2004 Honda Pilot Problems: 11 Known Issues

2004 Honda Pilot Problems: 11 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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 air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V66100027/09/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #18V26800026/04/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot 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.

Campaign #19V50200027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Campaign #19V37800016/05/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

Campaign #17V54500031/08/2017

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Honda Pilot has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure, Ignition Switch Internal Wear Causes Intermittent Stall or No-Start, Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks Lead to Overheating. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Pilot reliable?

The 2004 Honda Pilot has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure and Ignition Switch Internal Wear Causes Intermittent Stall or No-Start. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Pilot problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Pilot issues range from $20 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure, typically costs $1,800-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2004 Honda Pilot Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure?

Early first-generation Pilot models share a well-documented 5-speed automatic transmission weakness with other Honda/Acura trucks of the era. Honda issued a safety recall to install an oil jet intended to improve lubrication/cooling of second gear because inadequate lubrication c… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2004 Honda Pilot Ignition Switch Internal Wear Causes Intermittent Stall or No-Start?

Early Honda Pilot models had a documented ignition switch failure where internal electrical contacts wear or overheat, interrupting power to the engine management and accessory circuits. Owners report the vehicle stalling while driving, dash lights flickering, or the engine crank… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks Lead to Overheating?

First-generation Pilots commonly develop coolant leaks from the plastic radiator end tanks or crimp seams as the radiator ages. Owners often notice a sweet smell, coolant residue on the radiator side tanks, or a gradual drop in coolant level before an overheating event. If ignore… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front Suspension Compliance Bushing and Lower Control Arm Wear Causing Clunks and Tire Wear?

First-generation Pilots commonly develop worn front compliance bushings and lower control arm bushings, leading to clunking over bumps, vague steering feel, braking instability, and uneven front tire wear. This is widely reported by owners and independent shops because the heavy… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Front Brake Rotor Warping and Brake Judder Under Moderate Braking?

Brake pulsation from front rotor thickness variation is one of the most commonly reported Pilot complaints across both generations. Owners describe steering wheel shake and pedal pulsation during highway-speed braking, often recurring after inexpensive pad-and-rotor jobs if hub r… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front Seat Belt Buckle Switch Failure Triggers Airbag Warning Light?

A common first-generation Pilot issue is failure of the front seat belt buckle switch or related SRS wiring, which turns on the airbag warning light and can affect occupant detection logic. Honda issued service information and many owners report repeated SRS lamp illumination eve… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Tailgate/Rear Hatch Wiring Harness Breaks Causing Inoperative Rear Lights, Lock, or Glass Release?

On first-generation Pilots, repeated opening and closing of the rear hatch can fatigue and break wires inside the hatch harness near the hinge or rubber boot. Owners report intermittent or failed rear license plate lights, rear wiper, rear glass release, power lock, or tailgate-r… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Exhaust Front Pipe / Flex Pipe Cracking Causing Leak, Drone, and Fumes?

The braided flex section of the exhaust front pipe develops holes in its mesh and cracks, producing a loud exhaust drone/roar, a rattle, and exhaust odor that can enter the cabin. Failure is accelerated by worn/broken engine mounts that let the engine rock and stress the flex joi… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Pilot Power Steering Pump and O-Ring Air Ingestion Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Hard Steering?

A very common Honda V6-era issue is power steering pump noise caused by suction-side air intrusion, often from a hardened inlet O-ring or aging pump seals. Owners report a cold-start groan or whining noise, visible bubbles in the reservoir, intermittent heavy steering, and fluid… Repairs typically run $20-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Failure Causes Humming Noise and ABS/VSA Faults?

Wheel bearing wear is a widely reported Pilot problem across both generations, often showing up as a growling or humming noise that changes with road speed and steering input. On some vehicles, excessive bearing play or damage to the integrated wheel speed sensor tone ring can al… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Water Intrusion Through Roof Seams or Sunroof Drains Causing Wet Headliner and Electrical Problems?

Owners across both generations report water leaks into the cabin, commonly from clogged sunroof drains, deteriorated roof seam sealer, windshield perimeter leaks, or rear body seam leaks. Symptoms include wet headliners, damp carpets, musty odor, water in the overhead console are… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.

All 11 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2003-2004 Honda Pilot: Ignition Switch Internal Wear Causes Intermittent Stall or No-Start#

2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Tailgate/Rear Hatch Wiring Harness Breaks Causing Inoperative Rear Lights, Lock, or Glass Release#

2003-2004 Honda Pilot: Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure#

2003-2011 Honda Pilot: Power Steering Pump and O-Ring Air Ingestion Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Hard Steering#

2003-2013 Honda Pilot: Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Failure Causes Humming Noise and ABS/VSA Faults#

2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks Lead to Overheating#

2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Front Suspension Compliance Bushing and Lower Control Arm Wear Causing Clunks and Tire Wear#

2003-2013 Honda Pilot: Front Brake Rotor Warping and Brake Judder Under Moderate Braking#

2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Front Seat Belt Buckle Switch Failure Triggers Airbag Warning Light#

2003-2008 Honda Pilot: Exhaust Front Pipe / Flex Pipe Cracking Causing Leak, Drone, and Fumes#

2003-2013 Honda Pilot: Water Intrusion Through Roof Seams or Sunroof Drains Causing Wet Headliner and Electrical Problems#

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?

Is the Honda Pilot reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Pilot problems?

What is the 2003-2004 Honda Pilot Automatic Transmission 2nd-Gear Overheating and Torque Converter Failure?

What is the 2003-2004 Honda Pilot Ignition Switch Internal Wear Causes Intermittent Stall or No-Start?

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks Lead to Overheating?

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front Suspension Compliance Bushing and Lower Control Arm Wear Causing Clunks and Tire Wear?

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Front Brake Rotor Warping and Brake Judder Under Moderate Braking?

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front Seat Belt Buckle Switch Failure Triggers Airbag Warning Light?

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Tailgate/Rear Hatch Wiring Harness Breaks Causing Inoperative Rear Lights, Lock, or Glass Release?

What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Exhaust Front Pipe / Flex Pipe Cracking Causing Leak, Drone, and Fumes?

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Pilot Power Steering Pump and O-Ring Air Ingestion Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Hard Steering?

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Failure Causes Humming Noise and ABS/VSA Faults?

What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Water Intrusion Through Roof Seams or Sunroof Drains Causing Wet Headliner and Electrical Problems?