The Honda Pilot has three generations and has existed since the 2003 model year. While there is no particular issue with the 1st gen Honda Pilot, all vehicles have their common problems. This post reviews the top 5 Honda Pilot issues of the 1st generation, years 2003 to 2008.
5 Most Common Problems with the 1st Generation Honda Pilot (2003 to 2008)
1. Throttle Body Issues
Symptoms of Throttle Body Issues
- Slow or lagging acceleration
- Lower power engine idle
- Vehicle turns off or stalls when rapidly accelerating
Causes of Throttle Body Issues
The throttle body connects to the air intake system under the engine cover. The throttle body electronically regulates the amount of air drawn into the engine for combustion. Debris can dirty the throttle body and affect engine performance by restricting the throttle body blade’s movement.
How to Fix Throttle Body Issues on the 1st Gen Honda Pilot
Clean the Dirty Throttle Body
If the throttle body is dirty, remove it from the intake system. If there is a lot of carbon build-up on the front and back of the blade, clean it from any debris.
Pro Tips
It’s important to remove the throttle body before cleaning it so cleaner does not enter the engine.
Clean the throttle body with a soft brush and throttle body cleaner. Do not push on the throttle body blade. Pushing on the throttle body blade can damage the calibration of the gearing inside of the throttle body. This means the computer will not be able to sense the position of the throttle body blade, which will likely cause engine performance problems.
Replace the Defective Throttle Body
If cleaning the throttle body does not solve this problem, replace it.
2. Low Beam Headlights Not Working
Symptoms of Low Beam Headlight Issues on the 2003 to 2008 Honda Pilot
- Low beam headlight bulbs burn out
- Smoke from the steering column and a burnt wire smell
Causes of Low Beam Headlight Problems
The headlight bulb filaments usually burn out. The circuity can corrode, causing problems with the electrical connection 1st gen 2003 to 2008 Honda.
How to Fix Low Beam Headlights Not Working
Remove the headlight bulb from the headlight assembly. Check the filaments inside the bulb. If any filaments are burnt, replace the bulb. If both headlight bulbs don’t work on the low beam, it’s usually from an electrical issue.
Replace the defective multi-function switch, and check the wiring leading to the switch for corrosion or damage.
3. Dome Light Issues
Symptoms of Dome Light Issues
- The dome light may not work when opening and closing the door but will work when pressed manually
How to Fix Dome Light Issues
If the dome light does not turn on when the door is opened but the courtesy light does when the switch near the door sticker is pressed, there is an issue with the dome light.
If the courtesy light doesn’t work with the switch pressed or if the dome light turns on with other doors than the driver’s, the switch is faulty.
The most common fix for this issue if the dome light is not working is to replace it. If the main issue is with the dome light, the dome light panel and screws will need to be pried down and removed.
4. Water Leaks on the Floor Boards
Symptoms of Water Leaks on the Floor Boards
- Usually after heavy rain or a car wash
- Various electrical issues
Causes of Water Leaks
Water on the floor boards is usually from bad seals on the 1st gen Pilot. An area in the windshield that is supposed to be sealed to prevent water from collecting under the hood and down along the firewall may leak. This can land on the floor boards and sometimes may cause issues with the interior fuse panel if the seals are broken.
How to Fix Water Leaks
- Remove the wheel
- Remove the wheel well liner
- Check seals and looms on the lines and wires
- Check the seam along the wheel well
- Seal any areas that may allow leaks
5. Lower Control Arm Issues
Symptoms of Lower Control Arm Issues
- Clunking over bumps
- Clunking noise when braking hard
- Car suspension feels loose when driving
Causes of Lower Control Arm Bushings
The lower control arm is an integral part of the suspension. It has a forward and rearward bushing, and the rearward bushing tends to wear out. If it’s in poor condition, there will be issues driving down the road.
How to Fix Lower Control Arm Problems on the 2003 to 2008 Honda Pilot
Inspect the lower control arm’s forward and rearward bushings for cracking or dry rotting. Minor cracking isn’t an indicator of a very bad condition, but large cracking or separation is a sign the lower control arm needs to be replaced.
We recommend replacing both control arms at the same time, because if one control arm bushing on the 1st gen Pilot is cracked, the bushings on the other control arm are probably in the same condition or will be soon. We also recommend getting an alignment after completing this repair.
Fix Honda Pilot Problems and More Yourself
Learn how to complete common repairs on the Honda Pilot and perform diagnostics and repairs on other vehicles with 1A Auto’s how-to videos.
1st Generation Honda Pilot Model Years
Related Content
- Common Honda Pilot Problems: 2nd Generation (2009 to 2015)
- Control Arm Basics
- What Are Low Beam Headlights?
- Why Are My Headlights Dim?
- Throttle Body Cleaning Tips [Expert Advice]
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