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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 1, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that her son smelled a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was very strong and that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to another mechanic or dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that her daughter-in-law had asked the dealer if the vehicle was covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
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)
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2025
All lights on the dash board lights up and the car stalls with no chance to pull over
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.
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the Lane Departure, Adaptive Cruise Control, and two additional warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the Blind Spot System and Cross-Traffic warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the START/STOP button failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the multi-purpose camera and all safety system features, and the START/STOP system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2025
Failure causing an engine cylinder misfire, flooding and possibly prevent the engine from running.
Wheels, Apr 22, 2025, crash
The spare tire strap / carrier/ mount broke causing the spare wheel and tire to fall off the bottom of the vehicle striking the vehicle behind it.
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.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite and I was driving it in March of 2024 when my engine started making a low ticking sound, after about 2 weeks it gradually got louder and louder. It felt like it didn't want to accelerate, meaning it took more force down on the pedal to get it to drive. On the last drive in it the engine shifted so hard it shook the whole vehicle feeling as if I was hit from behind. Once I got it home I parked it and have not drove it since March of 2024.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
I was driving on the interstate and while going up the hill at 70 mph my engine seized up and died on me. I was able to get it to the side of the road and get it towed. This happened in February of 2023. Had it towed to two different service shops. The first one, Roush Honds in Westerville, said the engine was dead and could not get it to turn. The Auto Clinic in Mansfield, Ohio said the same thing saying the engine seized up and it was an internal failure of the engine. They replaced my engine with a used Honda engine. With all these recalls and investigations on Honda engines, I believe that this is what was going on with my pilot engine. Also I am worried I could have the same problem with the used engine that was put in as a replacement.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Our 2016 Honda Pilot had rod bearing failures, which lead to total engine failure. The problems matched EVERYTHING in the November 2023 recall, but our VIN was not included on the list. We ended up having to replace the entire engine. I contacted Honda and convinced them to cover half the cost but we still paid almost $10,000 out of pocket. I read an article stating that there have been 173 complaints of rod bearing failures on vehicles that were not included on the original recall. I would like my vehicle included on that list. We never should have had to pay $10,000 to replace an engine that should have been included on that recall. My husband almost got into an accident on the interstate because the engine began to fail completely.
Engine, Apr 15, 2025
Engine knocking rod causing it Safety is at risk with engine knocking Took vehicle to independent service center Vehicle or component have been inspected by independent service center There was no warning until I heard the noise and saw the check engine light come on while driving home from work
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing knock and internal engine failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the water pump and timing chain replacement, and recommended maintenance of the vehicle were previously completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,700.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Driving on [XXX] ) at highway speed in traffic when the engine started making a sudden rattling noise, shaking, and had immediate power loss. Within seconds the engine light started blinking, the oil light illuminated and the information light came on. I was forced to pull over and shut the vehicle off. We were forced to stand on the side of [XXX] on a Friday evening while we waited for a tow truck to come get us. I have had the vehicle towed to the dealership where we purchased it and they have indicated that the engine needs to be replaced due to failed rod bearings. The vehicle is currently at Ralph Honda in Rochester NY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 9, 2025
ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and ACC light.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they couldn't help with the repair. This is a manufacturing defect and Honda should cover this expense. Although, they sent out a recall notice but they said my VIN is not part of it. Please help!
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Auto Start/Stop not working at stop. Vehicle fails to restart when engine has turned off at intersection. On occasion, vehicle fails to start and loses total power. Often, it takes several minutes to regain power. This has occurred in intersections, almost causing accidents. The car was repaired per a TSB, but the issue continues, and has for the last 4 years since purchase.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Rattling noise in engine. Feels unsafe to drive. Honda mechanic confirmed new engine needed due to worn rod bearings.
Engine, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact research and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,055.
Engine, Apr 5, 2025
Heard a ticking sound, had a diagnostic test done and was told a bearing had broke and I need a new engine.
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2025
Car stalled at intersection due to start/stop feature. Engine did not restart when my wife removed her foot from the brake pedal and went to press the gas pedal. Engine stalled. After turning the car completely off it would start back up.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2025
Gas gauge doesn't read correctly and estimated gas mileage continues to reduces with each fill up by 5 to 30 mileage for the total miles on one tank.