1. Honda Pilot
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Suspension

2003 Honda Pilot Suspension Problems

21
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

What owners report

  • motor mounts · 4 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
150–400k mi9
100–150k mi4
1–30k mi2
60–100k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • July 3, 2019 · 138,000 miles

    Suspension

    The rear sub-frame on the driver's side of this 2003 honda pilot is extremely rusted exposing the suspension cross-member bolt which is similarly rusted. An internet search indicates this is a common problem with honda pilots and a potential high-risk point of failure.

    ODI 11229553

  • September 28, 2018 · 200,000 miles

    Suspension

    SUSPENSION IS COMPLETED RUSTED OUT FROM FRAME

    ODI 11132233

  • June 1, 2018 · 238,000 miles

    Suspension

    Using [redacted] to pull my boat through the woods, 2 of the 4 rear axel mounts pulled out of the unibody frame after a loud clunk. Car was always maintained at the dealership. The vehicle is not repairable, this seems to be a design flaw.

    ODI 11100503

  • August 3, 2017 · 160,185 miles

    Suspension

    We were driving straight on the highway at ~65 mph, fully loaded for a week-long camping trip, and hit a large pothole. The rear wheel assembly of my honda pilot broke so that it was only partially attached to the frame because the frame of the car rusted through. The 2 back bolts were still in place, but the frame itself was crumbling apart; the 2 front bolts were the only things holding the rear wheel and axle to…

    ODI 11014979

  • June 1, 2017

    Engine · Suspension

    The truck hesitates in order to get it to move you have to take foot off the gas pedal.happens a lot when driving.sometimes it stalls....driver side rear body mount is rusted out

    ODI 11023586

  • March 20, 2017 · 178,000 miles

    Suspension

    Last month while driving vehicle seemed a little loose while going down the road, looked over front end and could find no problems. Daughter (who had driven daily) complained that problem was getting worse. While backing up slowly monday (3/20/17) , vehicle became uncontrollable and shifted lanes. Upon inspection it has been found both rear suspension mounting points (rear most 2 of 4) have rusted loose from unibody…

    ODI 10967946

  • December 16, 2016 · 168,000 miles

    Suspension

    Rear suspension rusted out from the frame. Only one side as of right now.

    ODI 10936048

  • June 15, 2016 · 199,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    Of the four posts where the complete rear axle mounts to the under body of the chassis, two of the posts have rusted away from the frame, leaving the rear axle only half attached to the main body of the car. The vehicle has very limited rust anywhere, so for the under body to rust to a point of separation from the rear wheel assembly is disconcerting. We had no warning and had the vehicle properly/routinely…

    ODI 10881996

  • May 5, 2016 · 210,000 miles

    Steering · Suspension

    I own a 2003 honda pilot my rack and pinion is in bad condition so is their a recall on this year make and model? My number is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

    ODI 10873759

  • September 5, 2015 · 175,000 miles

    Suspension

    While my wife was driving my 2003 honda pilot she almost lost control without any warning. She drive it the few remaining miles home and asked me to examine it for a possible loose wheel. Upon inspection i found that the entire rear suspension had separated from the body and that only the abs brake wires was holding it in place. There was no apparent reason for this. There was nothing to explain why this had occured

    ODI 10807646

  • June 1, 2015 · 160,000 miles

    Suspension

    Tl* 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…

    ODI 10731597

  • August 7, 2014 · 141,706 miles

    Engine · Suspension · Vehicle Speed Control

    I am the original owner of a 2003 honda pilot. I am an older, cautious driver and have babied this vehicle, doing all regular service at the dealer's, so it would run in top shape for many years to come. Around six months ago i noticed at lower speeds (20-30 m.p.h.) the vehicle shudders. To counter the problem i have to accelerate and then it goes away. I have had the dealer check it three times and each time they…

    ODI 10620683

  • March 5, 2012 · 139,438 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train · Suspension

    I took my pilot in for a slipping transmission. I was told i had bad motor mounts and that was allowing the transmission to slip. I spent approx. $3600.00 to have the motor mounts fixed, timing belt and water pump, front struts, etc. Fixed. The problem started again, this time, getting a flashing "d" light. Took it back in for failure to fix the problem. Had 4th gear pressure gear replaced for cost. I now have a…

    ODI 10453248

  • January 1, 2010

    Electrical System · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    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.

    ODI 10957296

  • August 17, 2009 · 138,400 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Suspension · Tires

    Our 2003 honda pilot locked up on the highway due to transmission failure of the 2nd gear. We were traveling in the 3rd lane over 60 mph when both front tires locked and we skidded to a halt in less than 200 yards on the highway. Prior to our vehicle breaking down, there were no signs of danger, no unusual sounds, no blinking lights or any hesitation with the car. Our vehicle had 138,400+ miles and has been serviced…

    ODI 10282338

  • October 16, 2008 · 67,118 miles

    Suspension

    Had to replace front and side motor mounts on my 2003 honda pilot. This was after only 67,118 miles. Mechanic said this is a common problem with the original motor mounts. This could be very dangerous. *tr

    ODI 10254667

  • March 14, 2006

    Suspension · Wheels

    My vehicle vibrates at highway speeds between 70-80 mph. I have taken the car into the dealer no less than 5 times for the problem and just recently was told that honda is aware of the problem and that the vibration is a characteristic of the vehicle. Up to this point the dealer has re-balanced the tires over and over and redone the alignment. I even purchased brand new tires and still there is the vibration. The…

    ODI 10152820

  • June 25, 2003 · 100 miles

    Structure · Suspension

    My honda pilot becomes unstable at speeds above 60 mph, it responds as though there is play in the steering and any small road imperfections cause the vehicle to veer left or right, i took it to cush honda where i purchased the vehicle and they said three of four tires had 52 pounds of air in the tires, which had to have been there on delivery since i have less than 700 miles on the vehicle and it has never been…

    ODI 10023882

  • March 15, 2003 · 100 miles

    Suspension

    The problem has been traced to the upper shock mounts. Their design causes a rattle on small to moderate road irregularities. I was forced to make a personal modification to the mount as honda would not acknowledge the problem. Others (national web site) have experienced the same symptoms, but honda says this is charastic of vehicle. I have been a major supporter of honda in purchases and their customer service is…

    ODI 10069604

  • October 5, 2002

    Air Bags · Automatic Transmission · Belts And Associated Pulleys · Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Steering · Suspension

    2003 honda pilot. Consumer states mechanical problems with the vehicle *tgw 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,…

    ODI 10389529

  • July 8, 2002

    Suspension

    Since owning the vehicle in 8/2002, there has been a slight vibration at speeds around 70 mph. Since chsnging the tires recently, the problem is more pronounced, but only when cold. The vibration borders on a shake, and you can feel it in the steering wheel as well as the floorboards.

    ODI 10129828