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: engine
812 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Mar 27, 2025
Car fails to restart after idle stop is engaged and will stall out car. Causing significant safety hazard trying to restart car after idle stop.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
This vehicle has a good service history but when I was driving on the highway the motor stalled almost causing an accident I heard a popping sound then the motor started to knock like crazy I know there was a recall on these vehicles for the same issue I feel that honda should honor the recall on the pilot elite as well
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 26, 2025
I have to drive with my idle off because when I drive with it on, there were 4 instances where my car idled & it idled so much that the whole car just turned completely off when I was waiting at an intersection or at a red light or getting off an exit & there were numerous cars behind me waiting. I would have to keep pressing different buttons or drive to park then try to turn the car back on & it would take awhile to turn back on. So to avoid this, I would just drive with my idle off. I did bring it up the the service department at the dealership but they said they didn’t see anything wrong, because it doesn’t happen all the time or maybe because they were just driving around one block, I don’t know. But it happened with me and when my husband drove my car. It’s very dangerous. I finance my car with the dealership and it happened ever since I bought the car. But I bought it as is, so they said they can’t do anything about it.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Around 7 months ago my Honda Pilot began to make a loud "knocking" sound and would not run. I have been waiting on a recall on my specific vin because this is an issue for 2016 Honda Pilots.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Engine needs to be replaced vehicle only has 123,000 miles. Diagnostic states sounds like rod bearing has come apart in cylinder 2 Honda Recall #23V-751 involves certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles. This recall is due to a manufacturing error that may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. But yet Honda states my vehicle is not eligible for said recall.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
2016 Honda Pilot with 77,000 (with additional transmission coolant system added upon purchase new) randomly blew the engine yesterday getting off of the interstate exit ramp. Minimal symptoms ahead of time...starting driving a little rough over last day but then complete engine and electrical failure out of nowhere. Honda dealership made it clear that it's no longer under warranty. Also said its very rare. Another mechanic told me that they've seen a few of these with 2016-2017 Honda Pilots with relatively low mileage and suggested I look online for others. (which led me to report this). This car has had issues since I bought it brand new including air conditioning system, excessive heat in the car from the engine, electrical quirks, etc.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate uphill while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost automotive power, and her daughter was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced along with several other undisclosed repairs. Upon further investigation, the local dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,069.
Power train, Engine, Mar 21, 2025
The engine is making a very loud internal noise and it is available upon request. There is a major fear of the engine seizing while driving. I don't know if the vehicle has been taken to a dealer for this issue before. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking, and the engine made a loud knocking sound. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Brannon Honda (300 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235); who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was under review. The failure mileage was 121,006.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
Engine "knocking". Car has slightly less than 80,000 miles and is 9 years old. Dealer has confirmed that the engine needs replacement. Same issue as the other 3.5 liter engine recalled earlier. Engine knocks, engine light came on and flashed the entire time it was on. Dealer did all the regularly scheduled maintenance. Got the vehicle to the dealer prior to major engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the stability control, head start, TSA, and other warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed. The fuel injectors were replaced. Approximately one month after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, there was a rumbling noise coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact decelerated the vehicle, turned on the hazards, and continued to drive home at speeds of approximately 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the engine failed due to a driveshaft failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
I have 130k miles on my 2016 Honda Pilot and I recently noticed a knocking sound under the hood. I took it to a local mechanic who let me know it is likely a rod knock and that I will need a new engine replaced for an estimated $8k. I am concerned that if the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury. When I called Honda and had them run my VIN, they said my vehicle is not listed in the 2016, 2018 or 2019 vehicles that were included in the list of vehicles for the connecting rod recall. I am concerned for my safety and I am wondering why my 2016 is not included with other 2016s with the same issue. I am taking my vehicle to a Honda dealership tomorrow to get an official diagnosis and will connect with Honda Corporate again and submit a request for review of this situation.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to move over to the side of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact waited to restart the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle and an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, Nalley Honda (4197 Jonesboro Rd., Union City, GA, 30291) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine coolant temperature sensor and the brake pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised that a manager give a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 17, 2025
Our stop/start feature consistently causes the car to stall instead of restarting the engine. This leaves us stranded in or at intersections while waiting for the car to respond to pressing the park and restart buttons. This regularly takes enough time we have narrowly avoided being hit multiple times from suddenly not being able to move. Because it can turn off at any time you are fully stoped we have been caught after having to make a complete stop in the middle of an intersection and then still being stalled when the light changed. Honda has experienced the problem and has only been willing to change the battery. A fully charged and new battery does temporarily reduce the number of occurrences. This has only been inspected by Honda because we have not had an actual accident yet. There are no other warning lights on the car at any point. This is a regular and known issue that they have failed to fix.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2025
Fuel pumps has gone bad twice, transmission slips gear makes clunking noise
Engine, Mar 7, 2025
My wife was driving down a busy two lane main road when the vehicle stopped with no prior warning symptoms or dash lights. The vehicle would not jump or go into any gear. It was towed to Honda East in Cincinnati. They said it was showing multiple misfire codes. After a complete engine teardown at a cost of almost $1K, it was determined that it had two bent valves in cylinder #2. The timing belt components were intact and the mechanic had no explanation as to why the valves were bent. I suggested it could be the rod bearing failure that others had experienced and of which a recall had already been issued for some VIN's of the same year. But the mechanic didn't seem to think so. They said it was unrepairable and their solution was to install a used donor engine. Because I was not ready to part with the vehicle, I had no choice but to approve the donor engine install. The total job including the engine teardown and diagnosis cost me roughly $7,500. Like many others have experienced, my VIN did not fall under the recall, and I was held responsible for the full out of pocket repair cost. I am hoping that enough owners who have also been forced to replace their engines report their experience through the NHTSA, forcing Honda to step up and issue a blanket recall on all the 2016 Pilots.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 5, 2025
The ATF Warmer failed. This allowed engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This caused the engine and transmission to overheat. No warning messages appeared up until the transmission overheated. A warning appeared about the transmission, but not about the engine. Honda says that they do not think my VIN was impacted by this known issue. And, yet, my car has a textbook defective ATF warmer with 100% overlap in symptoms with a known service bulletin issue (17-035 from April 7, 2018).
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
Was driving car on 3/3/25 with 91,635 miles and lights started flashed saying "Emission System Problem" and "Transmission System Problem." Car slowed down and wouldn't shift gears putting me in danger of being stranded on the street. Screen showing drive mode went blank and wouldn't show if car was in drive or reverse. Luckily was able to get car back to home a few hundreds of feet away but car was very sluggish. Error message on car said engine system problem and not to drive the car and get it to dealer. Ran machine and found DTC code of P0717 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal. On 3/4/25, car was towed to Right Honda dealer. Tow truck driver barely got car on bed since gears were not shifting. Dealer found at drop off that the car was smoking from exhaust. Tech at dealer diagnosed and found input shaft sensor to be "bad" or "faulty." The output had signal but NO signal from input. They proceeded with work to replace input shaft sensor and the DTC code cleared. There was no service bulletin out to cover the faulty part and I had to pay out of pocket, $330.25. Honda needs to have a service bulletin for this faulty part that could cause a loss in power to vehicle and leave driver/passengers stranded or in a collision with no warning! I would like to be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense as well.
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact observed a loud banging sound coming from the same area and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod had gone through the oil pan, and the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
My 2016 Honda Pilot engine had a rod knock and eventually was replaced by Acura of LibertyVille. When I reported this problem to libertyville Honda (IL) they said vehicle not on any recall list, but now I'm hearing that 2016 and newer Pilots have same issues as my car, when I called customer relations at honda, they are still telling me there are no recalls for your VIN, even though my vehicle 2016 Pilot. I believe that somehow something is missing and more VINs were impacted, according to what I read online.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2025
My Transmission went out on my 2016 Honda Pilot I bought it on 8/25/24 with 68,000 miles on it, six months later I have 81,000 miles on it and I’ve been quoted $9222 to install a rebuilt transmission at the dealership. 3 mechanics & transmission specialist do NOT even work or offer to replace transmissions on this model of honda pilot due to its known issues in the 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L. My car was in excellent condition, low miles, always well maintained. 2/21 It started rough/delayed shifting, during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, unusual noise like quiet whining, on 2/22 the check engine & emissions & transmissions system lights came on I immediately took it to the Honda dealership/service on 2/22/25 I dropped it off and left it after hours (weekend Mon. 2/23 they diagnostic performed $200 transmission fluid flush and software update $500 it did not fix a thing. They evaluated & diagnosed on 2/24/25 Error codes stored P0776 & P0777. Recommending a rebuilt transmission for $9222. I got second and third opinions from experienced, highly recommended mechanics & transmission specialists who won’t even touch the 2016 honda pilot because it is considered problematic model/year with frequent reports of glitches & complex issues which can be make the job time consuming & potentially costly for the mechanic due to the need for speciality parts & diagnostics. Ive contacted American Honda & service/dealership inquiring “goodwill” program with no resolution. I have personally owned a 2005 pilot, 2011 pilot, 2007 odyssey, my parents & sister both currently own two Honda pilots & a Honda Ridgeline to say we’re loyal Honda customers is an understatement. I regret buying this 2016 Honda Pilot 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L I believe honda made a huge mistake and recalls must be issued. Show some integrity and take accountability this is unacceptable. If consumers & mechanics want nothing to do with it you should probably follow the evidence. From a very disappointed customer.
Engine, Feb 28, 2025
While driving my Pilots RPM suddenly dropped and started to go up and down. My car started to lose power and the car suddenly slowed down as if it wanted to turn off. I was stopped in the middle of the road and turned off the engine. Waited 2 minutes to turn on again and was able to get home. I checked for a code and it gave me P0369 a CAMSHAFT SENSOR problem. So I research the issue and it turns out Honda has known about this issue enough to make a bulletin for it to their techs. The remedy for this code? REPLACE THE CAMSHAFTS AND PLATE! If they have to put a bulletin out then it's happened often. Also why am I paying to put the same type of Camshaft back in with nothing to help that this won't happen again in "X" amount of miles.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 26, 2025
The brakes have been repaired and replaced repeatedly. The vehicle locked down yesterday 2/25/25 when the driver was headed to school to pick up the children. The car came to a complete halt and was a danger to others with a "transmission engine" warning light on the dash. This vehicle has numerous repairs in addition to being too dangerous to drive down a two lane road due to the severity of the following issues: •Abrupt jerking or 'juddering' while accelerating, which can cause sudden unintended movement. •Noticeable hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, impacting the vehicle's response time. •Unusual clunking noises or hard downshifting, indicating potential internal damage.
Engine, Feb 24, 2025
Failure of the connecting rod bearing similar to the recall. Current recall does not apply to the vin.
Engine, Feb 23, 2025
While driving on the highway, I heard an unusual noise coming from the engine. Shortly after, the check engine light began blinking, and the vehicle’s performance worsened. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who suggested that the issue might be related to the engine rod bearing. This issue posed a serious safety risk as the sudden performance deterioration on the highway could have led to an accident or left me stranded. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic but has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or a dealership. Prior to the failure, there was a noticeable engine noise, and the check engine light began blinking while driving. After researching, I found that certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles were recalled for this same issue, but my vehicle was not included. Additionally, reports indicate that NHTSA is investigating similar problems in Honda vehicles. I am reporting this issue as I believe it may be part of a broader safety concern.