What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2003–2008) Pilot?

Pilot owners have made 663 complaints about the 2003–2008 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 45th out of 58 Honda generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Pilot Generations

Common 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Pilot owners have to deal with.

  1. Power Steering Whine

    One of the more common complaints about Honda's power steering is how it can whine or groan everytime you turn the wheel. Turns out all that noise is due to air getting into the power steering system because of two, old O-rings. There's no …

    Continue reading article "Power Steering Whine"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2003–2008) Pilot Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 663 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 45th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 1st Generation Pilot Owners

  • Settlement

    Case, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

    1. Settlement

      A Honda 5-speed transmission class action settlement has been reached for consumers residing in California who were the original owners of any of the following vehicles with 5-speed automatic transmissions and continued being the owner as of December 7, 2015.

    2. Case Filed

      The Honda transmission lawsuit says the automaker created a secret warranty program which expanded or extended the warranty "beyond its stated limits and/or offered to pay for all of or part of the cost of repairing or replacing the transmission system in Class Vehicles."

    Class Vehicles
    • 2003-2004 Accord
    • 2002-2004 Odyssey
    • 2003-2004 Pilot
    Location
    California

Recent 1st Generation (2003–2008) Pilot News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Honda wants to settle up a decade-old lawsuit about downshifting transmissions

    with an offer so low it's borderline insulting. A 2009 lawsuit says 5-speed automatic transmissions in some 2002-2004 Honda and Acura vehicles have a defect in the 3rd clutch. That defect can cause the transmission to suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear. That's one way to reach your heart rate goal on your FitBit.

    Honda has continually denied the allegations but are ready to put this whole ordeal behind them with a ... checks notes ... $25 credit towards the future purcahse of Honda parts. And you must live in California. Oh I'm sorry, should I have told you to sit down first?…

    keep reading article "Honda Settles 5-Speed Transmission Lawsuit With California Owners"

  3. 2001-2002 Accord. 2001-2002 Civic. 2002 CR-V. 2002 Odyssey. 2003 Pilot. If you own one of these vehicles and you haven't replaced their Takata inflators, the next knock on your door could be from a Honda representitive.

    And you should answer ... it might just save your life.

    In addition to going door-to-door with about 550 teams of representatives, Honda says it has made more than 35 million phone calls to customers and sent more than 1 million text messages, trying to convince owners to get the vehicles repaired.

    Desperate times. Desperate measures.

    keep reading article "550 Honda Representitives Are Going Door to Door, Begging Certain Owners to Replace Their Takata Inflators"

  5. An additional 104,000 vehicles are joining the growing list of Honda cars with dangerous Takata airbag inflators. Owners will need to have their car's driver-side inflators replaced.

    This includes the 2001 Accord, 2004 Civic, and 2008 Pilot. Honda hasn't said when the recall will begin, but the moment it does you **need to get your airbags serviced.

    This is a very dangerous problem that demands attention. Concerned owners with questions can contact Honda customer service at 800-999-1009.…

    keep reading article "More Takata Airbags Recalled"