Three problems related to suspension noise 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.
Rear suspension mounting locations have rusted through allowing the rear suspension to hang down. The front mounting points of the rear suspension are not damaged yet. Was noticed as a noise while driving and found during tire inspection.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. While making a left turn at various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bolt connecting the suspension to the frame had corroded and that the suspension needed to be welded to the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
My wife and I both own 2003 Honda Pilot's. Both vehicles have a thumping noise that seem to come from the right rear wheel area when driving over small or larger bumps. I have contacted the Honda customer service department and was told they have no information on this problem, that it maybe generic. I have talked to my dealer (wade raulserson, gainesville, FL) service department and have been told the same thing. No information, it may be generic. I have corresponded over the internet with numerous other Pilot owners that have the same complaint. Several have done considerable research on their own and the best diagnosis seems to be a design problem with the right rear shock mount. You have a complaint(#10023250) detailing a failure on the right rear of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over resulting in injuries to the driver and extensive damage to the vehicle. This make me wonder if there is an inherent design fault with the rear suspension on the Pilot that could ultimately result in a catastrophic failure that may cause major injury or death.