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: structure
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jun 2, 2026
Taligate is rusting through near the handle as well as around the right taillight. Another recall for this exact issue is in place for the same year/make/model, yet my vehicle is not included in the recall. Faulty seals allow water to get into the tailgate and rust from the inside-out. Honda has told me they won't help even though it is a known issue (recall).
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, May 4, 2026
no incident : recall that was done on hood. gas cap/lid doesn't close tightly Hood looks like it going to open , left side front end lifts when driving on freeway, Honda of the Desert replaced latch but it did not solve the problem
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slow and moderate speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lurched and jerked. The failure was more evident while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and exceeding 40 MPH, the hood was flapping. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Oct 16, 2025
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Pilot (White Diamond Pearl, NH-603P) is peeling and flaking off on the roof and tailgate, exposing the primer. The vehicle has never been repainted or damaged. Honda confirmed my VIN isn’t covered, but this is the same factory paint defect affecting other Pilots and Hondas with the same color. The issue keeps spreading and reduces resale value while exposing metal to corrosion. This is a clear manufacturing defect, not wear or neglect. I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate and push Honda to expand coverage for all affected VINs.
Structure, Jul 15, 2025
The tailgate paint started to peel. I took the vehicle into the Honda Collision shop. They said I missed the extended warranty by a few months. I called America Honda and they said there is nothing they can do about even though they are aware of the issue with the white paint. This was about a year ago. Now the roof of the vehicle is peeling. This is a hazard because of the potential of rust and weakening the structure of the vehicle.
Structure, Aug 1, 2024
When I reach interstate speeds the hood starts to rattle and makes a very loud noise. It shakes as if it is going to come open. It also does then when I am behind a large tractor-trailer where the wind coming off whips the front of my care. I have checked to see if the hood needed a height adjustment but that isn't the issue. It is up as far as it can go and if I lower it any it gets even worse.
Structure, Jun 19, 2024
At highway speeds, especially in wind or drafts from trucks, the hood vibrates/flexes by inches. At higher wind levels it creates a tremendous roar and vibrates the whole car. The latch seems loose. A recurring problem which first occurred in 2017 just after we bought the car. I have taken it in to the dealer several times but the problem remains. When the car was recalled I hoped it would fix the problem but it did not.
Structure, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the roof railing trim detached from the vehicle. The contact recovered the trim from the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-040. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 2, 2024
I purchased this vehicle a little less than two months ago… this vehicle is babied and I make sure to stay on top of everything possible as it’s a primary transportation to bring my toddler to his many appointments. While operating on the highway, everything was smooth sailing as expected, until I heard a noise. I glanced in the rear view mirror to see a part flying off of the car and colliding with the vehicle behind me. I couldn’t locate where the item came from. Today, I went to pick my son up from preschool and noticed the entire piece on the roof was hanging outward, right off and over the side of the vehicle. Had I not noticed, it could’ve caused further danger to others. I hopped up to look at my roof to realize the rear trim is the piece that flew off, and the following straight part is what was now dangling over the side. On top of everything else, on the same side, the trim along the side my of windshield is upraised and I am absolutely torn. How dangerously this could’ve ended had I not noticed. I’ve seen other pilot-owners discuss how their trim pieces have caused trouble and even further dented some trunks. This needs to be brought to attention, I didn’t spend $$,$$$ on a vehicle that is not safe.
Structure, Engine, Feb 28, 2024
hood cracked due to excessive vibration over the years from late 2015 until latch was repaired by Honda in 2021. Due to the number of years prior to the repair, the hood has cracked and could potentially fall apart or fly up and block the driver's vision.
Latches/locks/linkages, Structure, Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the hood vibration was visible after the recall repair. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the hood needed to be replaced due to a crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,481.
Structure, Nov 29, 2023
Roof molding front end cap loses causing to fly off while driving Hood is loose and lifting while driving
Structure, Oct 24, 2023
My vehicle had a recall on my car hood because its loose. When you drive it when its windy it moves. I had recall fixed at a Honda dealership in Hutchinson Ks. Now my hood is loose again. I had to pull off the interstate yesterday to try to get it to latch because it was moving, and it was very windy, and I was afraid it was going to blow open on me. I wanted a whole new hood, and I was told I'd have to pay for that myself. I really think a new hood and latch system should be included in recalls with this type of vehicle. Im honestly afraid to go over 65mph in my cars current condition.
Structure, Aug 10, 2023
Roof molding comes loose and flies off while car is in motion on roads. Imposing risk to other drivers on roads. Once removed area is exposed which can result in increase in deterioration of vehicle.
Structure, May 31, 2023
*The roof molding that runs along the top flat part of the roof from front to back, one on both sides right & left of the car. It is in place to connect and/or cover where the roof & body/ sides come together & were welded. *The safety issue is that it falls off while the car is moving. Mine flew off on a major highway, while driving, which creates a risk to others on the road driving behind the vehicle. *Honda and my vin search is stating it is not recalled. However, there was a 2018 Honda Service Bulletin stating the front end caps are loose & that this was a known issue. My vehicle falls under the: 2016 Pilot, All Trim models & all vin ranges was included. But Honda is not honoring this because the vin# is not pulling up a recall. The updated notice from Honda is stating some vin#s but mine flew off due to the issues with the clips & the other side that’s still intact is actually loose in the front & I have to be mindful & remember to keep Che king to press it down & back in place or possibly tape it down. * dealership looked at the vehicle and confirmed that they were simple clipped on and known (2016-2017) to be an issue of them falling off. Advised me to cover until I can repair it, to prevent moisture, rust & possible future internal water damage.
Seat belts, Structure, Sep 13, 2022
Hood - flutters and wobbles significantly at highway speeds. Per recall check, this vehicle is not included. Seat belt - more of a personal thing, but the driver's seat belt cuts into the driver's neck, even when high of shoulder strap is adjusted. When using a device to help control where the shoulder strap lays, it was found that the driver's seat belt is MUCH shorter than all other in the vehicle. Therefore not allowing the driver to use something to adjust the shoulder portion and still safely check blind spots.
Structure, Aug 28, 2022
I have a 2016 Honda Pilot, color, Pearl White. The paint started to peel appointmently one month ago. The area is on the roof in front of sunroof behind the front windshield. There is a recall on the same color, make, year and model. Peeling in the same area. I was told by Honda of America that it was only for Honda that were painted at a certain factory that are covered by the recall. I did have the vehicle inspected by Honda and a body shop that they sent me too. Total estimate is around $1200. They both confirmed that it's the same area as the recall. I do have the email with pictures that they took to send to Honda. Honda is only willing to cover 25% and told me to put a complaint into your department. PER Honda they said if there is enough complaints. There would be a recall for the other vin numbers to cover the paint job. We find there response unacceptable based on pass practice and previous recalls.
Structure, Jul 21, 2022
A roof moulding flew off my vehicle on the expressway. Apparently there is a Honda Service Bulletin that came out to the dealership that indicates these mouldings need to be secured better. However, they listed only some of the VINs and mine wasn't one of them, but the moulding ended up flying off anyway. It sounds like is a problem for other VINs that Honda didn't indicate.
Structure, Apr 9, 2022
On the highway I can see the hood is vibrating and air is getting under it. I had a recall for the hood latch and believe I completed that service but am concerned that it’s still not safe.
Structure, Feb 17, 2021
MOLDING TRIM ON ROOF OF THE VEHICLE IS LIFTING AND NOT SECURED. MOLDING TRIM AROUND WINDSHIELD IS NOT SECURED AND A PLASTIC SCREW DETERIORATED AND FELL OUT. TRIM WON'T STAY IN CLIPS ON THE ROOF OR ON THE WINDSHIELD. I NOTICED THE TRIM AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS LIFTED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. I NOTICED THE ROOF TRIM LIFTED WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AND THE SCREW ON THE WINDSHIELD BY THE VENT.
Structure, Feb 11, 2021
THE PAINT NEAR THE MOON ROOF IS PEELING AND EXPOSING THE VEHICLE BODY TO CORROSION. HONDA PREVIOUSLY ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (19-057) THAT EXTENDS THE WARRANTY TO 7 YEARS FROM PURCHASE DATE FOR 2013-2016 HONDA PILOT WIHTH MOONROOF AND PAINTED WHITE DIAMOND PEARL. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED, EVEN THOUGH IT'S CLEAR THERE IS A PAINT DEFECT THAT IS COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE BULLETIN, FOR THE PRESCRIBED VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR.
Structure, Feb 2, 2021
ROOF MOLDINGS HAVE BEEN POPPING OFF WITHOUT HAVING ANYTHING DAMAGED THEM OR AFFECTED THEN IN ANY WAY. THEY ARE COMING OFF ON THEIR OWN.
Structure, Sep 30, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN STRONG WINDS, OR PASSING LARGER VEHICLES OR SEMIS, THE HOOD FLEXES AS IF IT IS GOING TO UNLATCH AND FLY OFF THE CAR. THIS IS NOT A MINOR FLEX, THE HOOD CAN BOUNCE 2-3 INCHES. IT IS EXTREMELY UNNERVING AND AFTER TIME, THE LATCH ON THE HOOD WILL FATIGUE AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IT IS BECOMING LOOSE. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RECALLS BY HONDA. THIS IS A SERIOUS OVERSIGHT. THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE TRIED TO FIX IT, BUT NEVER WITH SUCCESS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THANK YOU.
Structure, Jul 15, 2020
NOTICED PAINT PEELING OFF THE ROOF, BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE MOONROOF FOR NO REASON WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. NO DINGS OR DENTS IN THE AREA. CALLED HONDA HEADQUARTERS TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T HELP. THEN I WANT TO GO WASH THE CAR SO I COULD APPLY SOME TOUCH CUP PAINT TO SEAL IT UP AND IT STARTING TO PEAL OFF EVER MORE. JUST PEALING WAY AND SPREADING. ALSO NOTICED A SMALL PATCH OF RUSTING UNDER THE REAR TRUNK.
Air bags, Structure, Feb 5, 2020, crash
WE WERE HIT ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELLING AT AN ESTIMATED 90-100 MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN IT WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FIRST. THE FORCE OF THAT IMPACT PUSHED MY VEHICLE INTO A LARGE BOX TRUCK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE POLICE STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THE EXTREME FORCE OF THE IMPACT.