Problems with 2003 Honda Pilot ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was about to turn the key in the ignition but it could not get in. the key meets resistance and gets in after i tried several times. when i attempted to turn on the ignition, it wont budge and acted as if it was locked. since then, i do not take the key off the ignition because i am afraid i will not be able to get it in. it is a really safety issue and honda refuses to address it voluntarily. i went on line and there are several owners who are left alone to deal with the same safety issue. why do i have to leave my vehicle with the key stuck in the ignition. honda should be ashamed of their flagrant irresponsibility. please help us. thank you. *tr

Key got difficult to put into the ignition switch. then after a few days the key had to be jiggled to turn and then after two weeks the key will not turn. this is a safety hazard if you need to start the car quickly or if you are threatened and need to use your car to escape. *tr

There is a problem with the ignition switch on my 2003 honda pilot. when i try and put my ignition key into the ignition switch, it requires several attempts before it actually goes in to the key slot without resistance. it is as if one is putting the wrong key into the wrong key hole. when it does finally go in, it may take several more attempts for the key to finally turn and start the vehicle. *tr

Unable to turn key in ignition. apparently this is an issue that many 2003 honda pilot owners are having. this can be a safety issue as it can leave someone stranded in a remote area as happened with me. if the malfunction is caused by a faulty part then honda should bare some of the responsibility and cost to correct the problem. *tr

I was trying to leave from work and when i tried entering the key it got stuck half way. i removed it and tried again and the key went it but would not turn. i had to try many times and then called my husband, he said to take the key out and wait couple minutes then try again. i did what he said and after the second try it finally turned. since that date i keep having the same problem and i recently received a recall letter and thought since its a recall honda would repair at no cost to me. well to my surprise i just found out that this is not part of the recall and will have to pay for them to repair. the recall i received said the interlock lever in the ignition switch may become deformed. :( *tr

I was unable to start my car due to faulty ignition switch. i was stranded, with my kids, and in the cold-unable to even run the heat. the key issue was reported to honda and i was waiting for help from the company due to the known defect in the key/ignition tumblers, as widely reported to me by a locksmith and a dealer. honda has been unwilling to issue a recall notice regarding this defect. *tr

The key would not fit into the ignition without forcing it several times, after a few weeks, the key would not even turn. the vehicle was serviced and the cylinder and ignition switch were replaced at the cost of the owner. this is a very common problem with this model. honda corporation should be held responsible for it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the key came out of the ignition switch independently and the vehicle continued operating normally. the vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. the contact mentioned that she received a recall letter for nhtsa campaign id number: 12v573000 ( electrical system). the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who refused to perform the repairs free of charge since they believed the vehicle had been tampered with. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 115,000. *tr

I was unable to start my car due to faulty ignition switch. i found myself stranded, with 4 young children, and in the cold-unable to even run the heat. the key issue was reported to honda and i was waiting for help from the company due to the known defect in the key/ignition tumblers, as widely reported to me by a locksmith and a dealer. honda has been unwilling to issue a recall notice regarding this defect. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition, the key would not turn, preventing her from starting the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 150,000.

I have been having a hard time turning the ignition with my key. now the key will not turn in the ignition. i believe this is a safety issue since there may be a situation where the car may need to be moved in a dangerous situation and cannot be turned. i found this website from 23 other complaints for the same issue on this website alone. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that while trying to start the vehicle, the key seized in the ignition and could not be turned. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or a dealer. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was 133,568.

Rear hatch window wiper blew the fuse. the srs light came on there was nothing wrong with my air bags or my seat sensors. a new fuse fixed the wiper but would not turn off srs light. dealer wanted $100 plus dollars to check system and turn off light. independent mech. checked system found nothing wrong and reset the light. why is a wiper motor tied into the seat sensor and air bags? *tr

2003 honda pilot ignition switch problem- the first day i was having problems inserting key into ignition and had to jiggle it around in order to turn it to start the engine. the next day the key would go in but it would take several attempts and at least 10-15 minutes trying to start the ignition. i was getting stuck in store parking lots and at home. now the key goes in and doesn't turn at all. the steering wheel is also locked as well as the gear shift so there is no way to put in neutral to tow it. *tr

A couple of years ago, we had our mechanic (who worked with a locksmith) rebuild the ignition switch because our keys were failing to turn the switch, making it impossible to start the car. this repair cost us about $400. we also had new keys cut. now the problem has resurfaced. the keys are not worn, but they are still unable to turn the switch unless they go in "just right" -- which means 15+ minutes of fiddling with the key to start the car -- and sometimes it just doesn't work at all. the locksmith will charge us another $400 to rebuild the switch again -- or we can pay $535 (plus tax) to the dealership to have them replace it. [this does not include the door locks, by the way, which would still have to be opened with the old key -- and cost another $400 to replace.] we have started leaving a key in the ignition at all times to ensure that we can use the car. once we get it in there, we just leave it there. we drape a small towel over the steering column to hide the key, but there it stays. it's a ridiculous situation, and we are not alone. i see a lot of people complaining about this online. why has this not been recalled? *tr

The ignition switch locked up and the car would not start. i was stranded at work for several hours. honda needs to do something about this issue. we should not have to pay $600 for a repair they are well aware do to a parts defect. previously the vehicle also had started to roll back on the inclined drive way when i removed the ignition key with the shifter still in drive. *tr

After loading my pilot, tried to put the key in the ignition switch but it did not go easy on the switch and once in the switch it did not turn on the ignition. i tried several times and or use the spare key until the ignition switch worked. since july 16, 2012, everytime i start my pilot, i have the same problem. i have to keep my spare key all the time to avoid the issue on having to reenter the ignition switch. everytime i forget to keep the spare key on the ignition switch i have to spend about 20 minutes to try to reengage my key in the ignition switch to have it work. *tr

Steering lock allows driver to remove the key from the steering column without placing the gear selector to "park". car rolled backwards. there (luckily) was no damage and no one was hurt. car was also brought to the local honda dealer to repair problems with unlocking the ignition switch to start the car. key regularly became stuck in the keyhole. this could leave someone stranded repair for the ignition switch locking from was $518. the repair also fixed the gear selector issue (can no longer remove the key from the steering column without placing the selector in "park"). the main concern here is the possibility that someone removes the key and the vehicle rolls into an unsuspecting person or strikes another vehicle. of secondary concern is for someone to be stranded because the mechanical ignition mechanism fails. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated he was able to insert and remove the key from the ignition, but the ignition would not turn to start the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 115,000.

2003 honda pilot ignition - at first we were having issues inserting the key into the ignition. then it progressed to needing to jiggle the key in order to get it to turn to any position of the ignition. the key would go in but it'd take several attempts, of a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes, before we could get the ignition to start. we read the manual and understood the importance of keeping the wheels straight - that seemed to help for a few attempts. now the key goes in but doesn't turn at all. with everything that has been documented about this issue from honda customers and the volume of customers it is affecting why isn't honda doing the 'right thing' and issuing a voluntary recall?! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition switch when the gear lever was shifted into park. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v573000 (electrical system). the dealer replaced the shift interlock lever and failed to include the replacement of the ignition switch. the failure persisted after the remedy repair. the manufacturer was not notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated the engine was turned off and the key released from the ignition switch upon removing, even though the gear was shifted into the drive position. the vehicle began to roll and came to a stop once the brake pedal was depressed. the gear was then shifted into park. there was currently an open investigation associated with nhtsa action number pe12026 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. updated 10/31/12*lj

The ignition key will not slide into the ignition without a great amount of effort and time. this is a well documented problem. i will have to leave the key in the ignition because of the failure. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition, the key could not be turned and the vehicle could not be started. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileages were 130,000.

Neither of the keys will go completely into the ignition switch, therefore the key cannot be turned and the car cannot be started. *tr

Tl* the contact owns 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the ignition tumblers would need replacing. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacture was not contacted. the failure and the current mileages were 116,000. updated 04/02/12 *bf

Having trouble inserting key into ignition. have to try multiple times, turning the key upside down, right side up, repetitive in & out, eventually it goes in, but afraid that eventually it will not work. called american honda as i saw multiple complaints online, but honda said they never heard of this problem and that it's not widespread enough for them to take notice. i'm afraid that i will not be able to get the key to work, so will take it to honda dealership for repair (apparently only dealership has to fix it because new keys will need to be programmed. there are 2 different choices for cost, one to just replace the ignition and get new keys, and another choice is to also change the door locks so that the new keys will open the door.) if you're having the same problem, please log a complaint so that it becomes "widespread enough to take notice" and may be those of us who pay/paid to get this issue repaired can get a refund. thank you! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v320000 (air bags), 14v700000 (air bags), 12v573000 (electrical system), and 12v136000 (exterior lighting); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the contact stated that when the key was inserted into the ignition, the key failed to turn to the on position. the contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle started. the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. while parked with the key removed from the ignition, the vehicle rolled away in reverse independently. the vehicle came to a complete stop when it traveled over a curb on the opposite side of the street. the contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the gear shifter was still in drive. the failure recurred twice on separate occasions. the contact also experienced difficulty turning the key in the ignition. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the ignition switch would have to be replaced. after the repair, the contact noticed that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition unless the vehicle was shifted into park first. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. ...updated11/21/12 *bf updated 11/30/2012 *js

I inadvertently turned the ignition switch off with the transmission still in drive, and i was able to remove the key from the ignition. i then exited the car. the car started to roll backward as i was passing behind it, so i had to unlock the door and climb back into the moving vehicle and apply the brake. this same failure warranted recalls for 2003 accords, civics, and elements, but so far not for pilots. i wonder if the interlock mechanism is common among all these different models, and if so, why honda wasn't required to issue a recall for the pilot, also? the designs must be very similar for so many models to be experiencing the same failure. *tr

The ignition interlock mechanism on our 2003 honda pilot ex failed allowing the ignition key to be removed when the shift lever was not in park thereby allowing the vehicle to roll away. i reported the issue to u.s. honda (case #[xxx]) who said the issue was rare for that vehicle therefore no recall has been issued covering the defect. when researching the defect, i noted that a recall has been issued for the 2003 honda accord, civic and element models for precisely the same problem. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I inadvertently turned the ignition switch off with the transmission still in drive, and i was able to remove the key from the ignition. i then exited the car. the car started to roll backward as i was passing behind it, so i had to unlock the door and climb back into the moving vehicle and apply the brake. this same failure warranted recalls for 2003 accords, civics, and elements, but so far not for pilots. i wonder if the interlock mechanism is common among all these different models, and if so, why honda wasn't required to issue a recall for the pilot, also? the designs must be very similar for so many models to be experiencing the same failure. *tr

Key won't turn in ignition due to misaligned wafers. this is the second time in just over a year we have had to fix this problem. at first had to jiggle key to be able to turn it, then can't even get the key in all the way. taken to locksmith. first occurred 10/2011, then 1/11/2013. *tr

Vehicle shudder/shake starting at 50 mph. advised needed new transmission. called honda to check if recall or would be reimbursed. told no and said wanted problem on record. replaced transmission at own expense $3045. drive light periodically flashes. have not repaired as >$300. *tr

car ran away in reverse as if it had a mind of its own. full weight on the brakes but the car kept accelerating. crashed into utility pole encircled with old car tires. car bounced off and then crashed into the pole over and over again. hit gear shift into forward. engine screaming really high revs, car raced forward and i did everything i could to avoid hitting parked vehicles and a pond as car kept going faster. with nowhere to head but golf course or highway, i steered onto a farm field and drove a half mile until i was able to pull out the keys from the starter which stopped car. i did not think i was injured at time but i ended up with whiplash which meant i lost about six months income. honda refused compensation, or paid for any of the repairs of the car with exception of the key interface for starter . honda claimed that nothings wrong with car. said had my foot on accelerator. however, honda dealership charged me more than $3,000 to fix a completely destroyed braking system how could i have had my foot on the accelerator and destroyed the brakes? honda refused to buy my car and decommission it because they said car was perfect. downright rude afterward. i did not let anyone else drive the car and used it as infrequently as i could. seven months later, i was in an underground parking garage and same thing happened. the car accelerated into thesolid concrete wall just four feet ahead. the impact destroyed car. front end crumpled in, the engine damaged and all airbags deployed. this from a four foot collision. *tr

Certified letter (7011 0470 003 0649 3438) from attorney representing his client regarding paid repaired work he had done to his 2003 honda pilot and later received recall notices about the problem; he is seeking reimbursement. *smd on december 21, 2012, the key became stuck in the ignition, and could not be removed without the assistance from the dealer. the dealer informed the consumer it would cost $624. 41 to fix the problem, despite the fact it was a known defect, which apparently resulted from an improper setting of the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission at the shift lever bracket, which was a common problem with honda vehicles. after the consumer paid for the repairs, he received a recall notice from honda concerning the ignition interlock switch on his vehicle.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the ignition would lock abnormally and when the failure occurred, the contact was unable to insert the key into the ignition. when the contact was able to insert the key, he was unable to turn the ignition over and the wheels would remain locked. additionally, the contact would sporadically have problems with inserting the key into the driver side door. the dealer advised that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. the dealer also advised that he would attempt to repair the vehicle so that the key would fit into the ignition. the contact stated that the key was the original key provided with the vehicle when purchased. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 140,000.

The ignition key for the 2003 honda pilot has been getting stuck in the ignition causing it not to start for over a year. if i wiggled the steering wheel, the key and pumped the brakes the key would turn and the truck would eventually start. on august 25, 2010 the the key remained jammed in the ignition and the truck would not start. i had to have the truck towed and repaired. this is not normal wear and tear of the vehicle. i have researched and found many other 2003 pilot owners who have experienced the same problem with the ignition key. this is a safety issue because in case of an emergency the 2003 pilot owner would not be able to start the truck in a timely manner. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated that the key was removed from the ignition when the vehicle was still in the drive position. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer stated that the locking mechanism for the ignition needed to be replaced. the mechanic was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

2003 honda pilot. consumer writes in regards to defective ignition switch. *smd the consumer stated when her husband returned to the vehicle 30 minutes later, he discovered the vehicle had rolled backwards on an incline in the parking lot, coming to rest against another vehicle, which caused damaged to the front of that vehicle. the consumer stated she was able to remove the key from the ignition, even though the gear was not in park. the consumers husband informed her, there were three other occurrences prior to the accident, where the vehicle would roll backwards, anywhere from a few feet to a few yards.

The ignition key cylinder on my 2003 honda pilot jammed and you cannot turn the key. once out, you cannot put key in it again. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. while starting the vehicle the key will not slide into the ignition. the contact had to slide the key in partially in order to start the vehicle. she also stated that she had to leave the key in the ignition because of the failure. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the whole ignition needed to be replaced. they advised her that the failure was caused by the wear and tear in the ignition. the dealer also advised her that the failure would get worse if the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 146,000.

The key does not turn in the ignition. we have to wiggle it or mess with it many times to get it to turn, sometimes it takes too long for us to get to it turn, which causes many inconveniences for us. the dealer wants $700-$900 to repair this problem, which is outrageous. the consumer should not be responsible for this defect or mistake in the engineering design of the vehicle. and we know this is a common problem with hondas. please recall pilots for this very inconvenient defect. if there is an emergency and someone needs to get to the hospital quick, not being able to start your car because the key won't turn will be catastrophic. this problem needs to be taken care of quickly by the manufacturer. *tr

Ignition lock failure, key stopped working car won't start left us stranded. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the vehicle felt as though it was surging forward. the contact pulled over and put the vehicle into park and the rpm's started to rev-up on its own. the contact has taken the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. thecontact stated the vehicle has many safety problem and thinks the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 05/06/10. *lj the door lock cylindeers and ignition switch was replaced. the engine and steering locked up and the vehicle would not start. the key door lock broke and had to be replaced. the heater motor failed. updated 07/06/10.*jb

Smoke came out of the steering column while driving. had car towed to honda dealership. honda found burnt connector in the headlight switch due to an electrical short. replaced entire headlight switch part number 35012-s5a-307, 7743875-35999 set, combination switch. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. the contact was able to remove the ignition key when the shift lever was not in park. he didn't realize that the vehicle was not in park when he turned the ignition off. the vehicle rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle. there were minor damages to the vehicle. no one was injured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they would replace the ignition switch for $564 at his expense. there were no recalls for his year, make and model vehicle for the ignition switch. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the ignition switch. he was also told by the manufacturer that if it does become a recall to keep his receipt and he would be reimbursed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 72,000.

First, door locks automatic now have to unlock myself, along wits the outside doors.alarm button no longer works to unlock. door handles inside have been peeling and actually cut your fingers when opening the door, i have maswing tape in them and it's ugly, finally..lights inside are going out on radio, dimming on interior also.

2003 honda pilot motor mounts broken. car only has 77k on it. owned 5 other hondas never had this issue. no rough driving. cost is over 500.00 to replace safety issue, could be a serious issue if the mounts fail. also the key in the ignition is always getting stuck and sometimes takes 20 minutes to get it to turn the car on. *tr

Ignition locked up. the car could not be shut off. the key could not be removed from the ignition. dealer wanted $900 to fix the problem. *tr