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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Honda > PILOT

2003 HONDA PILOT EX
4 Dr. Wagon/Sport Utility
All wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 HONDA PILOT EX. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used HONDA.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 5 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Honda Pilot was introduced in the 2003 model year.</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the Pilot in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. In the first test, the frontal airbags deployed late, with the result that high forces were recorded on the dummy's head, indicating the likelihood of head injuries. This led Honda to modify the frontal airbag deployment characteristics on models produced after August 18, 2003. Also, Honda initiated a safety improvement campaign to modify at its cost vehicles produced earlier.</p> <p>The Institute tested a second Pilot with the modified airbags, and the airbags inflated much earlier. Ratings of the Pilot are based on the results of the second test, except structural performance is based on both tests.</p> <p>Honda has told the Institute that the 2006 models are sufficiently re-engineered that the the ratings for 2003-05 models will not carry over. Dummy movement was well controlled in the second test. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head hitting any stiff structure that could cause injury. In the second test, measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. 2003 Honda Pilot EX 4351 front seat-mounted torso airbags 106 188 76 3.5 L V6 17 22

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 HONDA PILOT EX . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 HONDA PILOT EX was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier $ 325
Front into angle barrier $ 449
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier $ 404
Rear into pole $ 438
Average Damage Per Test $ 404

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 HONDA PILOT EX bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. The low-speed damage repair costs for this 2003 HONDA PILOT EX were obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 78 Better than average
Collision Index 70 Better than average
Theft Index 36 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 HONDA PILOT EX are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 HONDA PILOT EX by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 HONDA PILOT EX still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 08-30-2002
Units potentially affected: 17,551
NHTSA campaign number: 02V226000
Defective part or component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Description: On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 600,000
NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Description: On some mini vans, and sport utility 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 can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash. 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. Owner notification is expected to begin on or about May 12, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.


This 2003 HONDA PILOT EX safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 4 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. Failure of the EGR valve will cause a surge while driving or the check engine light to illuminate. The cost to replace the EGR valve is estimated at $86.68 for parts and $32.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 HONDA PILOT reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Pilot EX 4 Dr Sport Utility:
Depreciation $13,952
Financing $4,012
Insurance $6,545
State Fees $503
Fuel $4,934
Maintenance $1,503
Repairs $699
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $32,148

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance No roadside assistance.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for years or miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance is not provided. Battery coverage 36 month limited warranty. Seatbelt covered for the useful life of the vehicle.  

This 2003 HONDA PILOT EX warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Roomy new SUV goes straight to the head of the class.
By Mark Phelan, NewCarTestDrive.com

Honda Pilot is a reasonably priced, good-looking and practical sport-utility that offers exceptional interior space, power and comfort for the money. Honda expects to sell 80,000 Pilots a year. In a world where many SUVs take up far more space than their utility justifies, and drink far more gas than their performance merits, the Pilot is a breath of fresh air.

Overview:

Honda took its own sweet time getting its first family-size SUV on the market, but a couple of minutes behind the wheel of the 2003 Honda Pilot makes it clear that every moment was well spent.

The all-new Pilot brings Honda virtues to a new class of vehicle. The interior packs eight seats into an overall package so short that the EPA considers the Pilot a compact SUV. However, its competition will be the world's midsize SUVs. The Honda Pilot offers more cargo space than the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota Highlander.

The Pilot also sets the pace dynamically, with a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and the same crisp, predictable handling that have made the Honda Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX SUV hits.

Read the complete 2003 Honda Pilot review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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