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, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2023
There was a recall on the fuel injectors system and now this problem is causing the computer system to send false codes to the car and then the warning “fuel emissions problem signs turns on showing false code problems and then they go off and back on” In April I had fuel injections done and now in December I got the emissions system problem signal and was told at a honda service location that it was faulty Catalina converter problem but the emissions system problem signal tuned off on its own a day later, mean while the honda service place told me it would cost me $2287 to correct a problem that didn’t need to get repaired it’s this faulty emissions system computer system that needs to be updated on all these vehicles with this emission system problem. If they up date the program that they use on the emissions system we will not have to pay for false readings codes that are being generated because of this false reading by the emissions system soft ware.
Engine, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and stopped at a traffic light, the light turned green, and the contact's wife depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle became inoperable in traffic on a busy street. Additionally, the other drivers were honking horns. The contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle and drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a seized piston and a fractured rod. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
I have a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring and just recently had to have the engine replaced at 135k miles due to crankshaft failing, causing damage to the engine. This happened before the recall for the crankshaft came out. Honda is trying to say my VIN is not covered. NHTSA recall report states production dates of May 2016-June 2016. Sticker on my Pilot says manufactured 05/16. Can't wait to see how Honda will try to wiggle their way out of reimbursing me for engine replacement.
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
I was sitting at a light. The car started idling funny. Then stalled. Never started again. Dealer is telling me something is loose in the engine. I saw a recall for honda pilots, but the vin numbers were XX1 and GG0. My vin is [XXX] , what is the difference. *The engine failed. Yes available for inspection. *If engine fails while driving on highway. Car completely shut down. * No dealer did not open up engine because I can't afford to pay for them to look and see what happened would cost roughly around 1,000.00. *Dealer looked at it just told me that something is loose in engine. Suggest I put in new or rebuilt engine. * Yes the engine light came on about 30 seconds before car completely shut down. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
My 2016 Honda Pilot Touring keeps stalling at traffic lights and randomly on the road. We just took it to the dealer last week and received the "we can't replicate the stalling, please bring it back when it happens again." They checked the battery and found it healthy. A couple times, the car has refused to restart until several minutes after the stall and sometimes it has taken several presses of the "Start" button before it finally engages the starter. The car completely shuts down when this occurs. Nothing works.
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
ENGINE MADE NOISE. ENGINE STOPPED SUDDENLY ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WITH 3 OCCUPANTS HAD TO BE TOWED FROM HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTED TO HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AT GUNN HONDA, 14610 I-10 W SAN ANTONIO, TX ADVISED BY THE DEALER THE VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE (REPLACE ENGINE) REPAIRS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2016 HONDA PILOT (23V751000) FOR CONNECTING ROD BEARING HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE MFG WINDOW.
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
The dash began displaying 4 error codes EPS problem, VSA problem, Hill Assist problem, and TSA Problem. It began to jerk and lose power similar to running out of gas necessitating hazard lights and pulling off the road x3 after dark. 3 different shops ran a diagnosis code of P0369. The recommendation from Honda after having the car three days was to replace #2 cylinder head assembly at an estimate of $6400! There would also be no guarantee that this repair would fix the problem. The vehicle only has 83,000ish miles. After speaking with American Honda, they were aware of this problem but said my vin number wasn’t included in the pool of “faulty manufactured parts” but did say that didn’t mean that I didn’t get faulty parts though. The vehicle is no longer under warranty. I just paid this vehicle off in May. This certainly doesn’t support Honda’s reputation as being a manufacturer of reliable vehicles. I have never owned a used vehicle that required this depth and cost of repair. I am waiting on their Goodwill Review to see if they decide to help me with this. The two representatives including a case manager I spoke with didn’t seem as though it was likely going to happen.
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
Car broke down while driving due to engine failure. Honda dealership reported metal debris in oil pan and bearing material from connecting rod bearing coming apart causing noise. Engine short block was required to be replaced. Honda dealership also noted that this is a manufacturing defect. This is an extremely dangerous manufacturing defect to cause an engine failure on the highway. Honda needs to take action promptly to identify all vehicles affected by this manufacturing defect and they also need to reimburse me for the repairs caused by their manufacturing defect. There were no warning indicators prior to the engine failure. While driving the check engine light came on immediately following a knocking noise and car was no longer able to be driven and had to be towed. Car had only one owner (me) and was properly maintained. The Honda dealership has all maintenance records for this vehicle. Honda refused a goodwill warranty even though the failure was due to a manufacturing defect of the connecting rod bearing. Honda had already been investigating this failure as noted in the Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-751, OMB Control Number 2127-0004 document but failed to recognize this since it wasn't publicly reported until Nov 9. Honda''s failure to recognize their responsibility for this failure despite investigating this exact manufacturing defect is not only irresponsible but also unethical. Honda is liable for all manufacturing defects. Honda needs to investigate my vehicle immediately and reimburse me for these charges due to this manufacturing defect.
Power train, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
When driving down the interstate with a car full of people. We noticed a clicking sound coming from the engine. The sound proceeded to get worse and louder. We pulled over and stopped driving. Had the car towed home and had our mechanic look at it who diagnosed it as a Rod knock. We have now towed it to the dealer and waiting for a “official” diagnosis from “master Mechanic.” Honda doesn’t seem to promising in resolving the issue or willing to replace the engine. This car will be worthless if they are unable to live up to their quality control, take some ownership for their mistakes, and do the right thing to fix the car they messed up from the beginning.
Engine, Dec 9, 2023
Check engine light is on and flashing. Vehicle is also making a knocking noise coming from under the hood. Tech inspected vehicle and verified the customer concern at this time. Tech has found that the lower engine block is making a knocking noise at this time. Tech has pinpointed the failure to an internal component of the lower engine block. This issue seems to be related to the connector rod recall issued in November, including 2016 Honda Pilots. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the recall. I contacted American Honda for a goodwill claim. However, they refused my claim and any assistance with repairing my vehicle.
Engine, Dec 5, 2023
The engine failed on 12/1/2023. Currently it is still available for inspection upon request. My son was driving the car at 70mph on the freeway and the RPMs shot way up, the engine made loud noises, the engine and oil lights came on and the car abruptly slowed and stopped. The vehicle had to be towed to a car repair shop where they confirmed that an engine rod failed. The engine knocks when you apply the gas pedal and will not drive. This matches a currently recall that doesn't include my vehicle and Honda refuses to apply the recall to my vehicle even though it is the same year make and model as recalled vehicles.
Engine, Dec 4, 2023
The start stop feature will stall the car and the car will completely shut off. I had this "fixed" when the initial recall came out but Honda now says my vin doesn't qualify this time for this round of recalls even though it's the same issue. This is a huge safety concern. Please look into this further.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 30, 2023
At 7:45AM EST on 11/30/2023 while stopped in heaving Pittsburgh traffic the auto stop start feature engaged. Once engaged everything in the car shut down. I received a notification on my dashboard that said to put the car in park and press start. It took me 3 times pressing the start button for the car to start. I later took it to get the battery checked and it showed the battery was good. This was a hazardous situation given the traffic conditions during rush hour.
Engine, Lane departure, Nov 27, 2023
Our 2016 Honda Pilot abruptly lost power while driving on a busy highway. All of the warning lights were flashing and a knocking sound was coming from the engine. There was also a constant jerking motion, the steering was shaking violently and the speed was fluctuating but would not go over 55 mph. The car is undrivable and is currently at the dealer service department. They reported that the VIN is not part of the current recall although the description of the recall is similar to what we have experienced with our vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, she heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rod and crank in cylinder #3 were damaged, and the engine needed to be replaced. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
Driving car on city street, without any warning the engine stopped working in middle of busy intersection. Engine would not turn over when tried to restart. No warning lights or messages prior to the engine stopping. Had vehicle towed to mechanic, they noted the engine is completely seized and had to replace engine.
Power train, Engine, Nov 21, 2023
On 9.14.23, rod to crankshaft broke leading to catastrophic engine failure and damage. I had to coast off of the exit ramp I was on to the side of the road; then have vehicle towed to Martin Honda Services. ~$13k in repairs. This was prior to their knowledge that on Nov 13, 2023, Recall Report 23V-751 was issued. For the reason my engine blew up. However, my VIN is NOT covered in this recall. My hope is they expand the netting of VIN population to include ALL impacted 2016 Honda Pilots! $12,694.00 REMOVED OIL PAN FOUND BROKEN CYLINDER #3 PISTON ROD,DAMAGE ENGINE BLOCK AND CYLINDER HEADS. P&A ON SHORT BLOCK AND BOTH CYLINDER HEADS AND ALL NEEDED GASKETS $529.50 PERFORM V-6 VALVE ADJUSTMENT WHICH INCLUDES REPLACING BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS.
Power train, Engine, Nov 21, 2023
vehicle has been to standard maintenance at dealer. Rod problem at 100,000 miles resulting engine replacement. Transmission is not suitable and slips after 100,000 miles.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle sputtered and shook uncontrollably, almost caused a crash. The contact stated that the Emission statement warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
While driving on the highway, all of a sudden all the check engine light flashed on, and then a popping sound came from the engine and all the lights on the dash came on. The vehicle would no longer accelerate. I was able to pull off to the side of the road. I was able to get the vehicle started and carefully drove it home. We took it into a car place, and when they were test driving it to see what the issue was the engine seized.
Engine, Nov 19, 2023
On 04/01/2023, when driving with my family in our 2016 Honda Pilot from a trip coming back from Washington D.C. enroute to our home in Michigan, I started to hear a vibration in the engine. You would hear it when depressing the gas pedal, and it would fade off if you let off of the accelerator. The vibration continually became worse. I checked the oil, and it was full. We continued driving and then the vibration became significantly worse. Then all of a sudden several dashboard lights came on and the engine exploded with parts of the engine blowing apart underneath the car. Thankfully we were in the far right lane when the engine exploded, as we were barely able to get off the side of the highway. Our 2016 Honda Pilot had 119,336 miles on it. We have maintained our vehicle on or before any maintenance due dates. What is bizarre is that all of the oil changes throughout the life of the vehicle have been with Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and always performed early. I recently noticed an upcoming Honda recall pertaining to some of their engines, and the issue appears to be identical to what we experienced.
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
The vehicle was making a noise when being driven and we took it to Fletcher Honda for diagnosis. They told us there was a safety bulletin out for rod bearing noise but no other information available. Now there is a recall and they say our VIN is not included in the recall but we have rod bearing noise and cannot drive the vehicle for fear the engine will blow out.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, she heard an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle stalled and the contact coasted to a stop. The contact stated there was warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod to the crankshaft had failed, and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2023
I have been receiving a keyless start issue warnning and my battery has malfunctioned as a result of being unable to start the vehicle in a emergency situation is not safe
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The short engine block failed while driving the car. Engine experienced problems prior to event such as engine shudder, engine shutoff while driving, and ultimately an engine failure while driving. Honda dealer stated that a failure in the short block is due to a manufacturer defect, but did not identify what the defect is. Having a car shut off while driving is extremely dangerous. Having a car engine fail while driving is also extremely dangerous. Car has been well maintained to all Honda standards. The 2016 Honda Pilot should be investigated for engine shudder, engine shutoff and premature engine failures.