2016 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,706 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 23 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalNov 13, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Campaign 23V751000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hoodNov 29, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
Campaign 21V932000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageMar 30, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
Campaign 17V219000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJun 9, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Campaign 16V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelOct 16, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems".
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
Campaign 15V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherJul 6, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.
If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.
Campaign 15V424000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
579 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2024
I have a 2016 Pilot (Touring), and about a month ago, I started experiencing static in the audio. It begins faintly in the background and gradually increases in volume until it completely overtakes the audio, leaving only static. The issue persists regardless of the audio source selected.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, all the warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the highway where the vehicle stalled and restarted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
Rolled into a parking lot and the car suddenly stalled right before I could get into the spot - electriconics were still working and what not. Turned the car off and on and pulled in and then proceeded to charge my portable jumper just in case. Came back a few hours later and drove it home - all sorts of sensors were going off but the car was still fine. Once I got home, I swapped the battery with one that I was charging. At this point there was light flickering and more sensors failing. I went to replace with a new battery and it drove fine for a day or two. On the last day, my girlfriend said it started happening again, and she turned around and came back home where it stalled out again. We are terrified to drive this vehicle and purchased a different one out of fear. Please fix this issue, Honda, as it is pretty rampant from the other reports here.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 8, 2024
- The idle engine function does not work. I turn it off in general because if it is on, when I stop the car dies and the dashboard and electric functions, malfunction. They turn on and off and I cannot automatically start the car; it takes several times for the car to restart. - Today, I went to a pharmacy and when I tried to restart my car to leave, it would not begin. The dashboard went on and off and it took 1 minute for it to restart properly. - My teenage son is now a driver but I will not let him drive the car because it will stall. We drive to school everyday 45-60 minutes there and back; we are in the car a lot. - When I went to the dealer 1 year ago, they were going to charge me $200 for a diagnostic and then $2000 to fix the problem. I told them if I turn the function off, I have no problem. They suggested I do this. They offered no other solution. - Now, however even when the function if off, the engine is now stalling. - A few years ago, it stalled at a light on an incredibly hot day so I attributed it to the heat.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2024, fire
In 2021, my 2016 Honda Pilot had routinely had restart issues from when going idle at stop. In some situations, it simply would not start again and had to be jumped off. I ended up getting the battery replaced multiple times, but on [XXX] I went to my vehicle to start up and it was dead yet again. I then hooked up a jumper and the vehicle instantly started smoking from under the motor. Within 20 seconds, fire had started under the hood and it caused extreme damage to my home. The car was also destroyed. There seemed to be some sort of electrical system issue. I was able to get my 1 year old daughter safely away and nobody was hurt. However, this caused extreme losses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 27, 2024
Car started displaying "Keyless start system problem". I changed both batteries in the key fobs, but it continued. After about 2 weeks of this, the car would not start. Just clicking and flickering of lights and gauges. Would not jump off or anything, so I had to tow it home. After researching it and checking the brake light switch to make sure it was still operational, and after purchasing and installing a new start/stop button, I decided to get a new battery. I took the old battery in and they said it was good, but I still got another one and installed it. The car started up and has been working for about 4 weeks, but now the same message is popping up again. I am worried that my wife will drive it somewhere and get stranded. I have seen that there are recalls on this on some of the Honda sites, but can't find it anywhere else. This needs to be addressed as it seems like a lot of people are reporting the same issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2024
On several occasions in 2024 1 - 2 months apart I have been stopped at a light in my 2016 Honda Pilot I have around 150,000 miles on it. The car will stall out and I can barely make it to the side of the road. All the dashboard lights come on Vehicle Stability Assist Problem, Power Steering System Problem, Emissions System Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, Trailer Stability Assist Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem. I had the Catalytic Converters changed about 2 months ago at a cost of $3,000 and this is still happening. Once the battery is disconnected the codes go away and the car drives fine for a while, but not this last time. We had AAA come out and put a new battery, they AAA service drove off, I pulled out 3 feet and the car cut off again and all the lights came back on and the car would not move.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2024
After coming to a stop at a red light, the engine auto stop engaged as normal. About a minute passed, and when I took my foot off the brake and tried to start driving, the engine did not start again. The screen on dashboard the said to switch to park and turn the car off. This car has already received the PGM-FI roughly a month ago, after this happened previously.
Electrical system, Jul 27, 2024
2016 Pilot has an annoying issue. When it is turned off, the panel lights flicker. You can hear the relays clicking behind the panel. The headlights come on. Often the car alarm randomly goes off. They want to charge us $800 to replace the Keyless control unit. and nothing was resolved with this issue. It seems they are just throwing darts at possible solutions. They won't guarantee this will fixe the issue. They will not refund us the $800 if this part isn't even a problem ;-( To our knowledge, we don't think we have had the issue occur when the car is unlocked. It doesn't happen every time the car is locked
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2024
The keyless control unit module is malfunctioning, causing the car to attempt to turn itself on, and the car alarm to go off constantly. This problem has occurred multiple times and has been inspected by the dealership mechanics. The issue comes with no warning lights, messages, or other indication forms. The dashboard lights up and there is no odometer reading, the MPH is not displaying or any other functions within the dashboard. The mechanic shop received the error "Data on keyless access control unit reach ignition voltage at 25 volts internally". According to the Honda corporate office, there are no recalls regarding this issue. I had the same problem back on [XXX] and Galpin Honda located at 11151 Laurel Canyon, Mission Hills, CA 91340 performed Campaign 20-117-6S100-2016=17 Pilot Ridgeline Start/Stop Switch - Keyless system problem and replaced the engine start/stop switch. I called the Dealership multiple times and was finally able to speak to the Service Manager, Peter Melendez, who was not able to approve for my car to be inspected free of charge. Please note that I have had multiple electrical issues including the sensor system which I had to pay out of pocket. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2024
I have a 2016 Pilot Touring that is giving me a perplexing problem. After having the audio system turned on for a few minutes (regardless of whether the car engine is on or off), I start hearing static noise - faintly at first, then it builds louder and louder until it overcomes whatever I was listening to. It happens whether I am listing to radio, iPod, Bluetooth, or phone. Doesn't matter whether I am listening to music, podcast, or audiobook. The static is in front and rear, left and right. It gets so loud that finally there is no way to hear anything else. My mechanic said could be make a fire because the fan is not working to make radio works good.and you know radio is very important to every cars.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 5, 2024
For the third time in less than 4 months, I have taken my car to the dealer because all of the warnings light come on and the car sputters and dies in traffic.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2024
I have an active recall on my honda, the fuel pump. I have had symptoms of this problem over the past year even prior to the recall. Bradenton Honda is refusing to do the recall now, stating my car hasn't stalled and there is no light on. They are waiting until FALL to do the recall but there is a long list. They said they can only do recalls on cars that stall. My car has intermittent losses of power when accelerating. I have issues where all the lights on the dash would just turn on and then it disappeared. Now the alternator is dead and a faulty fuel pump can cause this. I don't want to pay twice for a faulty alternator if Honda won't honor the recall. Honda is stating the recall is not really needed and they feel Honda is making customers nervous. I would like you to contact Bradenton honda and have them honor the recall now.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 2024
Honda pilot has multiple warning lights problem. I am an extremely normal and safe driver. However, the warning sign turns on and off again and again. parking collision Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emissions System Problem This happens frequently when turning on the engine or while driving. Even there have been no accidents, no electrical changes, and even the battery was recently replaced. so I went to an auto shop and had it repaired. The car shop also said that there are too many Honda cars with this symptom. However, even after several days, the same symptoms are recurring. Sometimes it's on and sometimes it's off and it's a mess. It's all directly related to safety, so I feel very stressed every time I drive. If a safety warning light comes on while driving, the driver becomes anxious and doubts safety. I google the forum [XXX] ) and found that there were so many drivers experiencing the same symptoms as me, and they were all seriously concerned and threatened about safety. This symptom has continued since this spring. It's stressful every time I turn on the engine. I don't understand why a car that I paid many dollars for has such safety issues. We respectfully request an official problem resolution and recall from Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jun 19, 2024
The vehicle is displaying MIL on these 4 warning lights: lane keeping assist problem, adaptive cruise control problem, collision mitigation system problem, and road departure mitigation system problem. The issue is intermittent and can showing up for days and disappear and then come back. Sometimes restarting the vehicle a few times will make it goes away, sometimes not, which render these advanced SAFETY features useless. There are many users have reported on this issue. Please make this a recall to get it resolved.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2024
Keyless Start System Problem message has recently started appearing on the screen when I start the vehicle. The key fobs do not appear to work to their proper capability either. The locking feature when walking away does not work. Vehicle has continued to drive properly for now but other reports show the vehicle may shut off while driving. Some research shows a recall but local Honda dealership does not see anything regarding this. This needs attention as it appears to be an ongoing issue.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2024
1.Engine connecting rod bearing failed causing engine to seize. 2.Push button start will not work most of time so cannot start car or shut it off at times Safety: Engine locked up while driving down a 2 lane road with no shoulder. Causing an issues with cars traveling in both directions till i could get vehicle towed. Starting/ shutting off issue is on going. Connecting rod bearing failure was confirmed by dealer, but Honda says my Vin is not part of the recall and will do nothing about it. Had to pay for repairs 7K+ out of my own pocket. I got engine replaced and 6 months later start/ stop button issue is happening and they had a recall for this also that they say my Vin is not included. When engine bearing seized happened suddenly. All lights on dash come on and engine stopped. When tried to restart engine would not turn. They start button issue has a message saying electronic start problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 6, 2024
This is a 9 year old vehicle that should not be stalling and shutting down. I had to be towed twice and have the fuel pumps replaced. Honda feels like they are not responsible. The fuel pump on the 2016 Honda pilot is no good. I should not have to replace the fuel pumps in a 9 year old car. Honda should reimburse myself and several others. Please make this a recall or a warranty extension. I almost crashed and rear ended because the vehicle stop working on the highway. Please help all of us 2016 Honda Pilot owners.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, May 18, 2024
Defective Keyless Access Unit Car will completely lose power Honda dealer confirmed defective keyless access unit Various problems experienced : a) Car is completely disabled b) Main Battery drained c) Flashing External Lights d) Flashing Dashboard cluster lights and indicators e) Anti Theft security Alarm Horn will sound f) Defective Hood Latch g) Windshield Wipers operational compromised
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2024
-Defective Keyless Access Unit (dealer kept old unit) -My car completely lost power -Honda dealer confirmed defective keyless access unit -Car not inspected by others, except for AAA who had to replace my battery 2 times due to drainage of power -The problems experienced were that the car start would be hit or miss and then complete drainage of battery happened
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2024
Vehicle dash flickers and does a partial starting then stops. The interior lights come on and stay on for hours. The alarm will activate randomly and not stop until you lock then unlock vehicle.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2024
The vehicle does not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR.
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2024
The digital speedometer on the gauge cluster will sporadically stop working. Traveling at highway speeds with no idea of the vehicle speed presents a hazard for driver and passengers when approaching turns in the road and not knowing your speed. Valley Honda Naperville, IL checked the vehicle and could find no issue. A video of the issue was shared with Valley Honda. The speedometer flashes on and off without warning and sometimes remains off for extended periods of time. No warning lights or messages and the service center stated that no error codes were stored in the on board computer. Vehicle is available for inspection and a video documented the issue is also available upon request. The date listed below is just one of several dates when the problem occured.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2024
After the most recent recall fix was applied, the keyless start system started acting up. It would start, but died after 1 second I have video of this happening. In this video, it fails twice and starts on the third attempt. 03/01
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 3, 2024
1) First and most annoying is the start button displays code on the screen "keyless start system problem ". Its done it for about two three now. There is no recall for my VIN. 2) Back wheels brakes make very loud kicking noise when car put in reverse and moves in reverse. It started 4 years ago. I took it to dealership and they said breaks are fine and they don't know why its kicking. In cold weather break sensor displays warning "apply break before putting in park" while breaks are applied. So it can't sense that breaks are applied. 3)blue ray DVD player quit working years ago. 4) Transmission is jerking when switches to third gear. This car has 56000 miles. 5) Roof molding in the front came off while driving. The clips somehow broke and it flew away. This car has been parked in the garage during the day and driven carefully with all needed oil changes and one owner. It should not have this problems. 6) the tires fell apart when car was 4 years old with about 25000 miles on it. The dealership said they don't know why and its was not normal. The top of the tires pilled off in chanks.