Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2003 Honda Pilot. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Honda Pilot based on all problems reported for the 2003 Pilot.
While driving, I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I made a right hand turn and started to increase my speed. The rpm's increased at a very rapid rate, but the car did not shift. I was unable to accelerate my speed and there was a whirling noise in the engine. I tried manually shifting into a lower gear, but I was still unable to accelerate without the rpm's rising. I eventually had to shift into neutral three times before the car would automatically shift.
On my 2003 Pilot, I began to notice a vibration/grinding noise while accelerating through 35 to 40 mph. The noise would last for 10 to 15 seconds and then stop. Brought to the dealer and other shops many times over the past year and they always said they couldn't identify the problem. Started having some idling problems so took it to auto service center and had to replace all motor/transmission mounts, and idle air control valve. After we got it back and less than 90 miles later, the transmission started whining worse than before and then acted like it was slipping then bucked violently and the "d" light started flashing and engine light came on. Now the trans mission no longer shifts.