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, Jul 21, 2024
2016 Honda Pilot EX with 131,000 miles - Connector Rod Issue On [XXX] while driving (40 mph) I heard a loud noise in the engine. The engine then proceeded to smoke profusely that I thought it was on fire. I immediately pulled the car over to the side of the road and shut the engine off while smoke filled the area. After a quick investigation with police who stopped to assist I realized ALL the engine oil leaked all over the road. The car was then towed to Clinton Honda in Annandale, New Jersey where after their mechanics performed a diagnostic it was determined the "Connector Rod" broke and went through the engine block. Clinton Honda informed me it would require a new motor ($5k) and labor ($4.5k) to resolve the issue. Since it was no longer under normal / extended warranty Clinton Honda was unwilling to repair the vehicle at their expense. I then proceeded to research the issue on the internet and discovered Honda did issue a Recall for this problem. However, my VIN did not fall within the numbers identified on the Recall. After doing a little more research I discovered that numerous Pilot owners experienced the same issue but their cars didn't fall within the impacted VINs on the recall and Honda Corporation did nothing to assist. Clearly Honda Corporation dropped the ball in accurately identifying the affected cars. On Friday, July 19, 2024 I filed a complaint with Honda Corporation to assist with the matter, but I am not very hopeful that they will do anything for me either. My car was always very well maintained and all the service was performed by Clinton Honda on schedule. Please help!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 20, 2024
On July 11, my engine failed on my 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. My car has 95,000 miles. I had no warning lights or messages prior to complete failure. While driving, out of the blue, the engine started to make rattling noises and sounded horrible. When I was trying to accelerate and merge onto the interstate there was no get up and go. It was very scary for my daughter and I. I immediately got off the highway as soon as I could and approximately 10 minutes later the car stalled out on the side of the road. I had it towed to the Valley Honda dealership where I bought it and have done ALL my regular and recommended maintenance. They diagnosed that the rod bearing broke in cylinder 6. My car is still currently at the Valley Honda dealership.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
With no prior warning while driving on the freeway, two warning messages appeared, Emission systems malfunction and transmission system malfunction.” At the same time the D started to blink. We started to lose power to the wheels. Luckily we made it to an off ramp. If this had happened someplace else it could have caused a major accident. We had to have it towed to the Honda dealer. It was caused by a rear bank spool valve failure.
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
July 2022, my wife was in a parking space. She placed the vehicle in reverse and backed out of the parking space. She braked to stop, placed the vehicle in drive and pressed the accelerator. Immediately the car shut off in the middle of the parking lot and the engine light came on. Some strangers helped her push the car out of the way of traffic. She thought the battery died so called USAA and they sent out roadside assistance who tried to jumpstart the battery but it didn't work. The car was towed to the closest Honda dealership and after 30 minutes told us the engine seized. When we asked how that happened, they said they didn't know. Then they tried to buy the car from us , gave us a preprinted buyback flyer and tried to hard sell us into buying a new car. We left and towed it to the Honda dealership where we originally purchased it. They tried to do a full diagnostic, but could not even get into the major components of the engine because it was all seized up, and told us that it would require a new engine. When I asked how this happened, the service manager said neither he nor the mechanic could tell us why or how. They told us to buy a rebuilt engine so we did and paid $8736.80. July 2024, and a friend told me about recall 23V-751. I immediately visited our Honda dealership who told us to open a refund claim with American Honda. American Honda (case#14788790) initially told us our vehicle didn't qualify because its production date was 6/17/2016. We emailed docs/pictures proving the production date of our car is May 16, 2016 and the date of purchase was 6/17/16. Then Honda said the claim was denied because they didn't have proof of oil changes but carfax rpt shows consistent maintenance. Now Honda is saying our VIN doesn't qualify because they use the In Service Date for recall VIN qualification and again claims ours is 6/17/16 (the purchase date) and that there is no record of a transmission flush?!? Honda keeps changing the bar on this recall.
Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The car does the auto shut off then doesn't restart. resulting in a panic to try and restart my car in the middle of an intersection.
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
Transmission issues with jerking and stalling and vehicle showing transmission overheating and improper shifting of gears
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over at a gas station and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine failed due to connecting rod bearing wear. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
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.
Engine, Jun 21, 2024
Auto-Engine Idle Restart issue. This is the fifth occurrence of this event over several years. After coming to a full stop at a busy intersection with the Auto Engine Idle function engaged, my vehicle's engine automatically stopped as expected but did not re-start as expected after the light turned green. As a result, traffic behind my vehicle was forced to pull out into other lanes (in several instances crossing into on-coming traffic lanes) to proceed through the intersection. Mechanics and dealers have not been able to replicate or diagnose the issue, and there were no warnings or other problems with my vehicle at the times these events occurred.
Engine, Jun 21, 2024
Internal failure, the bearings on the crankshaft failed. If an engine fails, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of crash, fire and resulting injury. Yes, this appears to be a very common issue with 2016 Honda Pilots. They have a safety recall for a very limited number of VINS associated with this issue. Safety Recall 23-097: Safety Recall: 2016–19 Multi-Model Connecting Rod Bearing Stop Sale No warning lights or indicators prior to the issue.
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)
Engine, Jun 20, 2024
THE ENGINE FAILED IN JULY OF 2023. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY AND LOST COMPLETE POWER. NEW DRIVER WAS BEHIND THE WHEEL AT NIGHT GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL VEHICLE LOST POWER. LIGHTS AND RINGING SOUNDS THEN OCCURED. VEHCILE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. CONFIRMED ENGINE SEIZED AND COULD NOT CONFIRM AS TO WHY THIS OCCURED. VEHICLE HAD COOLANT, GAS AND OIL. NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE IN OTHER PARTS. RECOMMENDATION WAS TO REPLACE ENGINGE. HONDA CORPORATION REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH REPLACING ENGINE. NOVEMBER 12, 2023 RECALL 23V751000 WAS ISSUED FOR ENGINES INDICATING ROD BEARING MAY WEAR AND SEIZE THE ENGINE FOR CERTAIN 2016 HONDA PILOTS. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AND HONDA REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH REIMBURSEMENT AS STATES IN THE RECALL.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
My 2016 Honda pilot with 3.5 engine has known issues for rod bearing failure campaign # 24-001 has failed. In speaking with the Honda Dealership they stated that I needed to call American Honda to get my vin added to the campaign since I have had this issue. American Honda refused to do this and expects me to pay for an engine replacement and possibly get reimbursed later. This is unacceptable. I see many complaints online with the same circumstances. I bought a Honda for reliability but yet this has been a known issue for years and American Honda is not addressing it. I can't afford a new motor. Because this is a manufacturer defect Honda needs to take responsibility. Please help!
Engine, Jun 17, 2024
Skipping whole driving
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.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
The vehicle has had so many problems since it was new. We are the only owners this vehicle has always been unsafe. Auto idle has always turned car off and left me stuck in traffic. The engine just failed. Multiple malfunction indicators lights came on flashing D (drive) light, engine light, emissions light. Vehicle was shuddering under acceleration. Vehicle stopped as unsafe and had it towed.
Engine, Jun 11, 2024
Mechanic looked at it and said their is internal engine failure, also known as "Rod Knock". He then advised me to take it to a Honda dealer because of the known recall.
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.
Engine, May 28, 2024
We noticed the engine making an unusual sound, so we took the vehicle into the Honda dealership service department. The engine tech used a borescope which showed damage to the cam shaft. The tech then determined the knocking sound was caused by a rod knock. The service advisor recommended replacing the engine with a remanufactured engine. The cause of this issue is unknown, although we are suspecting 23V-751. There have been no lights or codes that indicated any engine issues. This vehicle has 125,000 miles on it, and has been meticulously maintained at the local Honda dealership for that entire time.
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road, where she inspected the vehicle, but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact's wife was able to drive to the residence. The contact who is an independent mechanic, had replaced the water pump and the timing belt; however, the failure persisted. The contact diagnosed that the rod bearings were significantly worn and fractured. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Engine, May 23, 2024
When the auto idle stop engages to shut off the engine at a stoplight, it does not reengage and the car stalls in the middle of traffic.
Power train, Engine, May 23, 2024
My spouse was stopped at a traffic light, when the light turned green she accelerated but immediately lost power and the vehicle was stalled in the middle of the intersection. She tried to start it but would not restart. We had to leave the car in the intersection while waiting for the police and towing.She worried that a vehicle would collide with our vehicle and until she was able to exit the vehicle and move to a nearby sidewalk.. Luckily she made it safely and no-one collided with the car. We had it towed to our local mechanic. The inspected the car and found that the bearing had seized up the crankshaft. I connected with Honda and they told me to take it to a local dealer to have it inspected by them. The dealer had the vehicle for two weeks and came up with the same conclusion. After a little back and forth with Honda they declined to give any help with fixing the engine, (a $20,000 repair estimate). I ended up selling the car for junk. Two weeks later a friend sent me an article that Honda was recalling 2016 Pilots for the same incident that happened to my car. There were no warnings prior to the engine failure. My vehicle is not listed on the recall. Honda knew the problem and was attempting to issue a recall.
Engine, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to veer to the exit, the vehicle failed to accelerate and suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The low-oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Engine, May 16, 2024
Engine is making a knocking noise at startup, continues when accelerating. This was confirmed by the dealer who cited "engine has lower end rod knock. These are the same symptoms as NHTSA Recall #23v-751. I opened a case with Honda but they said because my VIN was not included in the recall, they would not cover the cost of the repair. This is a known problem with the 2016 Honda Pilot and Honda is trying to get away with limiting the number of vehicles it will cover or wait until people's mileage is too high. It's just wait us out with this company.