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, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
Connecting rod to piston broken of damaged. Loud rattle on engine startup and acceleration. Not shifting well. Engine cutting off at stops and not restarting without shifting to park and restarting
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
Our 2016 Honda Pilot Elite sputtered as we tried to accelerate and then the engine died. It is available for inspection upon request. The engine stop unexpectedly while driving limiting control of the vehicle. The problem has been reproduced for an independent service center. The Honda service center, and two independent service centers are unable to determine the cause from the vehicle codes. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the engine dying.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the contact stated that the stability assist, power steering, Hill Start assist, fuel emission,s and a few other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I hope this message finds you well. I am writing this message with a heavy heart, to advise of our story that is ending with a tragic experience. On [XXX] my wife, [XXX] , and I, walked in a Honda dealership. We drove away confident about our new vehicle, a 2016 Honda Pilot. It was highly recommended by the salesman. Since then, we have maintained the vehicles services. Sadly, on Saturday, [XXX], the vehicle malfunctioned and engine stalled on the highway. The steering wheel locked, the vehicle would not accelerate, and the brakes failed. I managed to pull over, but we were terrified and stranded for over forty minutes. The vehicle was towed home, and we contacted the dealership, who agreed to inspect it. It was taken to the service center in early December and has remained there since. The certified Honda mechanics' diagnostic report confirms issues consistent with online Honda recalls. As this is our only vehicle, this situation has created significant hardship for our family. Our dream of owning a Honda has unfortunately turned into a nightmare. Honda corporate has denied our request for any and all assistance. We would be most grateful for any assistance you can provide. CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall RECALL DATE:11/08/2023 SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2016 and 2018-2019 model year Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 21, 2025
2016 Honda Pilot engine failed due to connector rod failure, consistent with limited VIN recall for same model and year. Vehicle was inspected by Capital Honda in Okemos, MI and engine failure diagnosis via connector rod failure Incident was sudden without prior indication of issue
Engine, Jan 21, 2025
Engine knocking at 70,000 miles with loss of power. Knocking gets worst on attempted acceleration.
Service brakes, Jan 18, 2025
While driving and starting to brake the whole dashboard lights up stating there is brake failure. And low brake fluid.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? "Keyless Start System" message has been haunting me for close to a year now. Yes, available for inspection and has been by a local Honda service center. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was left stranded when my vehicle would not start. Battery jumped and I was able to get on but the issue is not my battery, it is the start/stop electrical malfunction that so many others have cited experiencing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes and I've scheduled an appt. with local service center (again). Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, Keyless Start System problem which originated in 2023. The warnings fluctuated for a while intially but have been on since my car would not start as reported above. This incident took place a few weeks ago.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2025
We have always taken great care of our Pilot, regular oil changes, tire rotations, checking the fluid levels. Just before we went on vacation, our Pilot's check engine light came on and started blinking under normal driving conditions. When we hooked up the code reader, it was for a misfire in the second cylinder. Having changed the spark plugs about 30-40k before this incident, we tested the plugs and assumed it was the coil. We changed the coil. After returning from vacation, we drove the car minimally yet after about 40-50 miles, the code returned with knocking sound. We had the car towed to our residence...to find the same code. We inspected the plug and coil, no issues were present and the code was cleared. The next day, the code came back on and the engine was knocking very loud and had definite performance issues. I checked the Honda recall page and our car had no open recalls. I noticed that other Pilots with the V6 engine in our model year range were included an investigation by the NHTSA. Our mechanic drove our pilot for 30 feet and immediately called me to tell me that he would not suggest even spending money on diagnosing the problem....as he believes the engine is a total loss. It seems unfair that Honda would not address this issue as it seems a wide spread problem after a simple google search.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
We were just told that the engine rod bearing on our 2016 Honda Pilot is going out. I see that the 2018 and other years have had recalls on this issue. I have read on different forums that owners of the 2016 are also having this problem. Can the 2016 please be included in the recall? Thank you, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 12, 2025
Wife was driving kids to school on the highway when the vehicle bucked repeatedly and started making a loud ticking noise. When checked using a scan tool, it showed that a backfire had occurred on cylinder 5. Vehicle only has 120,850 miles on it and has always been serviced as required at a Honda dealership. There were no previous warnings or indicator lamps to foreshadow the engine problems with the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the Honda dealership and they stated that it needed a new engine. When asked as to why, they stated they just knew it did. After researching the problem online, the connecting rod bearing recall for 2016 Honda Pilots was found. The symptoms were exactly the same as what others had when having that same failure. Vehicle taken to another repair shop who came to the same conclusion that the vehicle needed a new engine. Honda of America was contacted about the issue and they stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall as it is outside the stated manufacturing window even though the engine is having exactly the same connecting rod failure as is stated in the recall. Honda refused to provide any assistance or help in resolving the problem. The dealership wants over $10,000 to install a USED replacement engine. Honda is obviously misrepresenting the problem to limit their liability even though they are fully aware there is a bigger problem with these engines. Quite a few other people online in groups/boards are stating they have the same engine failure and Honda is refusing to take accountability for it. Fortunately, it did not fully throw a rod at highway speeds with my wife and children in the vehicle as a much more life threatening situation may have occurred. We have little confidence if they replace the engine with a used, lower mileage engine that this situation that this issue will not reoccur.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2025
I was driving down the highway when I started to hear a knocking sound at certain RPM. No check engine light and I was unable to safely pull over. As I continued driving looking for a safe place to park the vehicle, within a few minutes the noise in the engine got worse and then suddenly the vehicle completely lost power and would only drive in limp mode. Luckily I was able to pull off to an offramp and get the vehicle into a gas station parking lot. I called for a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. At the dealership they inspected the vehicle and found that it was damaged similar to the Safety recall related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 and advised me to have it towed Calgary Honda. I called the Honda Dealership and they informed me that it did not qualify for the recall at the time but the issue sounded familiar. I had them and the current dealership quote me the pricing and decided that I would proceed with the repair from Honda directly. It took awhile to get a replacement engine in and I had to wait several weeks but I was finally able to have it replaced at Calgary Honda in November of 2024. It cost me $10,000 to replace the engine as well as have the work done to repair the alignment after the power failure and replace the battery due to the vehicle sitting for weeks in the cold. I believe my vehicle is part of the same issues as: NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 and wanted to submit my report to hopefully get reimbursed by Honda for the engine and all other costs associated with the Recall
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2025
Fuel pump inside the fuel tank failed while driving and caused my engine to stall and almost causing an accident in the highway. Several 2016 Pilots had a recall but my specific VIN does not show in the recall even though I had an issue with the Fuel Pump in 2023.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 8, 2025
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged. Vehicle struggles to restart on various occasions. Honda America has an extended warranty to replace the starter.
Engine, Jan 7, 2025
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the connecting rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Engine, Jan 7, 2025
We were driving south on [XXX] near Ashland, Oh. We heard a knocking that got very loud and bad quickly. There was a loud metal on metal BANG. The entire dash lit up for a few seconds, I braked quickly pulling off the interstate as safely as I could. Shut the car off and called for a tow. We had it towed to Mikes Auto in Barberton, Oh. Thats where still is. The mechanic diagnosed the issue as GRENADING. The lower end of the engine blew up. It EXPLODED!!! No warning lites whatsoever before the explosion. How does that happen? Do you realize how bad that could've been? $300 tow and a $6700 bill for a new engine. I will have put $15000.00 In this PC O [XXX] in less than one year. We have been Honda owners since 1992. Now I know how a F O R D owner feels like. My bought our first Mazda yesterday. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 6, 2025
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Engine, Jan 6, 2025
Crankshaft froze. Engine totaled.
Power train, Engine, Jan 6, 2025
Engine failure consistent with recall 23V-751, and would like this included in NHTSA investigation RQ24013. Lost acceleration and check engine light came on. Pulled off of Interstate, turned off vehicle and restarted. Check engine light was off and vehicle accelerated normally for about 5 minutes. Then problem repeated with increased engine noise. Was able to limp the vehicle at no faster than 40mph to Honda dealer in Napleton, IL. River Oaks Honda of Napleton is able to verify the problem. Safety of occupants was put at risk due to large volume of traffic on [XXX] during holiday season and inability of the vehicle to maintain required minimum speed. Symptoms of this problem did appear in May 2024 and was diagnosed as P0369. Front bank camshaft was replaced by Hendrick Honda of Sarasota. Symptoms appeared again in October 2024 and vehicle was brought to John Hinderer Honda of Newark, OH. They diagnosed that the intake and exhaust valve lash was out of spec and they performed an intake and exhaust valvestand adjustment. This vehicle was well maintained and serviced by Honda dealers whenever problems appeared. I don't understand why previous diagnosis & repairs, which were costly, did not correctly identify the root cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
Sudden Engine Failure. Possibly connecting rod related
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
There is a current recall for the engine rods, my vin is not included in this recall but I have an engine that needs to be replaced due to this @126,000 miles
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2025
I was driving the car and suddenly it stopped working in the road luckily I was near my home when it happened it was due to my alternator dying without any warning besides a low battery warning on my car I later took it to the dealer and was told it was due to a oil leak on the alternator luckily I was not on the turnpike or the expressway or I would be dead
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3 and replaced all the spark plugs and coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the connecting rod bearing had failed. The contact was advised that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The engine short block was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
Honda service determined there is a failure of the number 5 cylinder connecting rod bearing. This could pose a safety issue if it had continued to be driven. We have also seen through news and online forums that this is a known, systemic issue.
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2024
A few years ago I was told my fuel injectors needed to be replaced. Last month, I was told that my suspension needed to be replaced and it wore out. Shortly after that my struts were leaking and making noise. I do not drive my car over rough terrain, just regular street driving and I get my vehicle maintained regularly.