Transmission Failure problems of the 2003 Honda Pilot

27 problems related to transmission failure 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.

1 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2019

Purchased 2003 Honda Pilot ex in 2006. The first owner had brought the vehcile back to the dealer for a transmission problem ( dealer said it was overheating of the transmission). To which there is a recall to install an oil jet with cooler to "fix" the transmission. The "fix" did not cure the transmission from failing. My daughter and where driving down the freeway when it failed. The transmission downshifted to first gear at 65 miles an hour. Fortunitly no one was hurt. The vehicle has 171,000 miles on it. I called Honda dealer and because the jet kit was installed there is no recall on the failed transmission. This recall created an unsafe condition in the middle of the freeway. This transmission should be replace under a recall or extended warranty by Honda.

2 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/06/2016

Transmission failure at 150k car became difficult to drive and was unsafe. Happened quickly.

3 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the transmission failed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on 6/16/2004 for NHTSA recall campaign 04v176 (power train) and the dealer did the oil cooler part of the recall and did not replace the transmission. The transmission had now failed and the manufacturer refused to replaced the transmission even though the dealer never replaced it even though that was an option when the first repair was made. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 185000. Rl.

4 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the transmission failed without warning. On a separate occasion, the passenger side relay speaker caught on fire. The fire was contained by the contact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised that the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

5 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2012

The transmission would not change to a higher gear causing the engine rpms to increase dramatically. I was almost rear-ended by the automobile behind me. Eventually the transmission did find 3rd gear. This situation has happened numerous times since the initial episode. The transmission problem always occurs with the second gear. Once the gear wouldn't change while I was merging into interstate traffic. I could have easily been killed. I took my vehicle to my dealer, crown Honda of durham, nc, because I had purchased by Pilot from them as a new vehicle, had the 2004 transmission 2nd gear recall "fix" performed by them, and had them perform all regularly schedule maintenance for the first 5 years. I also had maintenance records showing that I had performed all maintenance as required by Honda for the past 9. 5 years, including having the transmission fluid replaced. Although they didn't deny knowing of the many transmission failures of Honda vehicles, they refused to replace my transmission at no cost or at a discounted cost.

6 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2012

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the second gear of the transmission burned out, causing the vehicle to jerk while driving 25 mph uphill. The dealer was notified regarding the transmission failure who advised the contact that there was a recall related to the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission). The vehicle was repaired under the recall however, the failure recurred. The dealer advised that the contact would be responsible for any further repairs because the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified who confirmed the dealer's statement and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.

7 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2011

While driving with my two small children in the car, the vehicle failed to shift to third, and instead shifted to first gear. This gave a serious jolt to the car, and nearly caused an accident. On review by a transmission shop, it was determined that the clutch pack was completely deteriorated and would need to be replaced. Honda of north America s unwilling to admit that there is a design flaw in the transmission. There were no warning lights, no flashing "d" symbol on the dash, nothing. Just a complete transmission failure on a busy road, driving normally. Please investigate.

8 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2011

Jan, 2011 (odometer ~61000 miles. ) check engine light turned while exiting from highway. Feb, 2011 dealer confirmed that 1. Transmission fluid is turning brown, 2. Diagnosed problem with the gear in the transmission. They reset check engine light. April, 2011 experience difficulty with vehicle. Vehicle did not response and wanted to stop while merging into street road and accelerating from around 10 mph. May, 2011 (odometer ~62500 miles) engine light turned on again while merging into highway at about 30 mph. Since then we are experiencing sudden stoke while the transmission is changing gear. Called Honda customer services and was informed that we have two choices, either complain to ceo of Honda America or to better business bureau ----------------- did some research on the internet and noticed that there are many other owners experiencing transmission failure / problem with the Honda Pilot. Also, there was a recall notice in 2004 on this vehicle regarding insufficient fluid flow in transmission (NHTSA reference #04v176000). -------------- I did regular maintenance at the dealer. I suspect that the problem that I am currently experiencing with the vehicle is related to the same recall back in 2004. This vehicle has a design fault in the transmission. -------------- - Honda should issue another recall on the vehicle. - Honda should replace the transmission free of charge and refund the cost for diagnostics. - in addition, Honda needs to have a major change in how they handle the customer complaints, instead of referring us to their ceo or better business bureau.

9 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2011

The 2003 Honda Pilot I own is on it's second transmission. The vehicle becomes disabled and the "d" light flashes on the dash indicating the transmission has failed. The Honda dealer says that the transmission must be replaced again. Two transmissions at only 127, 500 is a sign of problems with the design and manufacture of the transmission itself. I believe Honda should recall all 2003 & 2004 Honda Pilot for transmission replacement for the remainder of the useful life of the vehicle.

10 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2010

2003 Honda Pilot transmission failure while driving. Was at dealership for transmission recall in oct 2004 and to replace a transmission gear pressure switch in December 2010.

11 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2010

Total transmission failure after only 102,000 miles 2003 Honda Pilot.

12 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 08/18/2010

I have a Honda 2003 Pilot. This week, I was on the highway during rush hour traffic. I was traveling 65 mph when the car suddenly downshifted into 1st gear for a couple of seconds. Because of the sudden stop (without brake lights), I was almost rear-ended by several vehicles which were traveling behind me. I kept driving and it happened again 4 minutes later. I eventually made it home. The next day, the same pattern continued but more often. I immediately took the car to the local dealership and was told that the car needed a new transmission, due to an "internal transmission malfunction", 3rd pressure switch failure, and incorrect gear ratio. The dealer's diagnosis revealed that codes p0845 and p0730 were generated. There was a recall on April 2004 for a transmission problem for this vehicle/year, "NHTSA 04v176000", in which the dealer would visually inspect the transmission and subjectively decide what was needed for remediation; either a 1) a transmission replacement or 2) ?perform the revision to the oil cooler return line?. In March 2004, 3 months prior to the recall being released, I complained to the dealer about shifting problems. They ?serviced? the vehicle as a result of this complaint. Three months later, in June 2004, I again complained about shifting problems. This time, the dealer noted the recall and chose remediation number 2. Currently, had the transmission rebuilt, but question the transmission failure with only 139,000 miles on the car. Also, the car has been serviced regularly according to Honda schedule.

13 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2010

My 2003 Honda Pilot transmission failed in August of this year. The "d" light was blinking so it took it to Honda of nanuet and they said I need a new transmission? there was a recall on this transmission that they claimed they fixed, by adding a fuel kit to fix the problem? it didn't work! I have researched many complaints on the internet about the same problems e. G. (emonds. Com). Can anyone help the consumers in this case against Honda? Honda wanted to charge me over 5,000 to fix it? VIN# [xxx] fixed the transmission with a private auto service for 4,120 because I felt it was Honda failed to own up to there responsibility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

14 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2010

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. While traveling at speeds of 25 mph, the contact attempted to accelerate the vehicle would not accelerate over 25 mph. In addition, the gear shift selector would not shift into first, second or third gears and the check engine light would sporadically illuminate on the dashboard. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission had failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.

15 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2010

Automatic transmission began failing at 89,000 miles then finally failed around 94,000. When I took the vehicle into the Honda dealer he did not mention any recalls and he failed to mention that there were any problems. All he was interested in is selling me a brand new Honda or a new transmission. I had to get it rebuilt and now at 101,000 the shudder between 40-50mph is starting again so I know it is a matter of time. I feel the transmissions on these vehicles are defective and Honda needs to make good on their defective product.

16 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2009

Consumers 2003 Honda Pilot automatic transmission failed. Consumer found an affordable auto shop and learned that the vehicle was under warranty when the information was provide to Honda consumer was denied warranty service. A mechanic informed the consumer, there was a recall on the vehicle, regarding the transmission in relation to the second gear, the consumer stated he was not aware of any recalls on the vehicle, as a notice never came in the mail. The mechanic confirmed the vehicle met the recall outlined in the notice he found online. Honda informed the consumer the claim was denied because the problem did not meet the recall requirements issued in 2004. According to the invoice, the transmission diagnosis stated the transmission overheated. It also stated a list of parts that were replaced on the vehicle, mainly the secondary shaft 2nd gear and the counter shaft 2nd gear.

17 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/24/2009

While driving 2003 Honda Pilot check engine light came on and engine revved up while seeming to coast and then jolted forward. Car has 109,000 miles. Brought to dealership and was informed there was an internal issue with transmission and failure of control module. Entire transmission needs to be replaced. According to dealer repair shop it was coded as an incorrect gear ratio. This should not be happening to a vehicle which has been serviced regularly and only driven on paved roads.

18 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/18/2009

I am the original owner of a 2003 Honda Pilot with an automatic transmission problem. I travel frequently and currently have 157,000 miles on the odometer. My vehicle has been serviced as required and properly maintained. It has always given me problems with harsh shifting between gears, but due to lack of any code warnings, I've been advised by the dealer and personal mechanics that there were no concerns. As the primary driver of a vehicle, one can sense any changes in how an automobile drives and at 50,265 miles, I began to notice a change with the shifting of gears. Again at 87,767 I expressed concern, but still no codes. At 103,226 miles, my concerns grew and further checking and diagnosis indicated that there is hard shifting between gears, but no indications that a replacement of transmission was needed. On April 18, 2009 while traveling on the highway, I pressed the accelerator and experienced the engine revving as though it was in neutral - there was no power. I had a total of 6 passengers in the vehicle. I maneuvered to the breakdown lane and restarted the engine. I brought the vehicle in for service and was advised to have the transmission replaced. On April 29, 2009, my vehicle was taken to a reputable transmission company to have the transmission replaced at a cost of $3,500. I purchased the Pilot confident that I invested in a vehicle that will provide me assurance of no major powertrain issues. I felt strongly about Hondas reputation so this is quite a disappointment. Upon researching this problem I have found numerous complaints from 2003 Pilot owners with transmission failures (see edmunds. Com forums). Is anyone reviewing the potential liability involved with the failures of these transmissions? especially since I've experienced the loss of power and navigation ability! a potentially dangerous accident could have occurred. Are there discussions for a transmission recall?.

19 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2009

My 2003 Honda Pilot was recalled for a potential transmission failure. The inspection/remedy was performed in 2004. Now the transmission has failed with the exact same failure the recall was intended to remedy. While traveling a dealer in miami (brickell motors) worked with a regional Honda rep and offered a 50% reduction in the cost of a rebuild transmission. Upon returning home the local dealer (coggin Honda) worked with a regional Honda rep and only offered a 5% reduction. Learning this we contacted the original dealer (brickell) and were informed that we had to bring the car back (100 miles away) before they could ask the rep again for assistance. No guarantee on what would be offered. Contacting Honda USA we were informed that there would like likely be no further offers but the original dealers offer should be good for 30 days. We escalated this to a case manager asking that the 50% offer be made good at our local dealer (coggin). In the interim we must retrieve the car with the transmission that was recalled for a potential crash hazard. This car should be provided a new transmission as per the recall number 04v176000.

20 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2009

Transmission failure on 2003 Honda Pilot with 135,000 miles.

21 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2009

My 2003 Honda Pilot had a transmission recall a few years ago, which was reportedly performed by Honda. 3-14-09 it was serviced by Honda, for a light that came on indicating a transmission problem. After the service, on 4-2-09, my husband was driving on the highway and the transmission locked up this almost caused a serious accident, on 275 during rush hour in cincinnati, due to a sudden slowing of the vehicle without rear brake lights indicating stopping or slowing. This is an indication that even with the recall alterations, the problem of transmission failure can occur causing a crash. Dh, a friend had a similar failure causing a crash with her three children on board, the driver experienced injuries in this rollover crash. Honda was notified and service personnel were advised and they are non responsive. This vehicle is designed for up to eight occupants making this a serious possibility for bodily injury. At the time of recall the correction for this failure was transmission replacement. There is a 30 day wait for rebuilt transmissions, evidently because this is a common problem. A friend with the same year Honda Pilot had the same lock up occur with her transmission and it did cause the Pilot to crash and roll over and the vehicle was totaled. There are many others with similar stories. Unfortunately Honda will not acknowledge the problem despite the safety issues.

22 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 06/19/2008

Twice had transmission failure in 2003 Pilot. First at approximately 68,000 miles and second at approximately 120,000 miles (approx 60,000 per transmission). So much for Honda reliability! tranmission replaced first time by dealer at the cost of extended warranty payment. Second replacement dealer would not assist and had to fight to get Honda to assist. After a lot of effort and follow up on our part, Honda agreed to cover half of cost. A simple search of the internet will result in a multitude of complaints on multiple websites. . . Clearly Honda does not want to admit to problems with this transmission due to cost involved if they cover the repairs.

23 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2007

2003 Honda Pilot recalled due to transmission problems; avery green motors in vallejo CA purportedly "fixed" the recall problem. Two years later, the entire transmission failed and was replaced, at my own cost of $4,700. Honda refused to assist with the cost, even though it was apparent their "fix" at time of recall was deficient. At same time, avery green did a periodic maintenance check, or which I was charged several hundred dollars. 3 months later, the power steering failed. Avery green failed to detect any problem with the power steering pump during the maintenance checkup. I am told the repair will be very costly as it will be necessary to replace both the pump and the drive train to which it is connected. This car is a lemon, and Honda should be required to do competent repairs under recalls and maintenance checks.

24 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2006

My Honda Pilot 2003 ex 5 speed automatic transmission was "repaired" under a prior recall by dealer in September 2004. On October 6, 2006, the transmission completely failed as I was driving down the highway at approximately 65 m. P. H. Without acceleration, the vehicle lurched forward suddenly and hard, such that my seat belt did not catch me and lock and pushed me into the drivers wheel. When I got home, the car would not go into reverse and started to roll down the hill. I had it towed to the dealer, who told me that since they had fixed it in 2004 I would have to pay between $4,000 and $5,000 for a "new" transmission. I was never told of this defect when I purchased the car, although I was offered an extended warranty on the transmission, which american Honda's representative said I should have purchased and that said offer should have warned me of the transmission defect. I asked american Honda to repair it without cost to me, as the first repair was clearly defective, and I was told a "manager" would get back to me in 48 hours. I have now gone 10 days without my car. This is unacceptable. Had traffic not been light, the incident on 10-6 could easily have caused an accident.

25 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2003

2003 Honda Pilot transmission failure at 90000. Seems that the recall fix did not work. Just do an internet search and you will see how many of us have had to pay thousands of dollars for Honda transmissions. Second to third gear is the problem. You did force them to recall the odyssey problem it is time for action for us Pilot owners.

26 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2002

2003 Honda Pilot. Consumer states mechanical problems with the vehicle the consumer stated the drive light began to flash intermittently from the beginning of ownership. The dealer told the consumer it was related to the gas cap not being secured properly. However, once the transmission was replaced the light no longer flashed. On August 19, 2003 the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a hesitation issue, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Four months later, the check engine and srs lights illuminated. Also, the vtm lights were flashing. On September 8, 2005 the transmission light began flashing. The consumer was informed that a special part had to ordered. The consumer also stated the power steering pump and gear box had to be replaced. Also, the egr, v-tec seals and o-ring were all replaced to rectify the engine light problem. The timing belt and left and right control arm links were replaced. The inner and outer cv boots were replaced. On February 8, 20011 while driving 70 mph, the transmission suddenly downshifted almost causing a complete loss of control of the vehicle. The next day, the vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the consumer was informed the transmission had failed again.

27 Transmission Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1901

2003 Honda Pilot transmission was replaced. Consumer request a refund for the transmission work that was a safety recall. The consumer stated there was no reverse gear and the vehicle jerked when switching the gear forward. The dealer diagnosed the problem as internal transmission failure.



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