2003 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Caution

Ranks 17th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 720; 77 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 52.2; 123,187 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.7×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 246; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 13
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

2004 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda Pilot?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda Pilot is 61 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.7 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 17th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly harsh or delayed shifts (179 of 720 complaints). Owners also complain about the ignition or push-button start and engine mounts. 246 of the 720 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 13 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2004 scores 66.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.7 times the problems of the average car its age
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts179 complaints
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness102 complaints
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart32 complaints

How the 2003 Pilot Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.7×	−21
Everyday problems	1.6×	−9
Recalls	2.9×	−9
Score		61

What Owners Report

We read all 720 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
179 complaints (25%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and slipping. 115 of these 179 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 19 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 127,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness
102 complaints (14%)
Sticking or stiffness, a feature that stopped working and the car not starting. 76 of these 102 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 10 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 129,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
32 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
31 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, a failure and problems that come and go. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
30 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a fire. 4 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 111,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
23 complaints (3%)
Rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 8 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 195,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
23 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, dim illumination and a failure. 2 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
22 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Steering: parts breaking or coming apart
21 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, loss of steering control and unusual noises. 7 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
19 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, damage and loss of braking. 5 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
13 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, a failure and deployment injury. 2 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 111,000 miles.
Interior trim: peeling
11 complaints (2%)
Peeling, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
11 complaints (2%)
Sticking or stiffness and the car rolling away. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and overinflated. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.

Show 41 more problems

Fuel leak
9 complaints (1%)
A leak, unusual noises and clogged. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
9 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
9 complaints (1%)
A failure, vibration or shudder and a stored fault code. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
8 complaints (1%)
Damage, a fire and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 147,000 miles.
Door lock actuators failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 165,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
6 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Screen and audio: smoke or a burning smell
6 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Door latches failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, sticking or stiffness and not closing or latching. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
5 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, surging and a loss of power. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Seat belts failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, locking up and not closing or latching. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 184,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Timing belt failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, stalling and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 206,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Blower motor: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
CV axles: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, damage and a failure that needed a new part.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Taillights or brake lights: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Wheel bearings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
ABS: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Control module (unspecified): a fire
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire and the car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires.
EGR valve: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure that needed a new part.
Brake light switch: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go. Both describe a serious outcome.
Clock spring: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure.
Headlight switch: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Idle air control valve failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and sudden acceleration. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Valve train: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and unusual noises.

Reported Once (53)

Show the 53 problems reported once

12V battery failure
A/C failure
A/C compressor failure
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): fault code
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Battery drain: draining the battery
Brake calipers: unusual noises
Brake power assist failure
Engine air intake: surging
Engine failure: damage
Engine oil leak
Engine sensors or computer: damage
Exhaust or catalytic converter: hesitation
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Key fob: early wear
Loss of power (cause not stated)
VTEC seals and O-ring failure
Blower motor transistor: stopped working
Cabin water leak (cause not stated)
Dashboard button lighting: stopped working
Engine belt failure
Floor mat: damage
Fluid leak (cause not stated)
Fuel pump relay: stalling
Fuel rail: a leak
Fuel tank baffles: unusual noises
Glove box latch: parts breaking or coming apart
Hazard switch illumination: stopped working
Interior dome light: draining the battery
Interior illumination: works on and off
Interlock (cause not stated)
Oil leak (cause not stated)
Power outlet: overheating
Rear suspension mount: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Rear window wind noise: unusual noises
Rollaway (cause not stated)
Spare tire carrier cable: parts breaking or coming apart
Sudden deceleration (cause not stated)
Tailgate hinges: parts breaking or coming apart
Throttle cable: sticking or stiffness
Timing belt pulley: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission lubrication hose: restricted flow
Transmission mounts failure
Underhood fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle jack: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel speed sensor: warning lights
Window glass failure
Paint and rust: peeling
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Transmission computer failure

How the 2003 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years

The other Pilot years of the 1st generation, 2003 to 2008, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2009	Good	78	0.34×	13.6	9	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2008	Good	79	0.33×	12.6	7	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
2007	Good	74	0.39×	14.3	7	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
2006	Good	77	0.48×	15.5	8	Stability control (VSA): the system acting on its own
2005	Caution	62	1.5×	44.7	13	Stability control (VSA): hard braking with nothing ahead
2004	Caution	66	1.1×	36.0	12	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
2003 This year	Caution	61	1.7×	52.2	13	Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts

See every Pilot year

2003 Honda Pilot Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V344000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 7 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
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.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
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.
NHTSA 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: switch
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.
NHTSA 12V573000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 11, 2012.
Exterior lighting: switch
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.
NHTSA 12V136000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2012.
Power train: automatic transmission
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
NHTSA 04V176000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2004.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 02V226000Issued Aug 28, 2002.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
The problem:
The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-009
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-014
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-046Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-049 and 18-051Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
18-049: The program ended on October 31, 2022.
18-051: The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Bulletin 18-049 (PDF)Bulletin 18-051 (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Both low beam headlights going out at once
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked at reports of both low beam headlights failing together. It covered 2002-2003 Civics, 2002-2004 CR-Vs and 2003-2005 Pilots. A worn switch wiring terminal could overheat and melt its connector. Honda recalled vehicles in two stages under recall 12V-136. NHTSA closed the case in September 2012.
NHTSA EA11012 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 12, 2011 to Sep 17, 2012
Ignition interlock failure causing rollaways
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2003-2004 Pilots and Odysseys whose ignition interlock could fail and let the key come out outside Park. It found 176 complaints, including 48 rollaway crashes and three pedestrian injuries. Honda recalled about 576,117 Pilots and Odysseys, plus Acura MDXs, under recall 12V-573. NHTSA closed the case in January 2013.
NHTSA PE12026 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Oct 2, 2012 to Jan 14, 2013
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 Pilot no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2003 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 Pilot, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 16V344000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
In drive at a stop, heavy vibration through the cabin is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Transmission
Ignition or push-button start
Engine mounts
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Pilot Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.