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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 31, 2025
Vehicle was fixed for auto start stop under recall. They changed all the parts including capacitors. Within 5000 miles it started happening again. I’ve informed Honda about this from 20k miles. The vehicle now has 165k. I’ve told them on multiple occasions that this is a serious safety issue. They said they have this fixed and they do not. They closed my case even though I asked them to keep it open as they have not proved to me that it is fixed. The only way to fix this is to have Honda program the care to not allow start stop as someone is going to get killed. It’s just a matter of time.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2025
The car has trouble starting. It has been occurring for years. (1) It cycles like it has a bad battery. (2) It cycles like the starter is not getting power or is bad. (3) Sometimes this causes the engine starting cycle to completely fail and restart is not immediately possible. (4) The auto stop/restart feature cannot be used because it requires frequent stopping and starting of engine which is not possible. I’ve had many Honda dealers and Honda mechanics looking at the issue and none have been able to determine the problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 30, 2025
Pilot has auto start/stop problems. when it stops, if the exact pedal procedure isn't followed the car will lurch forward and stall engine. After that is it difficult to restart. This situation creates a dangerous situation as the vehicle fails to pull out in traffic under power. Very POOR design by Honda and should be permanently disabled for driver/occupant safety
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2025
Auto idle restart and transmission is unexpectedly put in Park upon restart. On occasion then car goes into limp mode and powers off.
Engine, Mar 28, 2025
On January 25, 2025 I took my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring in for a knocking sound at Holman Honda in Colorado. After looking at my car the technician gave the following diagnosis below that found metal shavings when the engine oil had been drained. That diagnosis is pasted below for reference. The repair my car car needed was a new engine and we were advised not to drive the vehicle. The knock had become progressively and no earlier mention at any previous oil changes had mentioned any metal shavings. The car had all scheduled maintenance as recommended at the appropriate milage markers. After investigation online, this seems to be very similar to recall that impacts 2016 Honda pilots although my VIN was not included in that recall. I found it on Honda service bulletin 23-097 from March 8. 2024. There is an ongoing investigation:RQ24013 which looks to expand the vehicle included in that recall. I would like my Pilot to be considered as evidence that the recall goes beyond the vehicles initially included. Service Date 01/25/2025 Miles 88,165 Service Facility HOLMAN HONDA Service A TRAINED TECHNICIAN WILL ANALYZE (DIAGNOSE) YOUR CONCERN. AS A RESULT OF DIAGNOSIS; AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS AS REQUIRED WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU. DIAGNOSIS FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE COST OF PARTS AND/OR LABOR TO COMPLETE REPAIR. Repair Order # [XXX] Job Service Description Part Names Part Numbers B A TRAINED TECHNICIAN WILL ANALYZE (DIAGNOSE) YOUR CONCERN. AS A RESULT OF DIAGNOSIS; AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS AS REQUIRED WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU. DIAGNOSIS FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE COST OF PARTS AND/OR LABOR TO COMPLETE REPAIR. 88165 Check and verify noise. Severe knock from the engine. Drain and inspect engine oil and find severe metal shaving in the oil pan and in the filter. Best course of action to replace long block. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 28, 2025
Purchased 2016 Honda Pilot Elite used from a Hyundai dealership in Feb 2024 with ~70,000 miles. At approximately 89,000 miles noticed a ticking sound from engine that corresponded with engine RPM. Brought car in for oil change at 91,000 miles and noticed ticking had progressed to a more concerning knocking sound, however no codes or warnings were thrown and power seemed unaffected. Approximately 6 days later while on freeway felt a large shuddering, check engine light came on and power was significantly reduced, especially at higher RPMs. Limped directly to Honda dealership, who inspected and advised of metal shavings in oil filter. Advised by Honda techs there was evidence of camshaft rod failure and recommended total engine replacement ($11,330 quote). Mileage at failure was ~92,000. VIN check showed no unresolved recalls, despite remarkable similarity of symptoms and failure to Recall #23V-751. I did not receive a notice in the mail about this recall.
Engine, Mar 27, 2025
Car fails to restart after idle stop is engaged and will stall out car. Causing significant safety hazard trying to restart car after idle stop.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
This vehicle has a good service history but when I was driving on the highway the motor stalled almost causing an accident I heard a popping sound then the motor started to knock like crazy I know there was a recall on these vehicles for the same issue I feel that honda should honor the recall on the pilot elite as well
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 26, 2025
I have to drive with my idle off because when I drive with it on, there were 4 instances where my car idled & it idled so much that the whole car just turned completely off when I was waiting at an intersection or at a red light or getting off an exit & there were numerous cars behind me waiting. I would have to keep pressing different buttons or drive to park then try to turn the car back on & it would take awhile to turn back on. So to avoid this, I would just drive with my idle off. I did bring it up the the service department at the dealership but they said they didn’t see anything wrong, because it doesn’t happen all the time or maybe because they were just driving around one block, I don’t know. But it happened with me and when my husband drove my car. It’s very dangerous. I finance my car with the dealership and it happened ever since I bought the car. But I bought it as is, so they said they can’t do anything about it.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start at the initial attempt. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 115,043.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Around 7 months ago my Honda Pilot began to make a loud "knocking" sound and would not run. I have been waiting on a recall on my specific vin because this is an issue for 2016 Honda Pilots.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Engine needs to be replaced vehicle only has 123,000 miles. Diagnostic states sounds like rod bearing has come apart in cylinder 2 Honda Recall #23V-751 involves certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles. This recall is due to a manufacturing error that may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. But yet Honda states my vehicle is not eligible for said recall.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
2016 Honda Pilot with 77,000 (with additional transmission coolant system added upon purchase new) randomly blew the engine yesterday getting off of the interstate exit ramp. Minimal symptoms ahead of time...starting driving a little rough over last day but then complete engine and electrical failure out of nowhere. Honda dealership made it clear that it's no longer under warranty. Also said its very rare. Another mechanic told me that they've seen a few of these with 2016-2017 Honda Pilots with relatively low mileage and suggested I look online for others. (which led me to report this). This car has had issues since I bought it brand new including air conditioning system, excessive heat in the car from the engine, electrical quirks, etc.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate uphill while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost automotive power, and her daughter was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced along with several other undisclosed repairs. Upon further investigation, the local dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,069.
Power train, Engine, Mar 21, 2025
The engine is making a very loud internal noise and it is available upon request. There is a major fear of the engine seizing while driving. I don't know if the vehicle has been taken to a dealer for this issue before. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking, and the engine made a loud knocking sound. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Brannon Honda (300 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235); who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was under review. The failure mileage was 121,006.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
Engine "knocking". Car has slightly less than 80,000 miles and is 9 years old. Dealer has confirmed that the engine needs replacement. Same issue as the other 3.5 liter engine recalled earlier. Engine knocks, engine light came on and flashed the entire time it was on. Dealer did all the regularly scheduled maintenance. Got the vehicle to the dealer prior to major engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the stability control, head start, TSA, and other warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed. The fuel injectors were replaced. Approximately one month after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, there was a rumbling noise coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact decelerated the vehicle, turned on the hazards, and continued to drive home at speeds of approximately 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the engine failed due to a driveshaft failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
I have 130k miles on my 2016 Honda Pilot and I recently noticed a knocking sound under the hood. I took it to a local mechanic who let me know it is likely a rod knock and that I will need a new engine replaced for an estimated $8k. I am concerned that if the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury. When I called Honda and had them run my VIN, they said my vehicle is not listed in the 2016, 2018 or 2019 vehicles that were included in the list of vehicles for the connecting rod recall. I am concerned for my safety and I am wondering why my 2016 is not included with other 2016s with the same issue. I am taking my vehicle to a Honda dealership tomorrow to get an official diagnosis and will connect with Honda Corporate again and submit a request for review of this situation.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to move over to the side of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact waited to restart the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle and an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, Nalley Honda (4197 Jonesboro Rd., Union City, GA, 30291) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine coolant temperature sensor and the brake pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised that a manager give a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 17, 2025
Our stop/start feature consistently causes the car to stall instead of restarting the engine. This leaves us stranded in or at intersections while waiting for the car to respond to pressing the park and restart buttons. This regularly takes enough time we have narrowly avoided being hit multiple times from suddenly not being able to move. Because it can turn off at any time you are fully stoped we have been caught after having to make a complete stop in the middle of an intersection and then still being stalled when the light changed. Honda has experienced the problem and has only been willing to change the battery. A fully charged and new battery does temporarily reduce the number of occurrences. This has only been inspected by Honda because we have not had an actual accident yet. There are no other warning lights on the car at any point. This is a regular and known issue that they have failed to fix.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2025
Fuel pumps has gone bad twice, transmission slips gear makes clunking noise
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle's motor stopped running in traffic
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2025
This accident happended about three months ago. While I was driving on highway, all of suddend, most the signals popped up like firework, AWD/VSV/EPS/TSA and Hill Start Asssitance and etc. My pilot just like lost power and hardly to be speeded up. This was really scarily on the highway. Then I managed to drive to my friends' garage. My friend, who owns a garage, helped me to diagnosis the issue and failed to find anything significant (See attached) . He then cleaned up a the signals above, and let me drive home. Amazingly after a the error signals cleaned up, my pilot was running normally. So couple of weeks later, I sent my car to DavisHonda, a dealer close to my home, to have a close check. Unfortunately, the report shows that everything is normally. At this moment, I am so surprised how could that happens to my car. My gut feeling for this accident is this one is mostly the software issue than hardware issue. So how in some particular conditions the software has some hacuup. But this could rely on your investigation. Maybe this is only one or two cases. But for me I still feel no comfortable to drive this car around, since I feel it is not that safe any more. Hope you guy can find some answer for me.
Engine, Mar 7, 2025
My wife was driving down a busy two lane main road when the vehicle stopped with no prior warning symptoms or dash lights. The vehicle would not jump or go into any gear. It was towed to Honda East in Cincinnati. They said it was showing multiple misfire codes. After a complete engine teardown at a cost of almost $1K, it was determined that it had two bent valves in cylinder #2. The timing belt components were intact and the mechanic had no explanation as to why the valves were bent. I suggested it could be the rod bearing failure that others had experienced and of which a recall had already been issued for some VIN's of the same year. But the mechanic didn't seem to think so. They said it was unrepairable and their solution was to install a used donor engine. Because I was not ready to part with the vehicle, I had no choice but to approve the donor engine install. The total job including the engine teardown and diagnosis cost me roughly $7,500. Like many others have experienced, my VIN did not fall under the recall, and I was held responsible for the full out of pocket repair cost. I am hoping that enough owners who have also been forced to replace their engines report their experience through the NHTSA, forcing Honda to step up and issue a blanket recall on all the 2016 Pilots.