Top 5 Problems Honda Pilot SUV 1st Generation 2003-08 

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I have a 2005 Honda Pilot. Has never got me stuck. Currently at 185,000 miles (original transmission & engine) and has brought me to and from Texas to Colorado many times even with a failed wheel bearing and bad cat. Love my Pilot

I’m surprised I don’t see a ton of comments about the rear subframe rot/rust issue. I had a 2006 for about 2 years and never realized it unfortunately until last minute. The subframe was cracked and split on both sides and my mechanic told me when it was in for an oil change and advised me to get rid of it and not drive it because of how unsafe it was. It had 230k on it and the engine and transmission were fine, but the frame was beyond destroyed. This is a major problem and I’m actually stunned they didn’t talk about this. If anyone is interested in looking at an older generation Pilot, please check the frame before buying it it will genuinely save your life and your pocket. Not with it for a rebuild with the high cost and it’s very unsafe. Besides my concern/advise, great video guys keep them coming!

We had a 2004 Honda pilot for about 11 years. Bought it brand new. I did all the necessary routine maintenance on it myself, including doing three drain and fills of the transmission every 30,000 miles. This was by far the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned in my lifetime. Other than replacing normal wear items and doing routine maintenance we put literally $275 into it, which was for a pressure switch on the transmission which became faulty. That’s it. Great great vehicle.

05 pilot. Going strong at 345,000 miles. Only had to refurbish transmission and obviously regular maintenance

2004 Honda Pilot purchased new. 170k. Very reliable car. At 70k miles, replaced one spark plug and coil that had corroded. The symptoms were rough running engine, check engine light on, and another dash light on; sorry I can't remember which one. Brake life seems a bit short and I've replaced pads and rotors several times. Fortunately, there are good and inexpensive aftermarket parts available. Replaced spark plugs with OEM (the exact same plugs) at 110k. Very easy to do using two three-inch extensions. Coat threads with anti-seize before installing, and coat plug top with silicone grease. Replaced timing belt and water pump at 130k. The parts I removed still looked good. At 140k the front struts became weak. I replaced the struts with aftermarket strut spring assembly, lower control arms, and tierod ends. NOTE: The self-locking not at the top of the strut came loose after six-months. The symptom was frontend rattling when driving over minor pavement bumps. Easy to remedy, but difficult to diagnose. Tighten those nuts to torque specs (about 53ftlbs) before installing, and add a drop or two of loctite. Rear steel bumper rusted out at about 130k. Easy and inexpensive to replace. Replaced the front heater/air blower fan when the bearings started to scream. Replaced the rear heater/fan control module that failed because I didn't clean the filter screen soon enough. My bad. Replaced both front headlight assembly. The originals were cloudy and wouldn't clean up. Inexpensive on Amazon. Replaced all the light bulbs I could easily get to. They're inexpensive and easy to replace. At 150k replaced all brake calipers. Be careful here because the aftermarket rebuilt ones can be problematic. The brake bleed was easy as this vehicle seems to self-bleed if you just give it a few minutes. Loosen the bleed screw, attach a rubber hose to collect the discharged fluid, and mind the master cylinder keeping it full. Help it along with a few brake pedal compressions. Press real slow all the way to the floor, then very slowly raise the pedal. Here's my list of chores: 1. Remove and apply anti-seize to rear cam bolts. They freeze up with rust and must be dealt with if you wish to align the wheels. 2. Clean the interior rear fan screen that blows air to the back floor. Located low on drivers side of center console, so it picks up small debris easily. Clogged will cause the fan motor control board to fail. 3. Replace interior heater/air filter located behind the glove box. You'll need to hacksaw the bar blocking access, but once that is done, the rest of the job is easy. 4. Replace ALL fluids on a regular schedule. The rear differential takes Honda's own special fluid. Inexpensive on Amazon. The remaining fluids can be replaced with generic. The transmission fluid change is tedious. Only four-quarts can be drained, so the routine is to change it four times in a row. Basically diluting the old. It's easier to change than the oil, so I change four quarts whenever I change the engine oil because I tow a boat and travel trailer. 5. When replacing engine air filter, apply anti-seize to bolt threads. They like to seize and easily break. 6. No matter what you replace, use anti-seize whenever possible, if you drive in the midwest where the DOT uses salt liberally.

Heres my top 5: oil leaks. Power steering noise. Window motors. Door lock actuators. Blend door motors.

Biggest problem is that they dont make them anymore. Best vehicle I have ever owned. If you have one more than 150000 miles, replace the radiator (small cracks in plastic part) and the alternator. Follow the transmission fluid change schedule. Very solid vehicle. We have a 2006 with 265000 miles.

The water on the floorboard is a real thing. We had the same problem. Our Pilot had 300k and no issues with the throttle body (cleaned regularly). Control arm bushings are another issue we had. These are fantastic cars. Worth getting. Also, remember to get your valves adjusted and timing belt changed regularly. So general maintenance

For #3, you didn't mention anything about the interior light switch on the bottom - left of the dash. It's very common that someone could accidently flip that switch to another position, causing the interior lights to stop working when opening any door.

I Owned a 2003 Honda Pilot I had 175000 I sold it after purchasing a new car never had any of the issues this guy mentioned it was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned I had 1 issue that is common with these cars which is your ignition key switch has issues but that happen at a 150,000 it cost me 500 total for new key switch and new set of keys which have to have the chip reprogrammed by a lock smith or the car wont start it will trigger the security system other then that had no issues whatsoever great car think Im going to buy another one now that I live in the middle of nowhere kind whish I kept that vehicle i trusted it completely.

Trans issues were really only on the 03-05 models. They completely redesigned the transmission in 06. 06-08 trans was WAY more reliable. Any 06-08 trans failures came from people not maintaining them properly.

Got a 03 pilot never had any of the problems this guy is talking about and from the comments I'm reading nobody else does either these people must really have some bad luck or don't know how to do regular maintenance on a vehicle. Got 240,000 miles still drives great most reliable vehicle I've ever had . I love it

This guy is a big Ding-a-ling that absolutely knows what he's talking about! Very informative and entertaining! Keep em coming, please!

As a car lover, I love these series. Common problems for common cars. Nicely done!

Thanks for the video we were interested in to buy a vehicle as an emergency vehicle but after this honest review we probably will keep looking for something else…thank you once again!!!

Very well presented SUBSTANCE content , spoken straight forward ! Cheers mate !

Bought 2003 pilot from buddy, 113,000. Now has 179,000+. Best vehicle on the road,imho.3.5 liter gets 22-28 mpg . Replaced timing belt at 175,000( normal maintenance ). Had to replace power steering hose recently. No big deal as I have great mechanic who allows me use of his garage. Love the pilot. Better than any new pos autos.

I have 2007....321,000 miles, going strong! About to do another timing belt on her!

For the dome light, there is a switch near the bottom left of steering wheel. You should flip it to door mode so it will turn on when any door is opened.

Thanks, I have a 2007 and my front feels like you said about the lower control arms. I'll relay that to my boys. 👍😊

Love this video and this tech. I wish I had half his skill and enthusiasm. I have had so few problems, but will have the control arms checked bc it does shimmy up front.

Throttle body and lower control arm! You just diagnosed the problems I'm having. Thank you!

I have a 2005 Honda pilot I bought off auction that had been sitting the recorded miles on it in January of 2015 were 204,534 I bought it in October of 2022 I flew 5 hours 1200 miles to phoenix Arizona and Uber to Copart to pick it up I got in the pilot and it started right up and I drove it all the way back to Oklahoma 1200 miles with zero issues at all I won it on auction for 1700 bucks I absolutely love it it was worth it

Got a 2005 pilot ex-L that has 243k on it. Bought it with 100k, and literally has been the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had. And I’ve been using Valvoline max-life ATF since 100k. So many people swear that using anything but Honda DW1 will destroy your trans - but I Haul a trailer with 1-3 yards of mulch, dirt, gravel etc.. multiple times a year - and never had an issue with shifting or anything. I will say tho - the j35 loves to burn oil 😂 common thing tho with j24 and j35’s

Thank you so much for the video(s)

The most serious issue with these early generation Pilots is transmission failure. Doing a transmission fluid drain/fill regularly helps.

Mine did suffer the wet floor bed issue at the front passenger side. Thanks!

Excellent presentation!

Satisfied with your explanation, truly i will be your viewer.

After watching this vid, I checked my front passenger floor board, and indeed it was wet. Turns out the fluid was building up in the rear AC blower motor compartment under center console. The vent holes just needed blown out underneath the vehicle. There are 2 vent areas, front and middle, underneath the Pilot. If you hear some gurgling especially during the summer with AC on, you need those holes blown out. Also I am original owner of 2003 Pilot with 215K. No transmission problems with regular fluid changes, but all door actuators got replaced, ignition lock cylinder replaced (@ 190K) so I'm using 2 keys, starter replaced @ 213K. Last week I had the radiator replaced, and oil leaks involving camshaft o-rings, and oil filter gasket replacement.

Awesome video again

Thank you so much

I bought an 04 Pilot brand new from the dealer and I'm the primary driver. It's had a fair share of problems that could have cost me a ton of money if I wasn't mechanically inclined. A big problem that a few 04s had was the front center spark plug loosening up and eventually getting blown out of the threads of the head. Had mine start making a knocking noise coming from the front bank of the engine. Local mechanic thought it was a lifter issue?? I read on the Piloteers website about this issue and removed the front ignition packs. Sure enough, the center spark plug was loose! Bought new plugs, replaced all 6 and the one ignition pack. Noise went away. Water pump, front struts, front wheel bearing, brake rotors, rusted fuel lines. Even the front seat brackets broke! Had to fabricate my own brackets after removing the driver's seat to repair. PITA! Still a great vehicle though.

I had the Strawberry Milkshake of Death on my 05 MDX. Replaced with a new design radiator and a used transmission. I use Honda Dw1 fluid and change it fairly frequently.

Very, very good. Need 2 see u removing and installing parts. Thx

I get water on the passenger floor board in my Infiniti I30...thanks for the illustration

it's good to know the top 2 problems are low headlight beam and dome light... haha! we got one of these with 88k on the clock 2006 EX-L. (my parents are old and they don't drive much.) really haven't done a whole lot for them besides oil changes and 1 timing belt/water pump. Alternator died around the the 13th year mark, i forgot the mileage but it wasn't much.

I have 2005 pilot, 175k, just do regular maintenance. It stalled on me once in 2020 because of bad alternator, otherwise never any issues. Runs like new. Original owner.

Thank you

What a great hesds up ... thanks!

Actually, when it comes to dome light issues, the first thing you want to check is to make sure the switch is in the correct position. The switch (located off the left side of steering wheel) has 3 positions. Off/door/constant on. So, make sure the switch is in the middle or door position.

Windows, these have window issues, I had to fix one at about 100,000 miles and 9 years. Other than that my 07 is rock solid.

I bought a 2006 Honda Pilot , and I have 2 of 5 problems , light and suspensión arm .. .. but still good deal to get. Have 122500 for $7500 .

Well done on the video sir. Bought a 2007 with 195k mi for the daughter (after she forgot to put the oil cap on an Isuzu Trooper and seized the engine...yeah...yikes!). Have just replaced the front control arms (grommets were dry rotted just as you described), struts, rear springs and bump stops, speed sensors, door hold-open mechanisms, and all fluids of course. Now has 218k, has made it to/from TX > CA and am having to address oil leaks - Ft. Solenoid/spool valve assembly [Code: P2646], oil pump gaskets and a proactive timing belt change kit, etc....all to be expected as std. maintenance given age & mileage So far, the car is performing well. Having issue with keeping alignment but the 3 yr alignment by Goodyear has paid for itself. Next...valve cover gaskets, spark plugs and a new PCV valve...just cuz their cheap and easy. Rock-on brutha. Keep up the good work.

Another common issue is the pins for the ignition switch fail and you can't turn your key to start the car.

Good videos God bless you

Thanks you so much, a good i nformation. 👍👍👍

Thanks 😎!!

I have a pilot 2005 with 270k miles and everything is original expect maintenance never had a issue 😁

330,000 on my pilot. Regular transflush and other maintenance done. But ya it still goes. Needs timing Controls arms. And egr replaced soon though.

05 steel blue metallic 4WD EX, owned since new. Original PT, still drives like it did the day we bought it. Roughly 233,500 on the odo.

I found a killer deal for one recently and seeing as I go camping and have kids this seems like a good vehicle and for 150k miles and all they want is 3500 dollars, it's throwing no codes at all I think it's a good deal. It's a 2005.

These are the top problems: 1. Chronic failure of lock actuators. They're relatively inexpensive and somewhat easy to replace, but plan on replacing them more than once over a few years. 2. CV axles. Does your Pilot vibrate, particularly at higher speeds and ONLY when you're accelerating? In other words, as soon as you release the accelerator, the vibrating stops? Replace both axles. Again, you may have to replace them more than once in its lifetime. Best to replace your other suspension components while you're in there, if they're worn.

This guy is awesome

Have a 2005 with 275,000. Runs like a Rolex.

Good video

Thank you, Glen & A-! . I'm about to buy a 2008 Honda Pilot and I'm hoping that I don't have to fix these problems but If I do , I'll have a clue ^_^

I got short of breath just listening to this... how can you talk so fast and barely pause??? 😂 Good video!

My 2008 Pilot has 270k, no problem

When 1A Auto makes a video of a car you just bought 👁👄👁

Of Course it is!

We bought our 2004 Pilot EXL new. After 374,000 miles, it's had 2, $50 transmission sensors replaced, everything else it has needed has been regular maintenance. Original engine, transmission and radiator.

My 2005 Pilot has 136K miles. Still going strong. My issues with it are the key fob doesn't work anymore for opening all doors, I just got used to using the key to lock/unlock doors. The headliner sags in various places. My fix? Various pins designed to hold up liners you can get at auto zone for like $3 bucks. My ac vents are loose and wont stay in place. Haven't found a good solution for this yet. But overall I just can't justify getting rid of the car.

I have a 2005 pilot with pretty much lower control arms issues, should I change top ones also? And I've been told my 2 front converters r bad it does not pass smog n it has about 340k on it n runs perfect!

My 04 has 202k just replaced original starter and alternator still going strong

This video came out days after I upgraded from my 95 Jeep ZJ to an 04 Honda Pilot. 200k miles on it but I hear the motors are good so I'm not too worried about it and it drives like a charm. No problems so far, and I absolutely love it. Can anyone tell me why the air conditioning system is so great? or is that how it is in all newer(newer than 2000 I guess) vehicles? the a/c in my Jeep was awful, and in my Honda it's cold within 10 seconds even if it's 100 out, and it took less than 5 minutes for the heat to be blasting where in my Jeep it would take 10-20 minutes for it to blow heat.

I had 291,xxx miles on mine going strong.

06 pilot developed a pretty loud exhaust leak up front. Firestone quoted 1200 for a new exhaust system. My mechanic actually took a look (imagine that) and saw that the mounting bolts for the front header had rusted away! He cleaned up the threads and put new nuts on, for 40 bucks!

In the rust belt or other states where snow covered roads are treated with salt check where the rear end is attached to the body. Where the bolts secure the body to the assembly there are cup-like areas that hold water, because there is no drain. These cups literally hold water and rust out.

I have a 2004 pilot with 250k. It has been a great car with non of the above problems. It has had normal wear and tear items like muffler parts, radiator, alternator, EGR valve and of course brakes and fluids. Original engine and transmission which function perfectly. Has a few oil leaks which is to be expected.

WOW WOW WOW. SO GOOD! Best Ive seen! I have of Honda Pilot. Both front floor mats are wet, left side a swamp, mold. Then, it sat two months, then while driving next time a trickle of h20 dropped from Both Sun Visor latches, but headliner not wet. I will do the wheel well fix, but the sun visor dripple? Wish your shop was near me. Thank You

I love this new car#honda pilot

Had 06 Pilot for 14 yrs .. no issues mechanically.....rear frame rusted out....I would still have it but upgraded to a 2018 a year ago.

This mechanic's shoes must be worn from all the kicking ass his videos do. GREAT job! Just bought a used Pilot for my daughter and have to replace a few things. This is an invaluable resource. Thanks!! Keep up the great work. (subbed of course)

I just inherited my mom's 2008. It only has 50k on it, but these are great tips. My only two issues is a buzz on initial acceleration that sounds like the tire rubbing on the front passenger side (I can't see anything obvious, haven't taken the wheel off or checked brakes yet as I've had it for a whopping 2 days) and my other issue isn't a problem, just an annoyance. Anyone know how to turn off the lock/unlock horn confirmation? Not a fan of it beeping when I lock/unlock. All the fixes online didn't help: no button under the steering wheel to press 3 times, turning the key left 3 times in the driver door didn't do anything, either.

Odd, my 03 w/314k mi has only had 2 of these - the dirty TB and the LCAs.

I have an 03 Pilot 36k garage kept. Never had a problem. Still feels new.

My 04 pilot has 299,819k miles. Been very well taken care of and I'm a mechanic. Got my Honda 300k+ member sticker just waiting in the glove box. Just like any car, accessories, hoses, leaks, timing belt, suspension, ignition, all wear out. Original engine and transmission, no major repairs, ac is ice cold, all the interior buttons and functions still work and it tows dirt bikes to the riding spot.

Can you pl due a video about the window control. Thanks 🙏

0:04 Removing the green clip on the back of an alternator. You either have to go and grab a set of long nose pliers or remove the radiator and transmission cooler to remove cuz the fan is your enemy removing the clip

2004 315,000 miles. Daily driver. Motor mount issue and idle air valve replaced, that’s about it.

What would you recommend between this and the gmc Envoy?

Dome lights and door lights on my 2006 pilot don't come on at all. I noticed the fuse for that particular component keeps shorting when I put the fuse in. How can I fix that. None of the other fuses have that issue.

Do you have a video for changing the bank 2 sensor 1 o2 sensor on a first gen [2005] honda pilot?

Veerical

Thanks my son has an 04. Can you do a Honda Element 2003-2006? Thank you

I have 07’ Pilot. The VSA comes on very often upon morning start. I have to shut off and restart up to 5 x to get it to go off. How can I disconnect it permanently

Does the inside of the throttle needs to be cleaned or just outside?I checked the inside and had good amount of I think grease or,,,should I clean that too or it is normal to have that dark grease inside?honda pilot 2007.

Any information on how to fix the pipe V brake line its backorder and I can't find one Anywhere it's just a small pin sized hole

I got a 2003 Honda pilots my climate control just off? I check the fuse all is good , change a use climate control module same ?

I have a 03 pilot 300,000 miles routine maintenance original engine and transmission.

2006 pilot 235,000 and still runs like new I recently replaced the oil pressure pump and high pressure hose gaskets do to it making a whining sound every now n then but that’s it n do regular maintenance

What about engine and gear box? ,,, I heard few things about the transmission in this car ,, can you please talk about these important parts in your videos ,, cause I follow your advises most of the time .. A little bit of engine ,transmission and all-wheel drive systems and reliability evaluation .. Many thanks

I have a 2006 pilot and the battery light comes on then goes off when u start it then comes back on and it just left me stranded for a little bit until i jumped it for a little bit. Any suggestions

I have a04 Pilot with 140k well maintained but not sure when last tranny drain was done if ever.. 2 owners besides me. First owner had it 15k miles than 2nd had it to 125k

question if I may, my 07 pilots vsa light came on can now car idles crazy with a sputter and can go faster thann25mph. any thoughts on a problem?

My big 5 let start with #....1 suspension 2 bad baring 3bad axel 4 interior light gone bad 5 power steering

looking at 2005 pilot 210000 mi vs subaru 2011 forester 180000 mi... (yeah, i'm poor). any suggestions?

Hi, I have a 2006 Pilot with 300k miles. Besides the leaky passenger side, my car does not move until it warms up. Once it warms up, the car drives great for about 15 minutes. The transmission gets hot and the accelerator will not respond. I do not think it is a transmission problem, but something else. Anyone know what it could be? Thank you. btw - love the video