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: other or unspecified
291 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2026
American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and dealership (Della Honda - Plattsburgh, NY) refused to perform the required alignment as part of recall campaign 26V365 without out-of-pocket payment. As part of the recall, they removed and replaced lower trailing arms and installed subframe bracing. The service advisor said alignment was part of the recall. However, after the work was complete and I drove away from the dealership, the steering wheel was noticeably pulling to the left. I brought it back immediately and they said they had not performed the alignment as it was not part of the covered recall. They charged me for the alignment stating they thought the steering pulling was from my recent strut replacement, not the rear subframe replacement. Alignment after this type of subframe work should be standard practice and part of the covered expenses for the recall.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2026
Honda recognized a factory paint adhesion defect and issued a warranty extension 19-057 for a defined VIN population. When I inquired a Honda dealer in 2022, the response was that my vehicle was outside that population. The fact that my car met the year, model, trim, and color criteria, and exhibited exactly the same defect in the same locations. Further, I have learned that other 2016 Pilots outside the VIN population had reported the same failure. My vehicle exhibits the exact defect that Honda recognized in 19-057, but Honda's VIN eligibility population excluded my vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to help convince Honda to reconsider the exclusion and warranty extenstion period or provide goodwill assistance because the defect is demonstrably occurring in vehicles outside that population and these vehicles have been denied proper remedy.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2026
Speedometer quit working. Then comes on intermittently and then quits again.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2026
COMPLAINT REGARDING FRANCHISE DEALER RECALL NON-COMPLIANCE & MISREPRESENTATION (#26V-365). My vehicle is currently held at an authorized facility, [XXX], General Manager Honda (Downtown [XXX]), under an active manufacturer dispute (Honda Corporate Case #XXX). On Friday, XXX Service Manager [XXX] verbally stated on a voice line that the mandatory structural safety repairs for Rear Subframe Recall 26V-365 were 'fully completed' on my vehicle, and used this claim to demand immediate asset removal under threat of a $150 daily storage fee. Less than two hours later, at 4:30 PM, an agent named [XXX] from the exact same service department called to schedule the identical 'free safety recall service.' This represents a severe, documented misrepresentation of federal safety recall compliance records by a certified franchise dealer to pressure a consumer during an active dispute. The vehicle has never had a signed work order authorized by the primary owner for this recall. I request a formal manufacturer audit of this facility's recall tracking logs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2026
Hondal recall S/B 26-031 subframe This vehicle is 10 years old and was purchased / driven entirely in the northeast / NY - where the vehicle is most susceptible to underlying rust and corrosion issues and potential failure of suspension components. Vehicle was delivered to authorized Honda dealer / service center for scheduled inspection and required repairs on July 17. However, Honda service could not complete and remedy this safety recall on my vehicle due to unavailability of parts. Specifically, the subrame requires repair/reinforcement, but the bolts are seized and removing them will cause damage to the control arm bushing. Dealer advised they are unable to obtain control arm parts from Honda due to back order. I was advised my vehicle is not the only one they have where unavailbility of repair parts is resulting in inability to complete the safety recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2026
Vehicle flashing warning signs for multiple system functions including battery and mechanical, forcing driver to pull over, unable to put vehicle in neutral to tow. Took vehicle to Honda dealership in Phoenix, AZ dealership unable to recreate issue. Stated it was cleared as a certified used Honda. Continued to have reoccurring issues, less than 2 months later vehicle engine completely seized. Honda refused to take responsibility for engine failure despite documented recurring issues with this make and model.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 18, 2026
Summary of issue The vehicle developed an engine/emission warning light and failed mechanically without any crash or impact. The car drove fine until about one week ago. I have driven the vehicle normally and performed regular maintenance. Events and observations A warning light appeared indicating engine and emission problems. I took the vehicle to two separate mechanics: Mechanic A diagnosed engine damage and catalytic converter issues. Mechanic B diagnosed engine damage and a possible fuel pump problem. I am not a mechanic and cannot independently interpret technical findings, but both inspections indicate serious engine-related failures. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles and was purchased for more than $20,000 less than two years ago. No collisions, impacts, or abuse occurred that could explain the failure. I believe this is a potential manufacturing defect. I contacted a Honda dealer about the problem; they stated it is not a manufacturing defect and declined to accept responsibility for repair. I believe the dealer is avoiding responsibility. Requested action I request NHTSA open an investigation (or add my report to any existing investigation) into this vehicle’s engine and related components to determine whether a safety defect or noncompliance exists. I request guidance on next steps and that this complaint be considered in any recall evaluation.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2026
When driving vehicle shuts off for no reason. Then I have to put my four-way on and turn my vehicle back on. It has already happened four times, and no one seems to know what the problem is or what is causing the issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2026
Three times at a stop light my car goes into the engine idle stop mode and when the light turns green my car won’t get out of the mode. I have to put it into park and restart the car to go. I have almost been hit twice.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
Auto idle stop function causing car to not start back up. Could be at a stop sign, in a left turn lane, in the middle of an intersection waiting to turn. Very stressful and unsafe driving conditions. This has been ongoing for years. Dealership has blamed it on the battery, which has been replaced theee times (one of those times under warranty), dealership has looked at the car multiple times. Also made recommended Honda repairs per the issued safety bulletin. But it continues to happen.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2025
We had road issues recently and the care stalled on Thanksgiving. We ended up having it towed to 2 mechanics, the final mechanic determined that this issue is a recall for other Hondas. Ours is not listed. I called the recall hotline and they will not fix the car under the recall because they did not add our VIN number to the recall. They informed us we could pay for the repair and keep our receipt for reimbursement if/when the VIN number is added. I was not happy with this outcome as if it's a problem with other vehicles why are we not being added. The recall is "a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearing that could cause the engine to seize and fail, leading to stalling while driving."
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2025
UNKNOWN - The hydraulics of the power tailgate in the 2016 Honda Pilot are defective. After opening, it randomly starts 1 long continuous beep while the power tailgate closes - and it will not stop. I have had multiple items crushed. I have known other owners of the 2016 Honda Pilot where the hatch closed on them and trapped them in it. This is a huge safety issue! I am afraid when my teenage son opens the power tailgate that it will happen and trap him! It has happened since the purchase of the vehicle, which was brand new off the Honda dealer lot, in 2016. Honda dealer blew me off multiple times. They cannot "recreate" the issue - but it is random, however it does seem to happen more often once the air temperature is below 40 degrees.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2025
paint chips all over pealing
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 30, 2025
Engine developed noises while driving and seized up. Prior to engine seizure, auto start/stop was having issues where it would not restart after stopping at a light or stop sign. Rear unibody rusting really badly due to cheap quality metal?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2025
My 2016 Honda pilot has continued to have engine restart issues with the automatic engine stop feature after taking it in for the initial recall. Upon telling this to the dealer, they said the recall work was already done and won’t address it further. They only did the software upgrade and did not tell me about the 2nd stage of repairs available. The issue is random but happens commonly, and seems to be worse on hot days. It also can sometimes struggle to restart after putting it in park after the auto restart fails.
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
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 2, 2025
At high rate of speed on two lane road the hood would lift when another vehicle coming from the other direction. was driving cross country when this first happen. Call the local dealer who looked up by vin an showed no recall. They wanted me to come in and pay out of pocket repair. I feel this should be a recall because if you look it up by year it shows there is a problem with either the hood or hood latch.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2025
AIS is failing. Car stalls out multiple times. Sometimes car will not even start when turning trying to turn on the first time. Weird instances occur all of the time: screen going black, radio going to full volume and not able to turn down, screen not working at all. Reached out to Honda several times with specific dates of incidents, and they ignore.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2025
The alarm continuously goes off unprompted while the car is off. The dashboard lights will flash as if the car is attempting to start without any input from the driver. Clicking can be heard from the dashboard during this time. The battery is drained from this continuous issue. Other systems then seem to be impacted. The car has begun lurching out struggling to shift gears. In the last 3 years, all fluid systems have been flushed, battery replaced, oil gauge replaced, and keyless remote entry module replaced. The issue persists. All recalls have been completed as well. When the car is in ACC mode, the battery indicator is on and the flashing of the dashboard indicators still happens (as when the car is off right leading up to the alarm being tripped). Once the car is started , the indicator goes away. There is no apparent clicking or changes in the dashboard when the car is on and actively drawing from the battery.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
When the Auto Idle feature is on, the car will often completely turn off when at a red light or in stop & go traffic. When it is time to move again, I cannot go. Cars are honking at me to move, but the car will not start. I have to put the car in park, completely turn it off, and restart it. This sometimes happens on the interstate in heavy traffic, which can be extremely dangerous. My car’s engine light had been having a warning sign “emissions system problem”. I took it to the dealer, and told them about the auto idle problem & the light, but they could not find anything wrong. A few months later, my engine failed & they said it wasn’t covered under the recent recall so I had to pay $7,000 for a new engine. Now a few months later, the auto idle problem is happening again & the emissions system problem light is back on again. The new engine is only a few months old
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2025
This is my second complaint regarding my other 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ). Like my first Pilot, it suffers from serious transmission issues — jerking, rough shifting, and occasional loss of power. Both vehicles were maintained properly and now have the same safety-related defect. Honda refused to replace the transmission, citing that the vehicle is over the mileage limit for warranty coverage. I believe this is unacceptable, as safety issues like this should not be dismissed based on mileage. A known defect that puts lives at risk must be addressed, and I urge NHTSA to investigate this pattern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2025
My name is [XXX] . I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the repeated and serious transmission failures on two 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles that I own. Both vehicles were purchased together and have developed nearly identical transmission problems, posing serious safety concerns. Despite regular maintenance, including expensive and frequent transmission fluid changes, both vehicles have experienced significant drivability issues. I brought one of the Pilots to an authorized Honda dealership, where I paid out-of-pocket for an inspection, but Honda refused any assistance, citing mileage. However, I believe the nature of the defect, not the mileage, is the true concern, as transmission failure affects the safe operation of the vehicle. Transmission failure at any speed, especially in family SUVs like the Pilot, presents a real danger to occupants and others on the road. High mileage should not excuse serious mechanical defects that directly impact vehicle safety. Given that there are many similar complaints online from other Honda Pilot owners, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether a broader manufacturing defect exists with the 2016 Honda Pilot’s transmission systems. I appreciate your time and attention to this important safety matter INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2025
While stopped at a busy intersection, the “auto idle” feature turned the car off. When the foot was removed from the break, the car is supposed to turn back on and go. This time the car made a sound like metal grinding on metal, then the car automatically shifted into neutral. It would not shift back into drive. We had to put the car in park, turn it off and restart. Fortunately there was no one behind us at the light, this could have ended very differently since we were unable to move when the light changed.