2004 Honda Pilot Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2004 Honda Pilot, 11% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 106,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “ignition key” (10% of reports).
- 60electrical system complaints
- 106,000median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ignition key: mentioned in 6 of 60 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 48 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 60 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 3 a fire.
Honda Pilot electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pilot | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2025 Pilot | 44 | 21% | 16,000 |
| 2024 Pilot | 11 | 9% | — |
| 2023 Pilot | 28 | 19% | 8,550 |
| 2022 Pilot | 39 | 24% | 40,000 |
| 2021 Pilot | 133 | 30% | 47,000 |
| 2020 Pilot | 214 | 43% | 1,850 |
| 2019 Pilot | 266 | 29% | 6,100 |
| 2018 Pilot | 85 | 19% | 51,250 |
| 2017 Pilot | 266 | 28% | 38,000 |
| 2016 Pilot | 580 | 34% | 49,008 |
| 2015 Pilot | 13 | 12% | 35,500 |
| 2014 Pilot | 9 | 8% | 18,500 |
| 2013 Pilot | 9 | 3% | 65,000 |
| 2012 Pilot | 22 | 13% | 30,000 |
| 2011 Pilot | 26 | 9% | 48,500 |
| 2010 Pilot | 9 | 8% | 2,000 |
| 2009 Pilot | 5 | 4% | 96,000 |
| 2008 Pilot | 9 | 7% | 78,500 |
| 2007 Pilot | 22 | 10% | 108,500 |
| 2006 Pilot | 18 | 7% | 96,000 |
| 2005 Pilot | 57 | 8% | 119,000 |
| 2004 Pilot | 60 | 11% | 106,000 |
| 2003 Pilot | 129 | 18% | 130,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Risk: Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the odometer mileage reading was 160,000. After obtaining a Carfax Report it was discovered that the previous mileage was 337,000. The contact also indicated that the instrument cluster had…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase September 2024, the vehicle mileage was 139,020. The contact…
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition briefly failed to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2004 Honda Pilots have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2004 Honda Pilot (11% of the 544 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Honda Pilot electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do electrical system problems start?
The median reported mileage is 106,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2004 Honda Pilot?
The most frequent phrase is “ignition key”, in 6 of 60 complaints.
Other 2004 Honda Pilot problems
- Power Train problems (142)
- Seats problems (85)
- Air Bags problems (81)
See all 2004 Honda Pilot problems or electrical system problems across all Pilot years.