The 2004 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Honda. While it received generally positive reviews for its spacious interior, reliable performance, and strong safety ratings, some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported a number of issues and problems with their vehicles.
Some of the most common complaints about the 2004 Honda Pilot include transmission problems, issues with the fuel system, and problems with the suspension and steering. In addition, some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, including faulty wiring and faulty sensors.
It is important for Honda Pilot owners to be aware of these potential problems and to have their vehicles properly maintained and serviced in order to avoid costly repairs and downtime.
2004 Honda Pilot Problems
1. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing vibration and shaking when braking, which may be caused by warped front brake rotors.
When the rotors become warped, they can cause the brakes to vibrate and make a loud, grinding noise. This can be dangerous and may indicate a need for immediate brake repair.
2. Overheated Wire Harness May Cause Low Beams to Fail
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with their low beam headlights failing or flickering. This may be caused by an overheated wire harness, which can cause the wiring to melt or short out.
This can be a serious issue, as it can make it difficult to see while driving at night and increase the risk of accidents.
3. Water Leak Due to Poor Seal at Side Marker Wire Harness
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported water leaks in their vehicles, which may be caused by a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. Water can enter the vehicle through this leak and cause damage to the electrical system, as well as create a safety hazard.
It is important to have this issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
4. Knocking Noise From Front End, Stabilizer Link Issues
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported a knocking noise coming from the front end of their vehicle, which may be caused by issues with the stabilizer links.
The stabilizer links are part of the suspension system and help to keep the vehicle stable and balanced while driving.
If the links are damaged or worn, it can cause a knocking noise and may indicate a need for repair or replacement.
5. Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing noise and juddering while turning, which may be caused by differential fluid breakdown. The differential helps to distribute power to the wheels and allows the vehicle to turn smoothly.
If the fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause the differential to malfunction and create noise and juddering while turning.
6. Failed Power Resistor Will Cause Rear Blower Not to Work
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the rear blower not working properly, which may be caused by a failed power resistor. The power resistor helps to control the flow of electricity to the blower motor and can fail due to age or wear and tear.
If the power resistor fails, it can cause the blower motor to stop working, which may make it difficult to control the temperature in the vehicle.
7. Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with their vehicle running rough and experiencing difficulty starting, which may be indicated by the check engine light coming on.
There are many potential causes for these issues, including problems with the spark plugs, ignition system, fuel system, or emissions control system.
It is important to have the vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired in order to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.
8. Porous Engine Block Casting May Cause Engine Oil Leaks
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with engine oil leaks, which may be caused by a porous engine block casting. The engine block is the main structure of the engine and is made up of a series of interconnected chambers and passages.
If the casting is porous, it can allow oil to leak out, which can be damaging to the engine and may require costly repairs.
9. Engine Idle Speed is Erratic or Engine Stalls
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with their engine idle speed being erratic or the engine stalling. This can be caused by a number of issues, including problems with the fuel system, ignition system, or emissions control system.
It can also be caused by issues with the engine itself, such as a vacuum leak or malfunctioning sensor. It is important to have the vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired in order to address the underlying issue and prevent further problems.
10. Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine and D4 lights flashing simultaneously. The check engine light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s emission control system, while the D4 light indicates a problem with the transmission.
The specific issue will depend on the code stored in the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, which can be accessed using a diagnostic tool.
It is important to have the vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired in order to address the underlying issue and prevent further problems.
11. Shim to Correct Chirping Timing Belt
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported a chirping noise coming from the timing belt, which may require the installation of a shim to correct the issue.
The timing belt is a critical component that helps to synchronize the movement of the engine’s valves and pistons.
If the belt becomes misaligned or stretched, it can cause noise and may require replacement or adjustment.
12. Check Engine Light and Engine Takes Too Long to Start
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the check engine light coming on and the engine taking too long to start. There are many potential causes for these issues, including problems with the spark plugs, ignition system, fuel system, or emissions control system.
It is important to have the vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired in order to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.
13. Throttle May Stick Due to Carbon Buildup on Throttle Body
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the throttle sticking or becoming difficult to operate, which may be caused by carbon buildup on the throttle body. The throttle body is a component that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine, and carbon buildup can interfere with its operation.
If the throttle becomes stuck, it can be dangerous and may require cleaning or replacement of the throttle body.
14. Rough Idle/Harsh Shifting Due to Broken Front Engine Mount
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with rough idling and harsh shifting, which may be caused by a broken front engine mount. The engine mount helps to secure the engine to the frame of the vehicle and can fail due to age or wear and tear.
If the mount is broken, it can cause the engine to shift or vibrate excessively, which can affect the vehicle’s performance and may require replacement of the mount.
15. Faulty Front Inner Fender Liner May Deform and Contact Tires
Some 2004 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the front inner fender liner deforming and coming into contact with the tires. The fender liner is a component that helps to protect the inner workings of the vehicle and can become deformed due to age or impact.
If the liner comes into contact with the tires, it can cause damage to the tires and may create a safety hazard. It is important to have the issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking | Replace the front brake rotors |
| Overheated wire harness may cause low beams to fail | Replace the wire harness |
| Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness | Replace the side marker wire harness or seal |
| Knocking noise from front end, stabilizer link issues | Replace the stabilizer links |
| Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Replace the differential fluid |
| Failed power resistor will cause rear blower not to work | Replace the power resistor |
| Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting | Diagnose and repair the underlying issue |
| Porous engine block casting may cause engine oil leaks | Repair or replace the engine block |
| Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls | Diagnose and repair the underlying issue |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | Diagnose and repair the underlying issue |
| Shim to correct chirping timing belt | Install a shim or replace the timing belt |
| Check engine light and engine takes too long to start | Diagnose and repair the underlying issue |
| Throttle may stick due to carbon buildup on throttle body | Clean or replace the throttle body |
| Rough idle/harsh shifting due to broken front engine mount | Replace the front engine mount |
| Faulty front inner fender liner may deform and contact tires | Replace the front inner fender liner |
2004 Honda Pilot Recalls
| Recall | Description | Affected Models |
| 19V501000 | Newly replaced passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V499000 | Newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 14 models |
| 18V268000 | Front passenger air bag inflator potentially installed improperly during replacement | 10 models |
| 16V344000 | Passenger frontal air bag inflator ruptures on deployment | 8 models |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s front air bag defective | 10 models |
| 14V700000 | Front airbag inflator module | 9 models |
| 14V353000 | Front airbag inflator module | 9 models |
| 04V389000 | Recall 04V389000 | 1 model |
| 12V573000 | The ignition/transmission interlock system may fail | 3 models |
| 04V176000 | Honda and Acura recall various 2001-2004 vehicles due to an internal transmission fault | 6 models |
| 12V136000 | Low beam headlights may fail | 3 models |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a passenger air bag inflator that was replaced as part of a previous recall.
The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the inflator free of charge.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a driver’s air bag inflator that was replaced as part of a previous recall.
The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the inflator free of charge.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a driver’s frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the inflator free of charge.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models that had the front passenger air bag inflator replaced as part of a previous recall.
The inflator may have been installed improperly, which could cause it to deploy improperly in the event of a crash and increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the inflator free of charge.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a passenger frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the inflator free of charge.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a driver’s frontal air bag. In the event of a crash, the air bag inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments, increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the air bag free of charge.
Recall 14V700000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a front airbag inflator module. In the event of a crash, the airbag inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments, increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners and replace the airbag module free of charge.
Recall 14V353000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with a front airbag inflator module.
In the event of a crash, the airbag inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments, increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants. Honda will notify owners and replace the airbag module free of charge.
Recall 04V389000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models. The specific issue and solution are not provided in the recall information.
Recall 12V573000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Pilot models equipped with an automatic transmission. The ignition/transmission interlock system may fail, which could allow the vehicle to roll away if the ignition key is removed while the gear selector is not in the park position. This can increase the risk of a crash
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2004-honda-pilot/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2004/
All Honda Pilot years we talked –
