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: power train
200 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Engine, Sep 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, the brake pedal became stiff, and the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 98,512.
Power train, Sep 7, 2026
The 6-speed automatic transmission on my 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L (103,200 miles) has experienced a severe mechanical failure casing dangerously hard, violent gear shifts during both acceleration and deceleration. Critically, no dashboard warning lights or malfunction indicator lamps illuminated while this dangerous driving condition persisted, leaving me with no advance warning of a safety hazard. A subsequent diagnostic scan at an Authorized Honda dealership revealed hidden diagnostic trouble code P0776 (pressure control solenoid "B" performance or stuck off) and a failing torque converted. The severe, unpredictable jerking and hesitation during shifting creates an immediate traffic hazard during acceleration in traffic. Approximately 45 days prior, an out-of-town Honda dealership performed a prescribed triple fluid flush when the issue first arose. Then, 5 days later, my local Honda dealership performed the prescribed software update for shifting issues, which failed to remedy the underlying defect again. The dealership has now quoted 11,000 for a full replacement of the transmission and torque converted. American Honda corporate has opened Case Number: 16606142 to track this defect.
Power train, Back over prevention, Aug 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had been driven for two to three hours. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The transmission fluids were flushed. The contact stated that the transmission fluids had been flushed and refilled four times within the year. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair for the rear-view camera; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Jun 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle was abnormally jolting and sputtering. The contact stated that the engine warning light was activating and deactivating. The contact stated that failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and a transmission flush was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 5, 2026
I heard knocking as I was leaving gas station. I was scared about what was going wrong and if it was safe to drive home. I was alone and it was after dark. I took the next day off and took the car to my mechanic. He said it sounded like rod knock but didn’t want to do the engine replacement so he sent me to another mechanic who also said it sounded like the engine needed to be replaced. I didn’t have the money or the time to deal with it so it has been parked for the last five months. Today I took it to the dealer (that I bought it from new) for a diagnostic inspection. They stated that the noise was coming from main shaft, unable to repair, will need to replace engine. Cost estimate to replace engine is $15,964.36. I do not remember a check engine light coming on, only the lights for the driving sensing items. Which I read were also problems on this vehicle. Photos of the inspection report have been uploaded. A mistake was made on the mileage it is 103,203 not 103,703. Thank you for your time.
Power train, May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled roughly and an abnormal noise was coming from the rear of the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnosis was provided. The contact was informed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 11, 2026
Engine has rod bearing knock noise. Transmission has a torque converter issue, acts up once in a while when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing engine and emissions system problems with my 2016 Honda Pilot that raise serious safety concerns and may be related to a broader defect currently under investigation. I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in April of 2024 and the issues began shortly afterward at approximately 67,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 74,600 miles and has received regular oil changes and routine maintenance. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed emissions system warning messages and engine fault codes. It has experienced persistent engine misfiring even after a mechanic performed repairs on cylinder 1. In addition, the vehicle exhibits rough engine shaking during driving and idling, engine stalling, and rough or delayed gear changes continuously since 2024. Despite attempted repairs, the problems continue to occur to present. The stalling, misfiring, and unstable engine operation create a potential safety risk, particularly while driving at speed or in traffic. The rough shifting and loss of smooth power delivery further impact safe vehicle operation. Given the relatively low mileage, proper maintenance, and the recurrence of these symptoms, this does not appear to be normal wear and tear. I am aware that similar engine-related complaints have been reported by other owners of 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles and that this model year is included in an ongoing federal investigation into potential engine defects. I am requesting that this complaint be reviewed as part of that investigation and considered for further action, including possible recall or service remedy, to address the safety risks posed by these engine and emissions system failures. Vehicle Information: Make/Model: 2016 Honda Pilot Mileage: Approximately 74,600 miles VIN: [XXX] Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2025
Honda is aware of thousands of 9 speed transmission failures. but worst of all they tell you that you failed to change trans fluid as scheduled, but there is no schedule printed in their owner's manual, nor in their vehicle service maintenance manual. the service manual only speaks to the quality of fluid required, and that it not be mixed with other brands of trans fluids. it then goes on to say "HAVE A DEALER CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL AND REPLACE IF NEEDED." I have owned cars with sealed trans that required no maintenance, which is not the case with the Honda's 9speed trans. The Honda 9 speed is a sealed unit. I am currently face with an estimated bill of $10,600 to replace my failed trans. There is a reaccuring problem with the 9 speed, that Honda should pay for. I am requesting an investigation, and a reimburstment of my total cost. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Oct 6, 2025
The front facing camera on my pilot failed over a year ago. We took the vehicle to honda its over 2,000 to fix it. When the camera gets hot all adas lights will go off and it effects the transmission my car went into limp while reversing I also have to pull over in unsafe areas to turn off my vehicle bc the camera heats up and the car freaks out
Power train, Engine, Sep 24, 2025
Complete engine failure on highway
Power train, Engine, Sep 22, 2025
I own a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD with approximately 160,000 miles. Within a week of purchase, the engine suffered a crankshaft/rod bearing failure. While driving, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled in traffic. I had to quickly turn onto a side street to get out of traffic, and smoke started coming from the engine bay. The vehicle is now not driveable. I already went to a Honda dealer, and when they checked my VIN, their system only showed warranty extensions for the fuel injectors and the start/stop switch. No recall or campaign appeared for the known rod bearing defect. However, my vehicle experienced the exact failure described in recall 23V-751 and the current NHTSA investigation into Honda V6 engines. I also contacted Honda corporate recall center directly, and they opened a case under my VIN. I have the case number available if needed This poses a serious safety risk since the engine can stall without warning while driving. I request that NHTSA investigate and expand the recall to cover additional vehicles including mine, that have experienced this same dangerous defect.
Power train, Sep 4, 2025
transmission slipping
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
Transmission slipping and motor making a grind sound since like 120k and dash problems and paint chips every were paint is coming off on its own. I did not about that i can do a complete here.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
There was a small ticking/knocking noise that started the week before I took my Honda Pilot in to the dealer. I took the car in for regular service and told them about this noise. Under further inspection, I was advised by the Honda dealership that the piston connecting rod bearing had failed causing damage to the motor. I had to pay to replace the motor at my own expense. This is a safety issue as I did not really have a warning that anything was wrong with the vehicle and the engine could have seized up and caught fire while I was driving putting my family and other vehicles in harms way. It is my understanding that Honda had a partial recall on this issue in which my VIN was not covered. I was not notified that this was even an issue for the 2016 Honda Pilots and I should have been notified and and this should have been fixed before it occurred. The dealer reached out to Honda Corporate to request coverage of this cost and they denied it even though this is a known issue with this motor.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2025
2017: transmission replacement UW 2021: Vehicle stopped/ lost power on I44 at a speed of 70 mph. I immediately pulled over and called Roper on a recorded line per roper Honda. Took it to roper- needs a new motor. 2021: motor replacement Not UW 2024: vehicle was called in about hatch defect . Apparently, Roper reports that it is fixed yet- it IS NOT. I was unaware of the rods recall. That would explain why I need another motor. 2025: motor is knocking. Not UW 2025: AIS: vehicle has stalled at busy intersections after an idle stop. Scary when you have a car full of kids and your car doesn’t want to go. Now the car will just loose power and not start at a stop light regularly. I paid $43,000 for a vehicle that may have all the bells and whistles but it is complete trash to say the least. I have records of all of the work, issues, and roper has recorded calls that could be supenaded. ROPER HONDA JOPlIN MO
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
The vehicle has started displaying numerous codes/error messages on the display. Vehicle jerks while attempting to accelerate and loses power. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a camshaft, stating the camshaft, timing belt, camshaft thrust cover, and spark plugs would all need to be replaced. They also said this may have caused damage to the converter, which will not be known until other repairs are made. This is apparently a common and widespread issue with these Hondas despite no recall being issued.
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
Transmission Temperate Too Hot warning came on in summer of 2023. Ended up needing to replace the engine. Fast forward to 6/25/25 and the light came on again. We take very good care of this vehicle and do all scheduled maintenance so this is very disappointing.
Power train, Jun 19, 2025
I had to replace my transmission in my 2016 Honda Pilot. Honda paid for part of the repairs and I was responsible for the remaining amount. It has been well documented that this year and model have transmission problems. I asked Honda to reimburse me for the amount I was responsible for, but they refused to because of the mileage and age of the vehicle, even though I reported transmission issues when the vehicle only had 38k miles. I sent several emails and left several voicemails with no meaningful response. They have been very difficult to deal with.
Power train, Jun 11, 2025
I am writing to report a persistent powertrain issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot, specifically regarding hard shifting between first and second gear when accelerating from a stop. Honda has acknowledged this issue and released an ECU software update intended to resolve it; however, in my case, as well as for many other owners who have reported similar concerns, the update did not effectively correct the problem. My vehicle currently has 76,000 miles, and despite Honda’s attempted fix, the hard shifting continues to impact performance and drivability. Given the widespread nature of this complaint, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and take appropriate action to ensure a proper resolution. Thank you for your time and attention to this issue. Sincerely,
Power train, Engine, May 30, 2025
While driving vehicle lost power and started smoking; and would not restart. Towed to honda, they stated engine siezed and connecting rod was protruding out of the side of engine. Took to another shop and they confirmed rod bearings failed and caused connecting rod to break causing it to go through the engine. When attempted to restart car check engine light was on. Heads to the engine were good. Had to replace engine at 157k with all service being done at honda on time or early with all maintenance being done on time. Vehicle lost power on highway in far left lane, very dangerous.
Power train, Engine, May 30, 2025
I was on my way to work and was in a neighborhood going 25 mph and came to a stop. My engine cut off and would not restart. I bought the car with somewhere around 120,000 miles in 2021.. it is the end of May 2015 and the car has a little less than 152,000 on it. I kept up with required oil changes and I have been told that the engine is siezed. As well as the torque converter being stuck... sounds like the SAME ISSUES listed in the recall
Power train, Apr 28, 2025
On 4-24-25 my engine had a knocking sound. I took it to a Honda Service center and they ran a diagnostic and found a rod bearing issue. Their recommendation was to replace the engine and quoted me an estimate of about $9000. I was told to not drive my car anymore and the rod can blow at any time and it is not safe for me to drive back home. I left my car at the Honda dealership. I have done regular maintenance- oil changes, filter changes, tune ups, etc. My car is at 171,000 miles and had no issues up until this. I purchased the car ten months ago. I saw that many consumers complained of the same issue and had got stuck on the side of the road, and paying costly repairs. I contacted Honda today and they told me that my VIN number is not affected by the rod bearing recall and they might try to get me into their "Goodwill Program" to help me with the cost of repair. I can't drive my car or else I would risk my safety and others' safety on the road. I had to Uber home. I don't have a drivable car now, and have to take my duaghter to school everyday. I am a single mom and saved up for this vehicle and paid cash, because Honda had the reputation of being reliable and built to last. Now I am at the mercy of their corporate department for the cost of the huge repairs that need to be done. It is not a guarantee that they will help me. I am glad that my daughter was not in the car with me or anything horrible happened like injury or death. This is a very concerning issue and I hope Honda will rectify this issue soon and acknowledge the safety hazards of this defect.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 31, 2025
Vehicle was fixed for auto start stop under recall. They changed all the parts including capacitors. Within 5000 miles it started happening again. I’ve informed Honda about this from 20k miles. The vehicle now has 165k. I’ve told them on multiple occasions that this is a serious safety issue. They said they have this fixed and they do not. They closed my case even though I asked them to keep it open as they have not proved to me that it is fixed. The only way to fix this is to have Honda program the care to not allow start stop as someone is going to get killed. It’s just a matter of time.
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.