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

2003 Honda Pilot Steering Problems

18
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 18 stored complaint records:

  • 2 indicate a crash
  • 1 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

Mileage in stored records

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

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 16, 2019 · 264,000 miles

    Steering

    Power steering return pipe developed a sudden leak resulting loss of fluid after about 10 miles, resulting in very hard steering and near loss of control. Pipe has corrosion with a pinhole leak at the bracket holding it to the frame.

    ODI 11170993

  • April 29, 2018 · 97,230 miles

    Steering

    The ignition switch on my car will not turn. A review of complaints on internet note that this is a common issue with this car as it nears 100k miles. My car is getting there and all of the sudden i have to fight with the steering wheel for it to turn and allow the key to work.

    ODI 11098742

  • May 26, 2017

    Air Bags · Exterior Lighting · Steering

    When i driving 95 n going to connecticut there's a huge smoke on the hood and the other motorist behind me, he saw a lot of oil dripping on the street and he gave me a honk. I parked the car beside the highway and i opened the hood remove the negative battery to avoid the fire.

    ODI 10995655

  • October 20, 2016

    Power Train · Steering

    I drive between 20-40mph and my honda shakes and shudders for 8 seconds then goes away. Any idea what can that be.

    ODI 10917709

  • August 2, 2016 · 195,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    IGNITION KEY CAN PULL OUT WHILE DRIVING

    ODI 10902955

  • 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

  • March 25, 2014

    Electrical System · Steering · Switch

    Issue with honda pilot's ignition switch not fully engaging the park position. Received recall paper work ordering this issue to be fixed at local honda dealer free of charge. Recall paper work was signed by [xxx] chief recall management division. Local honda dealer, williston honda and chrysler performed the recall service on april 4, 2014. The recall job for a honda pilot was botched. The service mechanic refused…

    ODI 10583435

  • March 7, 2013 · 130,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    I was about to turn the key in the ignition but it could not get in. The key meets resistance and gets in after i tried several times. When i attempted to turn on the ignition, it wont budge and acted as if it was locked. Since then, i do not take the key off the ignition because i am afraid i will not be able to get it in. It is a really safety issue and honda refuses to address it voluntarily. I went on line and…

    ODI 10508888

  • June 24, 2012 · 127,345 miles

    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

  • May 17, 2012 · 63,545 miles

    Power Train · Steering

    I have the same problem with the transmission and being able to remove my key even when it is not in park that has been reported by others. Its led to an accident and a near one. *tr

    Crash reported

    ODI 10478876

  • April 8, 2012 · 168,000 miles

    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

  • October 3, 2010 · 103,000 miles

    Steering

    STEERING RACK FAILURE 2003 HONDA PILOT. *TR

    ODI 10370753

  • May 15, 2009 · 73,333 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    Vehicle will not accept key, after playing with it finally get the key into the ignition, but will not start. Play and play with ignition and car finally starts. Take to honda dealership in el cajon ca , they say because of weight of keys, have a total of 3 keys on my chain, that it has worn out the key and the tumblers in the ignition. They make a new key, it goes right in but the ignition is still not turning…

    ODI 10269030

  • February 9, 2007

    Automatic Transmission · Steering

    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…

    ODI 10183193

  • February 1, 2007 · 127,000 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Engine And Engine Cooling · Steering

    2003 honda pilot transmission: my transmission continues to slip in 2nd gear. I have replaced numerous items on the vehicle - steering column, motor mounts, etc. The list is numerous. I have had transmission problems almost since the beginning of purchasing this vehicle in february 2006. The dealer never told me that the 2003 pilot had any type of transmission problems. I know as a consumer, i should have done my…

    ODI 10320096

  • April 21, 2006 · 65,000 miles

    Steering

    I was driving west on highway. I was driving in the left lane at a speed of approximately between 70 to 72 miles per hour. My vehicle swerved towards left a bit, and to compensate that i tried to steer towards right. At this time, vehicle went out of control and i had no control over the steering. The vehicle went to the next lane and spun one time and went towards the left lane. It then changed direction and was…

    Crash reported · 1 injury

    ODI 10156115

  • February 12, 2003 · 4,600 miles

    Steering · Structure

    While backing out of the drive way and turning the steering wheel in either direction you can hear a thumping sound, it's a constant thumping. If only the back 2 windows are rolled down, the sound of the wind passing through the car is deafening. It creates a booming that immediately affects the ear drum. *jb

    ODI 10011077

  • 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