2003 Honda Pilot Electrical System Problems
- 90
- 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.
Among these 90 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 4 indicate fire
What owners report
- ignition switch · 25 records
- turn ignition · 13 records
- failure mileage · 9 records
- electrical system · 8 records
- repaired failure · 7 records
- ignition turn · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 32 |
| 150–400k mi | 22 |
| 60–100k mi | 8 |
| 30–60k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10502743
Electrical System · Ignition
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. *tr
ODI 10489325
Electrical System
The key would not fit into the ignition without forcing it several times, after a few weeks, the key would not even turn. The vehicle was serviced and the cylinder and ignition switch were replaced at the cost of the owner. This is a very common problem with this model. Honda corporation should be held responsible for it. *tr
ODI 10490416
Electrical System
Tl* 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 (…
ODI 10507009
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition, the key would not turn, preventing her from starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
ODI 10481464
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that while trying to start the vehicle, the key seized in the ignition and could not be turned. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 133,568.
ODI 10478743
Electrical System · Seats · Visibility/Wiper
Rear hatch window wiper blew the fuse. The srs light came on there was nothing wrong with my air bags or my seat sensors. A new fuse fixed the wiper but would not turn off srs light. Dealer wanted $100 plus dollars to check system and turn off light. Independent mech. Checked system found nothing wrong and reset the light. Why is a wiper motor tied into the seat sensor and air bags? *tr
ODI 10477075
Electrical System
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.…
ODI 10494884
Electrical System · Steering
2003 honda pilot ignition - at first we were having issues inserting the key into the ignition. Then it progressed to needing to jiggle the key in order to get it to turn to any position of the ignition. The key would go in but it'd take several attempts, of a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes, before we could get the ignition to start. We read the manual and understood the importance of keeping the wheels straight - that…
ODI 10471917
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated he was able to insert and remove the key from the ignition, but the ignition would not turn to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 115,000.
ODI 10462984
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10523948
Electrical System
The ignition key will not slide into the ignition without a great amount of effort and time. This is a well documented problem. I will have to leave the key in the ignition because of the failure. *tr
ODI 10470303
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition, the key could not be turned and the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.
ODI 10458542
Electrical System
Neither of the keys will go completely into the ignition switch, therefore the key cannot be turned and the car cannot be started. *tr
ODI 10458013
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the ignition tumblers would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure and the current mileages were 116,000. Updated 04/02/12 *bf
ODI 10455497
Electrical System · Steering
Having trouble inserting key into ignition. Have to try multiple times, turning the key upside down, right side up, repetitive in & out, eventually it goes in, but afraid that eventually it will not work. Called american honda as i saw multiple complaints online, but honda said they never heard of this problem and that it's not widespread enough for them to take notice. I'm afraid that i will not be able to get the…
ODI 10454686
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v320000 (air bags), 14v700000 (air bags), 12v573000 (electrical system), and 12v136000 (exterior lighting); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.…
ODI 10763557
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10446962
Electrical System · Power Train
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…
ODI 10439033
Electrical System
Key won't turn in ignition due to misaligned wafers. This is the second time in just over a year we have had to fix this problem. At first had to jiggle key to be able to turn it, then can't even get the key in all the way. Taken to locksmith. First occurred 10/2011, then 1/11/2013. *tr
ODI 10492314
Electrical System · Power Train
Vehicle shudder/shake starting at 50 mph. Advised needed new transmission. Called honda to check if recall or would be reimbursed. Told no and said wanted problem on record. Replaced transmission at own expense $3045. Drive light periodically flashes. Have not repaired as >$300. *tr
ODI 10467163
Electrical System · Engine · Power Train
Car ran away in reverse as if it had a mind of its own. Full weight on the brakes but the car kept accelerating. Crashed into utility pole encircled with old car tires. Car bounced off and then crashed into the pole over and over again. Hit gear shift into forward. Engine screaming really high revs, car raced forward and i did everything i could to avoid hitting parked vehicles and a pond as car kept going faster.…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10640670
Electrical System · Switch
Certified letter (7011 0[redacted] 3438) from attorney representing his client regarding paid repaired work he had done to his 2003 honda pilot and later received recall notices about the problem; he is seeking reimbursement. *smd on december 21, 2012, the key became stuck in the ignition, and could not be removed without the assistance from the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer it would cost $624. 41 to fix…
ODI 10533547
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the ignition would lock abnormally and when the failure occurred, the contact was unable to insert the key into the ignition. When the contact was able to insert the key, he was unable to turn the ignition over and the wheels would remain locked. Additionally, the contact would sporadically have problems with inserting the key into the driver side…
ODI 10369308
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda pilot. The contact stated that the key was removed from the ignition when the vehicle was still in the drive position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the locking mechanism for the ignition needed to be replaced. The mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.
ODI 10465590
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2003 Honda Pilot.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.