“The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the transmission was shifted into drive(D) and the vehicle shuddered. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed 3 times; however, the failure persisted.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 13, 2023 at 180,000 miles
“Intense shudder emanating from underneath the car causing the whole car to shake. Typically occurs between 20-30 MPH during slight acceleration. Abates somewhat if take foot off of accelerator. From my reading, this appears to be a very common issue involving the torque converter.”
Owner complaint, filed May 23, 2019 at 150,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2004 Pilot peaked in 2012, with 63 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 04V176000 in April 2004; 131 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 5 so far.
13 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V499000
Filed Jun 27, 20193,947 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V501000
Filed Jun 27, 20191,657,752 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V268000
Filed Apr 26, 20181,335 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk. An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V344000
Filed May 23, 20161,790,894 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V320000
Filed May 28, 20156,281,043 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Filed Jun 20, 2014133,207 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Filed Dec 11, 2012807,161 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Risk. Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Filed Mar 30, 20121,375,217 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
Risk. IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Filed Feb 5, 20082,032 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Risk. WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
Remedy. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Filed Aug 11, 20041,528 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABELS MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT VEHICLE WEIGHT AND TIRE SIZE INFORMATION.
Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE CERTIFICATION LABEL OR TO CONTACT A DEALER TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION FOR THEM. IF THE LABEL IS INCORRECT, OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALERS TO ARRANGE TO HAVE A CORRECTION STICKER PLACED OVER THE INCORRECT INFORMATION. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Filed Apr 15, 20041,099,796 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Risk. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
All 13 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2004 Pilot.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …
Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …
Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …
Opened Oct 2, 2012Closed Jan 14, 2013Led to recall 12V573000electrical system
On December 10, 2012, Honda Motor Company submitted a defect information report to NHTSA regarding ignition interlocks in approximately 576,117 model year MY) 2003 through 2004 Honda Pilot and Odyssey vehicles that are the subject of this investigation and 231,044 MY 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX vehicles (Recall No. 12V-573).Honda's report states that a design change to the ignition switch used in the recalled vehicles reduced the range of rotation for the ignition switch from 160 degrees in earlier designs to 125 degrees without a corresponding change to the ignition interlock blocking …
Opened Sep 12, 2011Closed Sep 17, 2012Led to recall 12V136000electrical system
This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.Some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.ODI's PE information request letter asked Honda for certain data on model years (MY) 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2003-2008 Element, 2001-2005 Civic, and 2000-2001 S 2000 vehicles.Analysis of complaint and Honda data …
Technical service bulletins
235 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Pilot. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
airbags 48engine 45equipment 33electrical system 30transmission 29body and frame 14suspension 7seats 7
A18-051Warranty extensionJun 30, 2026airbags
Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
A20-009Warranty extensionMar 10, 2020airbags
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
A20-014Warranty extensionMar 10, 2020airbags
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
A18-051Warranty extensionJun 1, 2018airbags
Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
REPLACING A CANON A75 DIGITAL CAMERA TO TAKE INSPECTION PHOTOS FOR S/B 04-021, SAFETY RECALL: A/T 2ND GEAR INSPECTION, OR S/B 04-037, SAFETY RECALL: ACCORD V6 A/T 2ND GEAR INSPECTION. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
HISSING BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MPH. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 29 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2004 Honda Pilot 4-DR. w/SAB
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★★★★★
15.9%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Aug 7, 2025MO
Honda sold America cars that they knew were rusted less than five years and they still letting people drive these cars that are rusted at the bottom
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 7, 2025337,000 milesMA
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the odometer mileage reading was 160,000. After obtaining a Carfax Report it was discovered that the previous mileage was 337,000. The contact also indicated that the instrument cluster had been replaced and the air bag and check engine warning lights were inoperable, and the driver’s side air bag had been removed from the vehicle. The VIN was not available.
SteeringCrash
Filed Jun 1, 2025NC
The steering became extremely loose over time on my Honda Pilot posing significant safety concerns because of it. The tires adamantly follow all the divets, lines, grooves, and bumps in the road causing me to lose control of the vehicle very easily in poor driving conditions. This is especially exaggerated during inclement weather such as snow or rain. Recently, due to the steering looseness, I lost control of the vehicle and hit a mailbox damaging the entire right side of the vehicle. Please help to work with Honda to resolve this issue. Thank you!
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 8, 2025MI
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase September 2024, the vehicle mileage was 139,020. The contact stated that after a mechanic had informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted, the contact retrieved the Carfax report history of the vehicle and discovered that the vehicle mileage was 196,000 on August 11, 2018.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 10, 2025IA
When I took my car for tire installation at Walmart on [XXX] , the technician declined to install the tires, he stated "your vehicle is unsafe to lift up for tire installation because of rust". I was on my driving it to a body shop when something snapped near the right rear tire after I hit pot holes. I felt it was unsafe to continue I decided to drive it slowly back home and parked it. I fear to drive it again to avoid causing accidents to myself and to other motorists. The car engine runs good and there are no problem lights on my car dashboard. The car interior is still good. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 27, 2024CA
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition briefly failed to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Jan 25, 2024125,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact entered the vehicle and the front passenger attempted to secure the seat belt however, the seat belt failed to retract. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Seats
Filed Jan 6, 2024TX
I heard a loud pop come from under my driver's seat and the seat started rocking backwards. I got out of my car and checked underneath the seat. The front-left bracket securing the seat to the seat frame had completely sheared in half and the seat was no longer securely attached to the seat frame. This is a significant safety issue. When the car accelerates the driver's seat rocks backwards by ~45 degrees, making it extremely difficult to stay in control of the vehicle and safely steer the vehicle. It is also extremely unsafe in the case of an accident because A) the seat would not hold the driver securely in place, B) the driver would not be properly in position and restrained for the air bags to deploy, C) the seat belt is attached to the seat base and would not be able to fully function properly, and D) any passengers sitting in the 2nd row behind the driver's seat would be in danger of having the full force of the driver and the driver's seat slamming back against them. This is a known issue widely reported in Honda Pilot owners' forums. Yet Honda has not issued a recall. I took the vehicle into a Honda dealership to inspect the issue. They said that Honda no longer makes the part that would be required to fix this safety issue. This issue affects all 2003-2008 model year Honda Pilots. There were over 800,000 2003-2008 model year pilots sold and because of Honda vehicle's longevity there is a massive number of these vehicles still on the roads.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2023CA
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. I TOOK MY 2004 HONDA PILOT WITH CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATE NUMBER [XXX] TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IN HEMET CALIFORNIA ON DECEMBER 14 2022 TO CHECK THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A $100.00 DIAGNOSTIC FEE BECAUSE THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE AIRBAG RECALL PROGRAM. MY VEHICLE IS 20 YEARS OLD AND I'M WORRIED THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG IS UNSAFE AND COULD BE ACCIDENTLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. MY VEHICLE HAS OVER 300,000 MILES. AS OF TODAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IS STILL ON. IS THE ACTIVATED AIR BAG WARNING LAMP COVERED UNDER THE AIR BAG RECALL PROGRAM? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 2023DE
Transmission locks up when vehicle has been driven for a short time
Air Bags
Filed May 25, 2023CA
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP CHARGES $100.00 TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. I WAS TOLD IT'S NOT PART OF THE AIRBAG RECALL AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY. MY VEHICLE IS 20 YEARS OLD. I BELEIVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH AIRBAGS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. IN THE CASE OF AN AIRBAG ACTIVATION AND I AM INJURIED OR KILLED FROM A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. I HAVE PROOF THAT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED ON DECEMBER 14, 2022. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SIX (6) MONTHS AND CANNOT GET IT CORRECTED.
Seat Belts
Filed May 19, 2023TN
Brakes seem to stop suddenly Must brake slowly to avoid a sudden stop Seatbelt locks up if I do not pull it forward and leave room in the belt so that it isn't completely holding me in Also the driver seat will only adjust sideways.
Power Train
Filed Mar 13, 2023180,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the transmission was shifted into drive(D) and the vehicle shuddered. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed 3 times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle is shifted into drive(D) and D3. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 20, 2022SD
Lights that illuminate the functions/buttons of the climate control system burned out
Suspension
Filed Oct 3, 2022MD
Confirmed with local mechanic that the rear cross member of the sub-frame needs to be replaced immediately. Badly rusted and is a safety issue.
Suspension
Filed Jul 24, 2022KY
I bought this 2004 Honda Pilot new in 2004 in Louisville. In 2018 I drove to Florida without incident. While here in Florida I have had a problem with oil leaking. Than the compressor for the air went out and I took it straight to the dealer here. They told me it was not worth fixing. Since then I have had 2 mechanics look underneath the car and said it was so rusted that the frame was dangerous and they could not risk fixing it. I have checked with other Honda owners only to find out this is a problem with numerous Honda years and no one fix this problems because of liability . I have photos of the rusted out rear-end and the frame is not attached. You can find owners trying to weld the rear-end back on. No one will repair my compressor because of the rust and damage. When I had it at the dealers they did not mention this problem at all. They just said it was not worth fixing. My car has about 200000 miles but has has its service. This has to be a major recall or replacement. We could have had a major accident over this and didn't know [XXX] Please call or forward communication. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power Train
Filed Mar 28, 2022CT
I was approaching a stop sign and slowing down to < 10 miles and the engine continued to slow down and the car started to push forward while I was totally pressing on the brake - it did not want to stop and kept pushing forward. I wasn't sure what was happening and quickly put it in neutral. My daughter who drives the car to school was sitting in the passenger seat and was completely shocked. I have been driving for 30+ years and at that moment felt things were totally out of my control. Extremely off to see a car keep going when you are trying to stop. I could 100% have hit someone if there was a car in front of me as I went two car lengths before realizing what was happening. I turned the car off. Started again and it was fine. This happened on Saturday, March 26th, 2022. I have not taken the car to the dealer. There were no lights or anything indicating any warning.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 4, 2021IN
My hood latch isn't holding when I'm highway driving at 60MPH. The hood will pop open. I've seen the new recall on the news for the newer vehicles but it is also happening on my 2004. I believe that year needs to be added to the list.
Power Train
Filed Aug 31, 2021OH
Transmission locked up while driving and wont drive after I stored the vehicle Iam glad no one was behind me on the freeway there is a extremely huge problem with this transmissions the government needs to get this kind of vehicles checked out at Honda before someone loses his life
Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2020178,000 milesMO
WAS ON HIGHWAY AND STARTED JERKING REAL HARD WHERE I ALMOST HIT A CAR HEAD ON WAS GOING 55 FOR SURE SCARED ME TO DEAD AND PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY BOYFRIEND HE CAME TO ME AND GOT IN IT AND IT WOULDN'T GO FORWARDS BACKWARDS NOTHING SO HE WENT AND GOT TRAILER AND HAULED TO HIS HOUSE COULD OF BEEN MY LIFE ALONG WITH MY KIDS
Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 2020ID
MY CAR WAS RUNNING JUST FINE I'VE HAD NO ISSUES THE WHOLE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT TILL NOW AND I CANNOT PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT TAKES ME LIKE 10 MINUTES OR MORE TO PUT THE KEY IN AND IF I TAKE THE KEY OUT WHEN I GET TO MY DESTINATION IT TAKES ME 10 MINUTES OR MORE TO PUT THE KEY IN AGAIN JUST TO DRIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE OR BACK HOME. I'M PRETTY SURE THAT IT SHOULD BE ON A RECALL BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT WOULD BE. AND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH WAY I PUT THE KEY IN IT WILL NOT GO IN AND I HAVE THREE KEYS AND EACH KEY DOES THE SAME THING.
Suspension
Filed Dec 20, 2020175,315 milesGA
DRIVERS REAR STRUT METAL FATIGUE FAILURE AT KNUCKLE CAUSED SHOCK ABSORBER TO DROP AND SLICE WHEEL.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 17, 2020139,617 milesCT
WENT TO GO TRADE MY CAR IN AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR-FAX IS SHOWING A POTENTIAL ODOMETER ROLLBACK INDICATED, I HAVE MADE A FEW CALLS AND I AM NOT GETTING ANY HELP. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND WOULD LIKE SOME HELP WITH THIS PLEASE THANK YOU.
Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2020208,000 milesWI
WHEN GETTING WORK DONE BY LICENSED MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR FRAME BEING SOO RUSTED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NOT ATTACHED BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO ATTACH IT TO. I WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIX IT AND I SHOULD CONSIDER GETTING RID OF IT. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2020179,850 milesNJ
IGNITION LOCK-CYLINDER/ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED WHICH THE DEALER DID NOT HONOR. IGNITION KEY COULD NOT BE EXTRACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARK IN DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF TO OPEN GATE. THE KEY COULD NOT TURN NOR BE EXTRACTED. *TR
Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 14, 2020116,000 milesCA
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE IN OPERATION. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, 65 MPH, NO IMPACT, NOTHING HIT OUR CAR, NO REASON. I WAS SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIRBAG BLEW, SOME BURNING AND BRUISING TO MY ARM, EAR IS RINGING. NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY! VERY DANGEROUS. CALLED HONDA, CAR [XXX]. WE'VE HAD OUR FRONT AIRBAGS RECALLED. DO THE SIDES HAVE PROBLEMS TOO? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2020105,300 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE CENTER MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BLACK SMOKE WAS EMERGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING OIL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS RE-STARTED BUT LACKED FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,300.
Power Train
Filed Jan 27, 2020203,300 milesAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND THE RPM'S FELL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION THE CONTACT HAD ASSOCIATED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000(POWER TRAIN) WITH THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,300.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 25, 202090,000 milesOH
2004 HONDA PILOT DRIVER SIDE REAR SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER RUSTED AND FALLING APART. STARTED TO RUST AROUND 2010 THEN WORST AT 2019. ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE IS RUSTED AND BAD. THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS NO ISSUES.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 16, 2019115,000 milesIL
WENT TO GET A OIL CHANGE FOR MY CAR AT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECH SHOWED ME THE RUST ON THE SUB FRAME, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE REAR MOUNT. THE RUST WENT THROUGH THE FRAME AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR MOUNT. I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENED TO SOME OTHER HONDA PILOT.
Structure › Body2 injured
Filed Dec 9, 2019183,559 milesCA
WHILE ON THE 605N FREEWAY CLOSE TO THE 10 FREEWAYSPLIT OUR ENTIRE SUNROOF WHICH THE GLASS AND COVER DITACHED FROM OUR VEHICLE AND FLEW OFF. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND WAS NOT HIT FROM WHAT I SEE IN THE RECORDING BUT WE CAN'T SEE IF IT FLEW ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. MY CHILDREN WERE SEATING IN THE MIDDLE ROW AND SMALL DEBRI HIT THEIR FACE. WE PULLED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO CHECK DAMAGE. ALL THAT'S LEFT FROM THE SUNROOF IS THE GLUE.
Seats
Filed Dec 3, 2019247,371 milesCO
UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND WOULD ROCK BACKWARDS AS IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN. I REMOVED THE SIDE COVER AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A FAILED SEAT MOUNT BRACKET THAT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE UNTIL THE SEAT IS FIXED SINCE THE SEAT SWAYS BACKWARDS ON ACCELERATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN!
Seats
Filed Nov 15, 2019190,000 milesIL
WHEN ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT, I HEARD A "POP" SOUND AND MY DRIVER SEAT SUDDENLY HAD A "ROCKING" ISSUE. THE DRIVER SEAT NOW ROCKS BACKWARD WHEN ACCELERATING, AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE AND DOING A VISUAL INSPECTION I FOUND THAT A METAL "L" SHAPED BRACKET THAT MOUNTS THE SEAT BOTTOM TO THE SEAT FRAME HAS SHEARED OFF AT THE RIVET POINTS. THIS CREATES A HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND I FEAR IN A CRASH, THE SEAT COULD BECOME UNATTACHED FROM VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPLETELY PUTTING OCCUPANT AT INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT OR EJECTION FROM VEHICLE! DURING AN ONLINE SEARCH, I FOUND SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE TO NHTSA...THOSE REPORT NUMBERS ARE 1058303; 10578612; 10567737; 10541789; 10505250; 10489089; 10488805; 10466947; 10455702. I CONTACTED HONDA AND WAS TOLD SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!! WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE THE ISSUE IS FIXED?!? WITH SO MANY REPORTS ALREADY BEING LOGGED STATING THIS SAME PROBLEM, I WOULD THINK SOMETHING WOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. THIS IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AT THE AIRBAG ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Nov 6, 2019215,000 milesIA
IN MAY 2013 I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT THE SUNROOF HAD A DEFECT. CLAIM #[XXX] WAS OPENED AND I WAS DIRECTED TO S & C IN HIAWATHA (319-393-2591) AND ON MAY 31, 2013, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL. THE SUNROOF STARTED TO LEAK WHEN IT RAINED SO I HAD IT CHECKED BY SAFELITE AUTO GLASS WHO INSPECTED THE DRAIN TUBES AND CONFIRMED THEY WERE NOT CLOGGED. I TRIED TO CONTACT S & C TO CORRECT THE ISSUE WITH THE WEBASTO SUNROOF AND THE BUSINESS WAS CLOSED. I CONTACTED WEBASTO TO SEE IF THEY COULD CONFIRM THAT THE SERVICE CENTER (S & C) HAD ACTUALLY REPLACED THE SUNROOF. WEBASTO DIRECTED ME TO THE NEXT NEAREST SERVICE CENTER, MID IOWA TRUCK & UPHOLSTERY, 1628 S. DUFF AVENUE, AMES, IA 50010 (515-232-4343) WHICH IS 2-HOURS AWAY AND WEBASTO COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE SERVICE CALL WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE YOU CAN HEAR AN INCREASE IN THE AIR COMING THROUGH THE SUNROOF. I FREQUENTLY TRANSPORT MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND I'M CONCERNED THAT THE GLASS MAY COME OUT OF ITS FRAME AS STATED IN THE RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats
Filed Oct 24, 2019150,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT UNINTENTIONALLY MOVED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. SPREEN HONDA (25050 REDLANDS BLVD, LOMA LINDA, CA 92354, (909) 799-7070) WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE MOUNTING BRACKET FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Power Train
Filed Oct 21, 2019174,000 milesMO
CAR WOULD NOT. MOVE IN ANY GEAR, LET SIT OVER NITE STARTED CAR AND MADE IT HOME WITH NO PROBLEM
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 7, 2019204,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DID NOT WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHOMP HONDA (303-798-1500, LOCATED AT 1003 PLUM VALLEY LN, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 204,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 23, 201923,460 milesNE
CONVERTOR SPITTING METAL WHICH LEAD TO MY TRANSMISSION GOING BAD.
Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2019122,560 milesPA
SEEMS TO SHUDDER .. LIGHT ACCELERATION SHUDDERS, LEAVES THEN COMES BACK AGAIN .
Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 2019150,477 milesCA
I WAS DRIVING WIT MY FAMILY IN THE CAR POOL LANE WHEN WITHOUT WARNING MY VEHICLE STARTED BRAKING HARD AND ACCELERATING, BACK AND FORTH, LUCKILY THERE WASN'T TOO MUCH TRAFFIC OR MOST LIKELY THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE CREATED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT . I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND NOTICE THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE STUCK IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR. I DOUBT MY HONDA PILOT IS AN ANOMALY, SINCE THERE'RE LOT OF VIDEOS ONLINE ABOUT THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION ISSUES.
Seats
Filed Jun 21, 2019141,700 milesTX
ON 06/21/2014, I WAS ENTERING MY VEHICLE WHEN A BRACKET CONNECTED TO THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY (PART# 81630-S3V-A30) BROKE. THIS OCCURRED ON THE DRIVERS SEAT. DUE TO THIS, THE SEAT WAS NO LONGER SECURE TO THE FLOORBOARD AND STARTED ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. I SEARCHED HONDA PART RECORDS AND I WAS UNABLE TO FIND A SPECIFIC PART NUMBER ASSIGNED TO THIS BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE BREAK. BUT, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE SEAT WAS UNSTABLE AND HARD TO KEEP IT STILL. A SEARCH OF NHTSA RECORDS FOUND THE FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE - 10583003, 10578612, 10567737, 10541789, 10505250, 10489089, 10488805, 10466947, 10455702. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE BROKEN BRACKET. IT APPEARS METAL FATIGUE MAY BE AN ISSUE.
Power Train
Filed May 23, 2019150,000 milesOH
INTENSE SHUDDER EMANATING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR CAUSING THE WHOLE CAR TO SHAKE. TYPICALLY OCCURS BETWEEN 20-30 MPH DURING SLIGHT ACCELERATION. ABATES SOMEWHAT IF TAKE FOOT OFF OF ACCELERATOR. FROM MY READING, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE INVOLVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
Seats
Filed May 23, 2019161,000 milesNY
THIS AFTERNOON AS I ENTERED MY CITY STREET PARKED, 2004 HONDA PILOT, FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE, I HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND AS I SAT DOWN. THE DRIVER'S SEAT, SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE SOUND, ROCKED BACK, OBVIOUSLY NO LONGER SECURELY MOUNTED. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE FRONT LEFT 'L' SHAPED SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET HAD SHEARED IN TWO, IN LINE WITH THE TWO HOLES THAT THE SECURING RIVETS PASS THROUGH. THE BRACKET FAILED AND TORE, APPARENTLY THE METAL IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO RESIST THE FORCES PLACED ON THE SEAT. PERHAPS RELATED TO THE SIZE OF THE RIVET HOLES.
Power Train
Filed May 8, 2019140,000 milesIL
TORQUE CONVERTERS GET STUCK AND CAUSES VEHICLE TO "SHUDDER" OR VIBRATE QUITE BADLY IN THE 40-50 MPH RANGE.
Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2019275,000 milesOR
OK THE VEHICLE STALLS ON HILLS, BECOMING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PROCEED, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY EMITS A GRINDING-SCRAPING SOUND SEEMING TO COME FROM THE FRONT-END PORTION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. SO, FAR IT HAS ALWAYS MANAGED TO CONTINUE RUNNING/MOVING FORWARD DURING AND AFTER. IT JUST FEELS LIKE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS BADLY, AND NEAR THE END OF SLIPPING/FAILING. I LOOKED UP IT'S VALUE ON A WEBSITE, AND A WARNING BOX POPPED UP NOTIFYING ME THAT MY PILOT'S YEAR MAKE & MODEL HAS 6 SEPARATE MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS. UPON LOOKING FURTHER, I SEE THAT-INDEED-ONE RECALL IS FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS! THEN, WHEN I DID ANOTHER SEARCH, SPECIFIC TO MY VIN #, I SAW THAT MY PARTICULAR PILOT DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECALL ON IT. YET, NOW, THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING, AND I ONLY JUST PURCHASED MY CAR AT THE END OF JANUARY, 2019....I WANT TO AT LEAST MAKE MY BEST EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF ATTEMPTING TO GET A TRANSMISSION RECALL ON MY CAR-SINCE I NOW THAT OTHER 2004 HONDA PILOTS HAVE GOTTEN ONE. I AM FILING MY COMPLAINT TODAY BASED UPON THAT KNOWLEDGE, DESPITE THE HIGH MILAGE ACCUMULATED ON MY SPECIFIC PILOT. THERE'VE BEEN ABOUT 10 SEPARATE OCCURANCES OF THE STALLING-GRINDING TRANSMISSION "DEATH THROES" SINCE I ACQUIRED IT, ALL TOOK PLACE AT LOW SPEEDS ON URBAN STREETS, AND HALF *5 OR 6 TIMES) HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING UP A LARGE HILL, THE REST ON FLAT CITY STREETS. I HOPE THIS IS SUFFICIENT INFO FOR THIS COMPLAINT TO BE PROCESSED. THANKS
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 11, 2019NV
FUEL TANK WILL NOT ACCEPT FUEL IN A TIMELY MATTER, ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A PLUG IN THE TANK.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 25, 2019NV
FUEL TANK-- THE FUEL TANK WILL NOT FILL AT A NORMAL RATE, IT CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. VERY ANNOYING AS IT TAKES LOTS OF TIME TO FILL THE TANK PLEASE ADVISE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Suspension
Filed Feb 18, 2019107,000 milesCT
RINSING WITH WATER OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AFTER EXPOSURE TO SALTED ROADS AFTER SNOWFALL (ROUTINE PRACTICE) I NOTICED FLAKES OF RUST BENEATH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO OBSERVE EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE CROSS MEMBER THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION STRUTS ARE ATTACHED TO. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AREA WHERE THE STRUT IS CONNECTED IS CORRODED TO THE EXTENT WHERE THE MOUNT IS PARTIALLY EATEN AWAY AND A LARGE HOLE HAS FORMED. THE OTHER STRUT MOUNTING AREA IS CHARTING THE SAME COURSE AND IS SUBSTANTIALLY CORRODED. SHOULD A STRUT DISCONNECT FROM THE VEHICLE A LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD OCCUR. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE IS 107000. NO OTHER PARTS OF VEHICLE APPEAR TO BE CORRODED TO A LEVEL APPROACHING THE REAR. I WILL LOOK AT THE FRONT END TO INSPECT MORE CLOSELY FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND TO TAKE PICTURES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED (STATIONARY) WHEN THE CORROSION WAS OBSERVED.
Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2019136,000 milesVA
PURCHASED A 2004 HONDA PILOT USED AT 136K MILES. WITHIN A WEEK OF DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE CODES P0700, P0705, P0740 WERE ALL PRESENT, WHICH ARE ALL IN RELATION TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ACROSS HONDA & ACURA VEHICLES IN THE '03-'04 RANGE (SEE 2003-2004 ACURA MDX SERVICE BULLETIN 06-003). A DESIGN FLAW IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES IT TO BREAK DOWN & SHED METAL FRAGMENTS, WHICH COMPROMISES THE REST OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY REAL FIX IS TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. HONDA AMERICAS CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSED TO REVIEW MY CASE ANY FURTHER, EVEN UNDER GOODWILL CONSIDERATION.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 30, 201812,000 milesGA
KEY WILL NOT NOT TURN IN IGNITION TO START CAR. TRIED SPARE KEY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS FROM GOOGLE, TURNING STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES, DISCONNECTING BATTERY. LOCKSMITH CHARGE TO REPAIR $300+, PER COMMENTS ON GOOGLE BETTER TO REPLACE OR WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. COST TO REPLACE $600+. TRIED TAPPING AROUND KEY HOLE WITH SCREWDRIVER & HAMMER WHILE SOMEONE TURNED KEY, DID NOT WORK.
Complaints 1-50 of 544, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Pilot years to avoid: owners filed 544 complaints, 2.0 times as many as a typical Pilot year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (24%).
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Honda Pilot?
The transmission: 131 of the 544 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it shudders or judders (28%), vibrates or shakes (21%) and slips or will not engage a gear (9%). The typical report comes at 104,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2004 Honda Pilot have?
13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 27, 2019. The largest, 15V320000, covered 6,281,043 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2004 Honda Pilot problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 104,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Honda Pilot?
Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.
Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Honda Pilot?
The manufacturer filed 235 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (48), the engine (45) and the electrical system (30). They include a warranty extension, A18-051, filed Jun 30, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jun 27, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.