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/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2025
FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN SMELLING FUEL IN THE CABIN WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ALSO WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS TOPPED OFF, WE SMELL FUEL WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR 1 TO 2 DAYS AFTERWARDS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT SHOP WHO ADVISED THEY SEE SIGNS OF SMALL FUEL RUN-OFF FROM TOP SIDE OF TANK. THEY PERFORMED A SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST AND THE EVAPORATIVE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK FAILED THE PRESSURE TEST. THE VEHICLE IS OFFICIALLY NOT PART OF RECALL LISTED BY HONDA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 16-051 OR 17-021. THE REPLACEMENT TANK PART NO. 17044-TG7-A00 OR 17044-TG7-A01 IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM ANY HONDA OEM DEALER DUE TO BACKORDER WITHOUT ANY DATES. WE WERE ADVISED TO ENSURE VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE OF GARAGE FOR FUME AND FIRE SAFETY. CALLED Honda Automobile Customer Service Recall Line, THEY ONLY CAN ESCALATE AS A GOODWILL REQUEST FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 5, 2025
The ATF Warmer failed. This allowed engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This caused the engine and transmission to overheat. No warning messages appeared up until the transmission overheated. A warning appeared about the transmission, but not about the engine. Honda says that they do not think my VIN was impacted by this known issue. And, yet, my car has a textbook defective ATF warmer with 100% overlap in symptoms with a known service bulletin issue (17-035 from April 7, 2018).
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
Was driving car on 3/3/25 with 91,635 miles and lights started flashed saying "Emission System Problem" and "Transmission System Problem." Car slowed down and wouldn't shift gears putting me in danger of being stranded on the street. Screen showing drive mode went blank and wouldn't show if car was in drive or reverse. Luckily was able to get car back to home a few hundreds of feet away but car was very sluggish. Error message on car said engine system problem and not to drive the car and get it to dealer. Ran machine and found DTC code of P0717 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal. On 3/4/25, car was towed to Right Honda dealer. Tow truck driver barely got car on bed since gears were not shifting. Dealer found at drop off that the car was smoking from exhaust. Tech at dealer diagnosed and found input shaft sensor to be "bad" or "faulty." The output had signal but NO signal from input. They proceeded with work to replace input shaft sensor and the DTC code cleared. There was no service bulletin out to cover the faulty part and I had to pay out of pocket, $330.25. Honda needs to have a service bulletin for this faulty part that could cause a loss in power to vehicle and leave driver/passengers stranded or in a collision with no warning! I would like to be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense as well.
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact observed a loud banging sound coming from the same area and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod had gone through the oil pan, and the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
My 2016 Honda Pilot engine had a rod knock and eventually was replaced by Acura of LibertyVille. When I reported this problem to libertyville Honda (IL) they said vehicle not on any recall list, but now I'm hearing that 2016 and newer Pilots have same issues as my car, when I called customer relations at honda, they are still telling me there are no recalls for your VIN, even though my vehicle 2016 Pilot. I believe that somehow something is missing and more VINs were impacted, according to what I read online.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2025
When I was paring my phone to Bluetooth I noticed my car started to pop up alerts in accessory mode (low power state engine off) that my Honda was hiding critical safety alerts with the Brake System and Charging System Problem and a Anti-Lock Brake System Problem when fully powering the car most of theses alerts are fully hidden from driver view the only thing I was able to see consistently was the U3006 control module input power fault with my scan tool this is very concerning that a driver would have to do all of this work to find essential hidden driver major safety alerts
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2025
High pressure and low pressure fuel pumps were defective.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2025
My Transmission went out on my 2016 Honda Pilot I bought it on 8/25/24 with 68,000 miles on it, six months later I have 81,000 miles on it and I’ve been quoted $9222 to install a rebuilt transmission at the dealership. 3 mechanics & transmission specialist do NOT even work or offer to replace transmissions on this model of honda pilot due to its known issues in the 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L. My car was in excellent condition, low miles, always well maintained. 2/21 It started rough/delayed shifting, during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, unusual noise like quiet whining, on 2/22 the check engine & emissions & transmissions system lights came on I immediately took it to the Honda dealership/service on 2/22/25 I dropped it off and left it after hours (weekend Mon. 2/23 they diagnostic performed $200 transmission fluid flush and software update $500 it did not fix a thing. They evaluated & diagnosed on 2/24/25 Error codes stored P0776 & P0777. Recommending a rebuilt transmission for $9222. I got second and third opinions from experienced, highly recommended mechanics & transmission specialists who won’t even touch the 2016 honda pilot because it is considered problematic model/year with frequent reports of glitches & complex issues which can be make the job time consuming & potentially costly for the mechanic due to the need for speciality parts & diagnostics. Ive contacted American Honda & service/dealership inquiring “goodwill” program with no resolution. I have personally owned a 2005 pilot, 2011 pilot, 2007 odyssey, my parents & sister both currently own two Honda pilots & a Honda Ridgeline to say we’re loyal Honda customers is an understatement. I regret buying this 2016 Honda Pilot 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L I believe honda made a huge mistake and recalls must be issued. Show some integrity and take accountability this is unacceptable. If consumers & mechanics want nothing to do with it you should probably follow the evidence. From a very disappointed customer.
Engine, Feb 28, 2025
While driving my Pilots RPM suddenly dropped and started to go up and down. My car started to lose power and the car suddenly slowed down as if it wanted to turn off. I was stopped in the middle of the road and turned off the engine. Waited 2 minutes to turn on again and was able to get home. I checked for a code and it gave me P0369 a CAMSHAFT SENSOR problem. So I research the issue and it turns out Honda has known about this issue enough to make a bulletin for it to their techs. The remedy for this code? REPLACE THE CAMSHAFTS AND PLATE! If they have to put a bulletin out then it's happened often. Also why am I paying to put the same type of Camshaft back in with nothing to help that this won't happen again in "X" amount of miles.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 26, 2025
The brakes have been repaired and replaced repeatedly. The vehicle locked down yesterday 2/25/25 when the driver was headed to school to pick up the children. The car came to a complete halt and was a danger to others with a "transmission engine" warning light on the dash. This vehicle has numerous repairs in addition to being too dangerous to drive down a two lane road due to the severity of the following issues: •Abrupt jerking or 'juddering' while accelerating, which can cause sudden unintended movement. •Noticeable hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, impacting the vehicle's response time. •Unusual clunking noises or hard downshifting, indicating potential internal damage.
Engine, Feb 24, 2025
Failure of the connecting rod bearing similar to the recall. Current recall does not apply to the vin.
Engine, Feb 23, 2025
While driving on the highway, I heard an unusual noise coming from the engine. Shortly after, the check engine light began blinking, and the vehicle’s performance worsened. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who suggested that the issue might be related to the engine rod bearing. This issue posed a serious safety risk as the sudden performance deterioration on the highway could have led to an accident or left me stranded. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic but has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or a dealership. Prior to the failure, there was a noticeable engine noise, and the check engine light began blinking while driving. After researching, I found that certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles were recalled for this same issue, but my vehicle was not included. Additionally, reports indicate that NHTSA is investigating similar problems in Honda vehicles. I am reporting this issue as I believe it may be part of a broader safety concern.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2025
I just got on the freeway and traveled about two miles into driving without any warning engine begin to lose power than stalled. I immediately pulled over checked out all fluid levels were good. There were no leakage present and no codes came up on instrumental panel,and still unable to start car.We had my pilot towed to a mechanic shop 20 miles from where incident happened. When mechanic looked over my engine he noticed a crack and mentioned that something was protruding out from the engine block he took a picture and than text it to me stating that the engine was damaged. We had another certified mechanic take a look at problem area that's when he also concluded that the motors extension rod broke thru causing engine failure admitting that engine is damaged and would need to be replaced. We thought this might be part of a recall we checked on (23V751000) that stated due to manufacturer error the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize damaging the engine, when I read this I had my pilot towed now to Honda service center where they claimed that my pilot had no known recalls and that I would have to pay out of pocket 10 k to repair because there was now a large hole in my engine.Originally I was told it would cost me about $200 to have them take a look at what was wrong with my car, but When I asked what the bill was for the inspection they said it was zero dollars because (without telling me first)they changed out the push start button,and that there wound be no charge. When I asked why they changed it out when I had already done 2 yrs ago myself and was reimbursed by Honda already. Honda service technician than proceeded to show me a photo that was taken of a large hole in my engine, telling me they had no idea why, and advised me my motor would have to be replaced. We purchased this vehicle new from this dealership and have had service regularly including transmission fluid and tune up.
Engine, Feb 19, 2025
Subject: VIN [XXX] My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Bobby Rahal Honda in Mechanicsburg, PA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA Campaign number 23V751000. Honda recall number XG1, Honda recall GG0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. This is a current investigation as to why the NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 was limited to 249K vehicles while so many cars continue to have the same issue but fall out of the scope of the recall. The estimate of the work that needs to be completed was going to cost us $7,585 on my vehicle. They wanted to replace the engine with a used engine that has the same issue. We had no choice but to trade it in and buy a new Pilot. This is unfair to American consumers, and I feel we need to get reimbursed by Honda Motors. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your work to protect the American consumer, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled temporarily. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. A message advising that the vehicle needed oil was displayed. The contact started to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle stalled. The contact's husband met the contact on the side of the road and added oil to the engine. The contact was able to drive to the destination; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. The message "Oil Empty" was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where unknown engine parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2025
Vehicle started jerking bad and all the lights on the dash started rotating through the error messages. Took care to shop and confirmed fuel pump was bad. There is a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot Fuel Pumps but not for this particular model.
Engine, Feb 10, 2025
Connecting rod bearing issues
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2025
The Auto Idle Stop System sometimes stalls car instead of re-starting it. It is still in gear when it stalls and can roll on its on. You expect it to start up the way it should and for you to accelerate but it stalls and rolls on its on. You need to put it in park, shut it off and restart it. Not very safe if you were stopped in traffic.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
Connecting rod bearing failure. Took the car to an independent mechanic to investigate a knocking sound in the engine and mechanic pinpointed which cylinder contained the issue and advised that the car was not safe to drive. He also stated that he has seen this issue in other Hondas and that the estimated necessary repair would be $8000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2025
Car started surging while driving in rush hour traffic was very scary and almost caused me to be rear ended at a high speed. It cost 3200.to repair and when I spoke to the dealer they said they were under recall for all models 2017-2024 and it has been an ongoing issue since 2014 I think they should pay to fix it not just let us eat it on the repair because the vehicle is older not that old and it’s a safety issue
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 2, 2025
The engine shuts off while driving and attempting to accelerate, happens frequently.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2025
REAR PASSENGER DOOR IS MARKING OPEN WHEN DOOR IS LOCKED
Engine, Jan 28, 2025
the engine has Rod knocking sound engine failure can cause an accident Had dealership verify and recommended a new motor No warning lights or messages about anything wrong
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
I took my car to my mechanic because I heard a noise in the engine area. My mechanic told me that it was the rear engine bearings. I maintain my car regularly with Firestone Auto Care Center and I only 102,000 on my 2016 Honda Pilot. I feel that a engine with regular maintenance should fail like this. I see there is a recall for 2016 Honda Pilot but my VIN is part of this recall. It seems to me that my engine has the same problem as this other recall and my VIN should be covered. Also I feel this is safety issue because the engine could fail and the driver could lose control of vehicle causing an accident.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
The engine failed and has to be replaced. Mechanic said rod bearing caused engine failure. Daughter was stranded on side of the road due to sudden failure. There was no warning and the vehicle only has 120,000 miles on it with all oil changes done as required.