on this ignition switch problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that he was unable to start the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 105,000.

In april of this year i brought my 2003 honda pilot in to the dealership for a recall concerning the ignition switch interlock. after that, it was difficult to put my key in the ignition, but if i jiggled it enough it would finally go in . now my key does not even go in at all. the honda dealership said that i need the ignition switch assembly changed, but that it is not covered by any recall. it seems like this is a fairly common problem among other owners of the 2003 honda pilot. to be stuck somewhere with my kids in a car that won't start because the key won't go in is a scary thought. it has almost happened to me more than once. *tr

There is a recall: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7018-en in addition the key and lock mechanism can be warn out where the key can fall out of the ignition while on a freeway or street. the car dies and you can't put the key back in and move the car. happened to me had to tow the car have the recall done and had to pay for the ignition with replacement. the web shows 100 or 1000 of others with similar issues. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated the ignition switch failed the key could not be released from the ignition. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

The key gets stuck in ignition and does not turn. after numerous attempts it finally turns and then i can start the car. i have noticed a lot other people are having this issue, called up honda and they said there is no recall for this symptom. *tr

Broken ignition tumbler: i had just finished running errands and was starting home when the key would not turn in the ignition. i had no warning there was a problem, all of a sudden it just would not turn...... not even after multiple attempts. this left me stranded with my five children. i had to get the car towed to nearest honda dealership..that alone has set me back a couple hundred dollars...now dealership is telling me i have a broken ignition tumbler and is quoting me $500 to fix the problem. i have seen a lot of other complaints online concerning this same issue. to say the least, i am not too happy to be stuck holding the bag for this, not to mention being stranded with my children, which i think is every mothers worst nightmare. *tr

Key cannot be inserted into ignition switch. takes multiple attempts to insert key and once fully inserted key won't turn ignition. takes numerous attempts and eventually key will turn ignition. *tr

2003 honda pilot. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated he was denied reimbursement twice. the last rejection, was via telephone, in which he was told the symptom fixed at his expense was a sticky tumbler. the consumer explained that the symptoms included an initial interlock failure. the consumer stated the problems started with him being able to remove the key from the ignition, when the gear selector was not in park. a month or two later, the key started to stick in the ignition with the shifter in the park position, and a few weeks later the steering wheel eventually locked with a stuck key. the consumer as since traded the vehicle.

Key will no longer turn in the ignition switch,it is also difficult to insert and remove the key ,take 6 min max sometimes, change keys and the same problem. i was told by service department that this is not a recall. service department told me it going to cost me $500 or more material $200 and rest in labor i is there a recall in this area?this start to happen after i take my vehicles for a recall ,something to do with the vehicles move went the keys inside. *tr

Key will no longer turn in the ignition. it is also difficult to insert and remove the key. assumed this was what the ignition recall was for, but was told by the service department that this is not covered and that they cannot fix the recall item unless i first get the ignition fixed. *tr

Key gets stuck in ignition, very frustrating when the key does not work. this effects the lock cylinders(tumblers). this should have been a very, straight forward issue honda would address. also have a 2011 pilot (in addition to honda minivan) and concerned this will occur with new car. understand wear and tear, but this is a basic function for ignition. honda needs to address this issue. *tr

This problem is extremely common on all hondas and has never been addressed. the power door lock motors consistently go bad. so far, this has happened to the driver and passenger doors on my pilot. the honda dealer is asking for $300 per door!!! this needs to be recalled asap. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). the contact stated that recently, the key was able to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle was not secured in park. the manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 161,000.