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
1,706 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the contact attempted to drive forward, and the vehicle lurched forward and then hesitated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
While merging onto the highway at about 45 mph the vehicle started to shake, stall, fail to respond and make a horrific noise. This caused a traffic situation as the car would not correctly get up to speed thereby affecting my merge and those behind me. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and upon completing an engine teardown I was advised that the connecting rod bearing had failed. When I asked how this could have happened I was told that I was "unlucky and got a defective part." The dealer quoted me about $18k for a replacement engine and actually discouraged me from proceeding with the repair. The vehicle body, interior and all components are in very satisfactory state and earlier in the year I ran a KBB report to value it. Those reports ranged from $12k - $16k. Ultimately, due to this situation not only were my daughter and I in danger but I lost any value.
Engine, Aug 16, 2025
Engineer appears to have seized while driving in the mountains. I was able to pull off to the side but the steering and braking was very hard and we were going 55mph with a car full on our way back from camping. I had my family in the car and I’m thankful there wasn’t a disaster that happened due to the failure.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2025
Car staring jerking and engine seized up while i was driving.
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
We purchased our 2106 Honda Pilot Elite new in 2016. In 2022, I was driving the car and heard a rattling noise after accelerating at a stop light. I took it to Honda and they determined the engine failed and we need a new one. Our engine went out at only 80,000 miles. I experienced other issues with the Pilot; getting stalled at stop lights due to the auto idle engine stop and the start was by far the worst. Honda repaired the start button, but it did not fix the issue. The next time they said my battery was bad, they were wrong because I purchased a new battery a few months prior. The auto tailgate and sunroof worked about 60%. The next thing we did was file a claim with Honda Corporate. Case number ending in 7316 We provided every receipt requested and hand-delivered them to the service manager at Honda Schaumburg. Ultimately our claim was denied.
Engine, Aug 11, 2025
Driving home on a Thursday evening and experienced engine knocking sound(only heard when pulling into garage) after 30 minute drive of mixed highway and street driving. Shut down car and restarted engine. Engine knocking sound occurs just above normal idle rpm and also when rpm is going back down(deceleration) Advised spouse not to drive car until it is diagnosed. Not ideal due to a family vacation the following week. Drove very slowly to dealer on Sunday evening for a Monday mid day diagnosis appointment. Suv did have a check engine light on ( Thursday) but did go away after sitting over weekend(sunday night drop off) Honda Dealer diagnosed my engine has a damaged connecting rod bearing on cylinder #6. The dealer then proceeded to quote around $12,000 USD to replace the engine with a used engine with 115,000 miles on it already. The quote also has individual cost to replace the timing belt, water pump, coolant, hydraulic tensioner on the used motor. My vehicle has 141,000 miles. I estimate the value of the car to be around $12-14k. I am an ASE Master Certified Technician who at one point did work for a Honda Dealer. I am very familiar and comfortable with the manufacturer. I have owned 7 Honda/Acura vehicles over my lifetime. I have meticulously cared for this vehicle as I am now older with a family (3 kids)that relies on this SUV. Never once has the oil life reminder been below 10%. Honda brand Transmission fluid, Front axle fluid, Rear diff fluid (purchased from Honda)x2 and of course all oil changes done by me. I am a believer in not trusting anyone putting any brand oil/fluids in your vehicle. Vehicle has not seen anything else besides Mobil-1 full synthetic and Honda brand filters. This combo has served me well in my 6 other Honda/ Acura vehicles. With all that being said, I strongly believe this Pilot should be included in the connecting rod bearing recall that is currently affecting other 2016 model year Pilots. My VIN is not included.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact was unsure if the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed, causing catastrophic damage to the engine. In addition, there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle violently shook, vibrated, decelerated, and stalled. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the local Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test revealed failures with the ECM and ECU, and the camshaft sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
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.
Engine, Aug 6, 2025
The engine on my 2016 Honda Pilot needs to be replaced. It started to have a rattle, and my local mechanic diagnosed it as an issue with the connecting rod bearing. Honda issued a recall for this type of failure mode for Honda Pilots built in May and June of 2016, but mine was built in September of 2016. Honda says the recall does not cover my vehicle, even though the failure mode is similar. I performed all standard maintenance on this vehicle, yet it failed well short of its expected life.
Engine, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
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.
Engine, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. There was an abnormal odor detected. The contact was able to take the exit ramp. The engine light illuminated, and the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was jumpstarted, and the contact was informed about an engine replacement. The vehicle was diagnosed with a split crank shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that no additional assistance would be provided. The manufacturer was no longer returning phone calls. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.
Engine, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a complete stop in a drive thru, the vehicle started shuddering and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart 40 minutes later after several attempts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at 55 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,440.
Engine, Jul 31, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious and dangerous mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving my 2016 Honda Pilot, which was later diagnosed by a certified Bell Honda dealership as a rod bearing failure. On July 25 2025, I was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph when, without warning, the vehicle began to shake violently, and I lost power and control of the car. The engine began making a loud knocking sound, and the vehicle decelerated rapidly, creating a hazardous situation in the middle of high-speed traffic. I narrowly avoided a collision while attempting to safely maneuver the car to the shoulder of the road. After the vehicle was towed to my home and to Bell Honda Dealership when they open, their inspection confirmed that the engine had suffered a rod bearing failure, which ultimately led to catastrophic engine damage. I was informed that the entire engine would need to be replaced at significant cost. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, including a recent [60K/other] mile service. It has never missed scheduled maintenance, and I have always followed Honda’s service recommendations. Despite this, I was told my VIN is not included in any current recall, even though this type of failure is a well-documented issue for 2016 Honda Pilots and is currently under NHTSA investigation. Honda of America has since denied my goodwill repair request, citing the age of the vehicle — despite the clear evidence that this was not due to owner neglect, but due to a manufacturing defect that poses a major safety risk. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed carefully, as it represents not just a financial burden, but a life-threatening mechanical failure. I am pursuing further action, including reporting this to the NHTSA, filing through BBB Auto Line, and seeking legal counsel if necessary. Please contact me if you need additional documentation, including the dealership’s diagnosis, repair estimates, maintenance records.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2025
The fuel injection system routinely fails or misfires. Not only does this cause an issue with said system but it also triggers a host of other dashboard alerts. The alerts display all wheel drive problem, emission system problem, power steering problem, hill start problem, vehicle stability assist problem. This is a safety issue because the amount of alerts especially unrelated alerts is obfuscating any actual problems and making it difficult to diagnose the real issue. Investigation shows many other drivers having the same issues with this model only going away when the fuel injection system is replaced. It's also safety issue because if the fuel injection is failing then the car may shut off at a danger to the driver and the public. Given that it is known and chronic it should be a recall
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
For the past three years or more the car does randomly turns of the engine often at a red light stop and sometimes requires multiple push on the start button to start the motor running. we have complained to the local Honda dealer of this issue several times through the years. they run all the tests needed and that the car has no problem. the can has been unreliable to drive in fact it is scary to drive.
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
Engine seized, mechanic mentioned potential connecting rod bearing failure. Was on freeway when car started to malfunction. Car was immediately taken to trusted mechanic and issue was found. Towed to additional mechanic following that. Honda dealership/service center was called regarding recalls on other 2016 Honda pilots engine seizures and no response yet, want to have car inspected by them if possible.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 17, 2025
In my 2016 Honda pilot a lot of buttons are popping up on the screen with no information about how to fix it. My car is having trouble accelerating and is hesitating when needing to accelerate. I was unable to speed up while driving to get to 45 mph Because it would not speed up. All the buttons that are coming up on my car or not correct it’s showing trailer issues and I’ve never once trailed anything with my car. It seems like it’s having extra trouble when the air condition is on as well. I’m unable to figure out what is wrong with my car because all the buttons are not coming up correct when they plug it in for a diagnostic. I have had the alternator replaced and that did not change anything.
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.
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
2016 Honda Pilot was taken to Utah Moto Shop for routine maintenance and to diagnose engine noise after Honda replaced fuel injectors Nov 2024. Noise started right after injectors were replaced but customer was told that noise was normal. Utah Moto Shop found rod knock and diagnosed issues with connecting rod bearings. The shop contacted Honda in regards to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 and the related connecting rod bearing recall by Honda. Utah Moto Shop was told the VIN did not qualify. The vehicle has been deemed unsafe to drive due to the likelihood of engine failure at any time. The vehicle remains unrepaired and undriveable at 147,996 Miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling and vibration in the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure documented in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was scorching on rod bearing 1,2,3,4, and 6 rod bearings were damaged, and the crankshaft was damaged. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2025
My battery was being drained until dead by a faulty keyless control module. I paid to have the battery replaced after my son and I got stranded 1.5 hours from home. All the lights on the dash went off and nearly every error code displayed as well. Currently at Honda dealership getting the module replaced at a mere $840 after I paid $370 for battery installation when my car "broke down". Now to see I am not the only Honda customer with this issue in this model of vehicle. The car started displaying all the error codes about a week before it began just completely draining the battery that was on 6/23. Battery replaced that day and by Saturday 6/28 was unable to start my car due to battery being completely dead. Had to jump my car and take to dealership on sunday 6/29. So was late to work and have been without my vehicle for over a week while they were trouble shooting the issue.
Engine, Jul 8, 2025
While traveling at highway speed a rod knock suddenly developed inside the engine. Engine lost power which could have led to crash or injury. Had vehicle towed to the nearest Honda dealer (Fox Honda in Grand Rapids, MI) and they reported broken pieces internal to the engine coming out when draining the oil. There is an existing Honda service bulletin 24-001 that covers this issue on some 2016 Pilots but we were told by the dealer that our VIN does not fall within the range. I have seen reports online of other owners of 2016 Pilots being affected by this and being told the same thing.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Car had a low oil light and started a knocking noise on 6/6. Stopped vehicle and had it towed to dealership on 6/7 report came back with a connecting rod problem. No further inspection after that. Was made aware that there is a current recall on my vehicle specs but not my specific vin number.