Ignition Switch Problems of Honda Pilot - part 1

Honda Pilot owners have reported 46 problems related to ignition switch (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Honda Pilot based on all problems reported for the Pilot.

1 Ignition Switch problem of the 2016 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 09/29/2020

The keyless ignition switch (35881-tg7-a03) failed causing the vehicle to not start, the dealer (keenan Honda, doylestown, PA) charged us $127. 74 for the replacement part (retail is $68. 20) and another $149. 00 for labor (should only have taken 10 min per youtube).

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2 Ignition Switch problem of the 2018 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 09/19/2020

After about 20 miles of freeway driving I exited and stopped at a stop light. I believe my car went into the engine stop mode where it turns off the engine to save gas. It did not restart and would not restart. The car told me to put it into park, so I did. I touched the car start button and it would not start it kept reporting an error on the screen. I panic'd because my family was in the car and the light turned green with cars coming from behind very quickly I kept pressing the button get the car to start but it would not. It kept reporting errors. Finally,after about 5 minutes, the Honda logo showed on the screen indicating the car was effectively rebooting and the car started after that. This is completely unacceptable for any car. Related: I've previously reported that the car engages the engine stop feature far too quickly, literally within a second of coming to a stop, which is dangerous because you may just be stopping quickly at a stop sign or exit where you're required to stop. The car cuts out and it takes 3-5 seconds to get acceleration. After reporting this to Honda directly they declined to change the feature to be fully disabable and I've since gotten into a couple of situations where I need to go, but my car was in the stopped mode b/c I come to full stops at stop signs, apparently unlike Honda's testers. This feature is only enable on elite models of the Pilot and is faulty, it is dangerous and needs a full review. As someone who was also impacted by the Saturn ignition switch incident this seems very similar.

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3 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 05/11/2020

When I purchase the vehicle. I was informed that it had some issues with the ignition and that they were unable to figure out what was going on. The ignition switch locked up on me. And ended up not being able to move at all. There was a piece stuck inside and I was informed that there is a locking mechanism with it that was jammed and there was nothing I was able to do so I either needed to get it fixed because it was warped or malfunctioned. And I needed to check and see if there's any recalls because they recalled the ignitions before on this year,make and model before. When this happened my vehicle was in park. My vehicle was in a shop. My wheel bearing and hub was being placed on. When they went to remove the vehicle from there mechanic garage it refused to turn over there was an ignition piece was broken off. When they ended up getting it out of their garage it I had to be put in neutral manually from underneath and it just started to roll. So they had to hold the brakes. It had to be towed back to my residence.

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4 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 02/21/2020

Was able to pull my key from the ignition switch when my 2003 Honda Pilot is parked and in the transmission shifter in drive position. I already had my ignition switch repaired twice (using my own dime); Honda has a partial recall (nhsta campaign number 12v573000 and Honda recall no. S73/s74), but a Honda rep told me that my Pilot "is not affected. ".

5 Ignition Switch problem of the 2012 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 08/13/2019

Yesterday (August 13th) I was driving on a city street about 45 mph and my 2012 Honda Pilot's dashboard went completely dark and the speed went from approx 45 mph to zero in a matter of seconds . I was in the far left lane at the time with cars zipping by me at much faster speeds and I had to "coast " to the right hand shoulder of the road. When I applied the brakes I didn't know if I was going to be able to stop the car but it did come to a stop. Note: the radio still played . I turned off the ignition switch , turned it immediately back on and the car started . I drove on us interstate 85 for 20 more minutes directly to the Honda place that services our vehicle . They have indicated that no codes have showed anything so far and have kept the car overnight to see if they can replicate the incident . My concern obviously is that they will find nothing and I will be back on the road nervous that it can happen again. After reading many sites on the internet regarding this same problem with many model years of Honda Pilot , even brand new ones , it makes me wonder if Honda has really looked into this . Our family has owned many Hondas for many years without ever encountering anything like this . I don't want to go pick my car up today and hear " couldn't find anything wrong " . I drive grandchildren in this car ! this is a very dangerous problem and from the blogs on the internet it seems Honda needs to seriously find the problem before people die . I plead with the powers to be to get to the bottom of this problem before deaths occur. Note: so far the technicians at our Honda dealership act clueless about this and others online have taken their cars back time and time again with no real soloution. You have a great product . . . Now stand behind it, please.

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6 Ignition Switch problem of the 2006 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 03/11/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle suddenly shut off and would not restart. During the incident the ignition key warning had displayed. The contact removed the key from the ignition switch and inserted the spear key and the vehicle operated as normal. The local dealer (unknown) was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the battery faulty. After replacing the battery inside the key the key operated as normal. The manufacturer was notified. Of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. Jft.

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7 Ignition Switch problem of the 2016 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 01/15/2019

Error message �keyless start system problem� this recently start happening, I have recently brought it in to the dealer and they ran a diagnosis and found no real error so they have reset the ignition switch but now it's back on.

8 Ignition Switch problem of the 2004 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 12/11/2017

Ignition switch would not turn with key inserted and now the door locks have the same problem.

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9 Ignition Switch problem of the 2004 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/29/2016

Key switch failure after interlock was replaced (Honda recall) key gets stuck in ignition won't turn or start vehicle. Honda recommends new key which will work 3-4 weeks then tell you you need new ignition switch. Honda admits interlock failure causes additional wear to key switch and key switch failure but only recalled and fixed interlock pin and no parts that were damaged by failure of the interlock pin. This has been ongoing problem with Pilots from 2002-2013. Even if key switch is replaced you are advised it will fail again in 4-5 years per Honda dealer.

10 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/20/2016

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.

11 Ignition Switch problem of the 2007 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 12/01/2015

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the ignition switch was defective. The contact was unable to insert the key into the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified. VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 182,000.

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12 Ignition Switch problem of the 2004 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 10/05/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system), however, the contact stated that while parked and the vehicle was started, the key fell out of the ignition switch. The vehicle powered off. The contact stated that it took several attempts to restart the vehicle. The contact stated from that day, each time the vehicle was started, it would not start until after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the interlock lever and the ignition cylinders were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,685. Sw.

13 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 08/20/2015

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.

14 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 05/05/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when she tried to start the vehicle the key had not turned and the vehicle had not started. The vehicle was towed to a dealer mechanic that stated that the ignition switch was bad; however, the vehicle VIN was not included in the recall. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000. Bd.

15 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 12/14/2014

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated the ignition key was seized within the ignition switch intermently. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic,who diagnosed that the shift interlock lever needed to be replaced. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number:12v573000 (electrical system) and she adhered to the recall but the remedy has caused the ignition key to seized within the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,400. Lb.

16 Ignition Switch problem of the 2005 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 07/13/2014

Ignition switch failed when I tried to put the key in the slot it had some resistence. Almost like I was using the wrong key. Car was unable to start because the key did not go in properly. Tried to use wd40 to loosen the tumblers but did not work. Had to call a tow truck and take to mechanic. Key still worked on the door.

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17 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 04/01/2014

2003 Honda Pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems at dealership. 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.

18 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 03/25/2014

Issue with Honda Pilot's ignition switch not fully ingaging the park position. Reiceved recall paper work ordering this issue to be fixed at local Honda dealer free of charge. Recall paper work was signed by jennifer timian chief recall management division. Local Honda dealer, williston Honda and Chrysler preformed the recall service on April 4, 2014. The recall job for a Honda Pilot was botched. The service machanic 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.

19 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 10/03/2013

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.

20 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 08/26/2013

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, which the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000. Li.

21 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/04/2013

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.

22 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/03/2013

2003 Honda Pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. 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.

23 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 03/04/2013

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.

24 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 01/22/2013

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.

25 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 01/03/2013

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. :(.

26 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 12/13/2012

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.

27 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 12/05/2012

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.

28 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 11/23/2012

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.

29 Ignition Switch problem of the 2005 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 08/19/2012

I had just returned from montana on Saturday night (to spokane, wa); when I attempted to start my car Sunday morning, my key got stuck in the ignition. I worked on it for 90 plus minutes and finally was able to get it out of the ignition. During this time however, the key did not ever turn in the ignition therefore everything remained "locked". I immediately tried the same key on the drivers door; no luck. It did however open the back hatch and the passenger door, both manually (the battery needed to be replaced in the key, so I was using it the old fashioned way until I got a new battery). So, with this information I went down to larry miller Honda, downtown spokane in a borrowed vehicle. While there I was approached by a salesman and I explained my dilemma: "unable to turn key in ignition, therefore unable to get my car moving at all!". . He then instructed me to "spray wd 40 into the ignition switch and the door locks". And informed me that the service depart. Was not open but we went back there because "there were some employees working on some vehicles. When we got back there, the salesman asked the service dept worker if he thought spraying wd40 into my ignition switch would work, the serviceman agreed. So I got some wd 40, sprayed away as directed, no luck. Monday: went back to Honda, where one of the managers told me "never spray wd40 into ignition, this will gum it up. . . And now it will cost me 600. 00 or so to replace ignition system. He also stated "they have been doing alot of these lately because of gummed up ignitions on the Pilot. " I asked if this did not raise a flag for them and possibly a problem. He then said I would need to get a whole new key, re-program it and then get a new ignition set w/ new keys and re-program them. I said that Honda gave me the wrong information resulting in destroying my ignition and that they should be resp. More.

30 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 08/12/2012

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.

31 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 07/16/2012

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.

32 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 07/02/2012

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.

33 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/09/2012

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. Kmj.

34 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 06/05/2012

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. Pmb.

35 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Failure Date: 02/06/2012

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.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Honda Pilot


Safety Ratings of Pilot Cars
Fuel Economy of Pilot Vehicles
Pilot Service Bulletins
Pilot Safety Recalls
Pilot Defect Investigations