2016 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,706 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 23 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalNov 13, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Campaign 23V751000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hoodNov 29, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
Campaign 21V932000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageMar 30, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
Campaign 17V219000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJun 9, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Campaign 16V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelOct 16, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems".
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
Campaign 15V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherJul 6, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.
If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.
Campaign 15V424000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,706 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
I have a 2016 Honda pilot it has about 104,000 miles And has had all its maintenance. One day, three weeks ago, the engine started making a banging sound, and the oil light turned on. We brought the car to a mechanics who diagnosed engine failure and said that there were tiny metal shards seen in the oil. I have been meticulous about oil changes throughout the life of the vehicle. I brought my car to the service center at the Honda dealership and was told that my car had the exact same problem with the engine that the 2016 engines were being recalled for, but that my VIN number was not included in the recall and that I would have to pay for a new engine. Personnel at the service center said that there were three other Honda Pilot vehicles of the same and similar year with similar mileages currently being serviced for the same engine problem as the recall and that they were also not in the group of VIN numbers included in the recall.
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2024
Idle stop feature caused the car to fall dead and go stuck into neutral while at a stop sign and getting ready to pull off into traffic to make a right onto the feeder of a busy freeway. I had to place the car into park then press the ignition button to turn the car back on then shift back to drive before being able to pull off.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle regained power, and the contact drove to the residence. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The emission warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact researched the failure and determined that it was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2024
Driving our well-maintained 2016 Honda Pilot with 133K with cruise control set at 65 on [XXX] in Kingman, AZ in October 2024, when the "check engine" light came on. I pulled off as soon as I could on the exit ramp 1.5 miles later. By that time, the engine was ticking and clicking loudly and all of the various system errors were flashing on the dash. The engine then started vibrating and sounded like a box of marbles being shaken violently. At that point, the engine had 10% of less of the normal acceleration. The local shop in Kingman, that I managed to limp to, said the engine had blown. I had it towed to the Honda dealer in Kingman (Anderson Honda) and they confirmed that a new or rebuilt engine and quoted me approximately $19K or $13.5K, respectively. They made no mention of the existing recall for three weeks of Pilot production, but I found that on my own, along with many frustrated Pilot owners. I'm now weighing whether I should have the work done by the Honda dealer in Kingman, whether I should have the Pilot towed to Phoenix, Arizona, where I live and there are more repair options, or whether I should wait and see whether the NHTSA forces Honda to expand the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
On Jan. 11, 2022 my engine was replaced at Schlossmann's Honda due to connecting rod failure as stated in the dealer's service receipt. Yet my VIN is NOT included in the recall for this issue for reimbursement. How do I get Honda to reimburse me for this failure?
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2024
I began having intermittent issues with my electric start button. I called Honda of mentor where I purchased the car. They told me I'd need to bring it in for diagnostic. Initially since they claimed this wasn't something they had heard of as an issue and since it was only an Intermittent issue I didn't take it in. The issue got worse until 1 day at work my car didn't want to start. I again called Honda of menor and explained the issue and asked if they had heard of anyone else having the same problem and was told no and all I could do was bring it in for diagnostic. So I scheduled the appointment and once off the phone I got on Google and found a service bulletin for my exact issue so I was obviously upset and felt lied to. I took the bulletin to the appointment but was told that since my car was like 2000 miles over they wouldn't cover the issue.. but I had called about it 4-5 months prior and I was never notified the bulletin was issued. They ended up charging me to fix the issue or they were going to charge me a diagnostic fee. I feel robbed and now I am reading about the engine recall and many who are supposedly not a part of the recall but having the exact problem. I certainly hope I don't encounter issues with my engine. Honda is apparently not as trustworthy as they once were and they don't care.
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
I own a 2016 Honda Pilot which had an unexpected and unexplainable engine failure related to an engine bearing in February of 2022 with only approximately 69,000 miles. Fox Honda, in Grand Rapids, MI could not identify the cause of my engine failure beyond a failed bearing, and I paid over $7,000 related to a replacement engine. I attempted calling Honda, and was told that my vehicle was not within the reported VIN’s. For the current recall. I find the sudden unexplainable failure of an engine bearing in my vehicle and the subsequent recall related to an engine bearing failure in vehicles of the same make, model and year to not be coincidence.
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
motor started knocking that sounded like spark knock. found out that the connecting rod was knocking had to replace the engine. still have old engine on a stand in my garage.
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
I had to have the engine replaced on my 2016 Honda Pilot for the same problem covered by the 2023 connecting rod bearing recall. The Honda dealer said the engine was not covered under the bearing rod recall since it was out of the date range, but advised full engine replacement with only 99K miles on it. The diagnosis service was performed on about 12-12-23 for a clanking noise in the engine. The dealer called it a mechanical failure and described it as a "rod bearing knock" in the repair estimate. I filed a complaint with Honda Customer Service on 12-13-23 requesting reimbursement for a new engine, which received a case number but they rejected my complaint. Specifically on 12-12-2023 I sent an e-mail stating: "Attached repair estimate from [dealer]. 10K to replace engine for rod problem diagnosed as rod bearing knock and bearing failure. This Honda is only 7 years old with 99K miles. The engine has not exploded yet, but it is basically undrivable with no solution in sight. Attached is the Honda Release covering 2016 Pilots admitting the defect but the manufacturing date range needs expansion to cover earlier Honda Pilots. My 2016 Pilot has the exact same symptoms and problem as the known defects that triggered the Honda Release. This indicates the bearing defect is present in earlier Pilots or the original spec itself is completely defective." I had the OEM engine replaced by an independent shop who installed a used Honda engine having lower mileage at a cost of about $7150 (lower than dealer cost). In addition to the out-of-pocket replacement cost, I also have concerns the replacement engine will just encounter the same defect. On a side note, I may still have the oil filter and oil removed from the OEM engine, which I had retained in case it needed analysis.
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
The engine failed and was diagnosed to be connecting rod bearings on cylinder 6. Honda Care refused to cover the issue and I had to get a engine replacement. I filed a BBB complaint but Honda refused to respond: Ref#[XXX] My Contract Number for Honda Care is: [XXX] Following warning was diagnosed when the failure happened: P0306(00) Raw code: 030600 ECU: OBD-II Status: Pending OBDII: Cylinder 6 - misfire detected Honda: No. 6 Cylinder Misfire I have shared all my oil service history with Honda and oil change service has been performed on time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2024
Vehicle has strong fuel smell after driving. And took to mechanic and fuel is leaking out
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2024
I just purchased this vehicle this year if any components failed I do not know of it.
Engine, Oct 24, 2024
Purchased a used 2016 Honda Pilot Elite in "great condition" from the Honda dealership 2.12.24 @ 99,745 mi. Car performed awesome, minus the need for new battery and continued to perform well until recently 10.15.24. The car was a bit low on oil so I topped it off thinking that this new clicking sound from the central part of the engine would mellow. I gave the engine a day or two to allow the engine to hopefully settle. Still heard the clicking. Took it in to the shop 10.21.24, thinking that it may be the timing belt tensioner beginning to go, (I'm @ 107,000 now. I took it to the shop before 105,000 6.21.24) and my mechanic confirmed the belt is still good and has much life left) and was told my engine is on the verge of seizing up. The noise I'm hearing is related to the Cam Rod/connecting rods of my engine. Theres still not a check engine light on in the car.! WTH? This came as a complete surprise. My VIN is currently not included in the engine recall incident #23V751000 issued 11.12.23, but it should be!!!!!! I've made an appeal to American Honda, but I'm not confident of the results based on what I'm seeing others have posted before me. Please help us!
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2024
I was driving on the interstate last March of 2024. I have a Honda Pilot 2016. Im going 70 miles an hour or so and my engine just stalls and quits. So many alerts come up on my vehicle as well. Check engine lightTrailer Stability Assist Problem, Power Steering System EPS Problem, Trailer Stability Assist Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, and others. I make it to the off ramp coasting this is a huge problem because I could have killed someone or someone could have killed me or provided Serious injury. I get it towed and I called the dealership and no recalls. I take it to my Mechanic and discover it was reading Code (P0087) The fuel pump not working at all. I had to replace it to drive the car. I am so livid as I see on the Honda Service Bulletin of a Safety Recall for 2016-2021 Pilot Fuel Pump Motor. This revision supersedes the previous recall of the Fuel Pump Motor from July 19th, 2024. I can see why their wasn't a recall when I checked. Cars from those years are now having this problem and should not be subject to certain VIN# on cars. I called Honda today 10-18-24 and was told this isn't covered.because my VIN wasn't in covered cars. How the heck does a VIN number cover or not cover you. Those years are what matter and my safety was at risk and could have proven fatal. Not warning was given it just happened as I going down the interstate 121 in Texas.Lucily I did not go over a high bridge which was another way to get home and one of the most dangerous interstates in the area I-25E. I could have flipped over the bridge and killed someone else going a descent speed. Im usually really careful on super high bridges cause they are scary. Getting stalled on that bridge is deadly. I'm really Upset over this and gave up my awesome Toyota 4Runner for a Honda Pilot and now this happens. I also stalled 3 to 4 other times after I turned on my hazards and restarted the car. it was 7pm and dark so it was quite scary my vehicle out of nowhere just quit on me.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2024
I have a 2016 Pilot (Touring), and about a month ago, I started experiencing static in the audio. It begins faintly in the background and gradually increases in volume until it completely overtakes the audio, leaving only static. The issue persists regardless of the audio source selected.
Engine, Oct 17, 2024
**2016 Honda Pilot with Rod Bearing wear** as acknowledged by Honda America and NHTSA. The problem was also diagnosed by a certified Honda technician (see attached) at the dealership. Honda needs to expand their recall because more and more people are experiencing this issue. My pilot was manufactured in June of 2016 and Honda says the "recall" only runs up onto June 3rd. Sounds to me like the Pilot is eligible for the recall. I have called Honda America multiple times and they consistently deny anything and wont help fix the car due to their manufacturing defect. on the crankshaft. NHTSA PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2024
When at a stop at an intersection the engine auto idle/stop feature will engage and when you let off the break the engine comepletely dies and you have to put car in park and restart the car. This is extrememly dangerous when at intersections and in turning lanes.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, all the warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the highway where the vehicle stalled and restarted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would either hesitate or stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact initially stated that the vehicle would restart after multiple attempts and resume normal driving; however, after a recent failure, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Oct 11, 2024
I recently had to have a short block engine replacement due to the known connecting rod bearing issue with 2016 and 2018-2019 Honda Pilots (service bulletin 24-001). I had to pay for the repairs in full since Honda Corporate said my vehicle is not yet part of the recall. I think it is obvious that my vehicle as well as numerous other vehicles [XXX] ) that experienced the exact same issue need to be included in this recall and reimbursed for our hefty expenses. Honda needs to be pushed to expand the VIN range that is included in this recall. It is no coincidence that we are all experiencing the same exact issue that is mentioned in the recall especially when Honda is known for manufacturing vehicles in a quality manner that usually do not exhibit this sort of major malfunction. Please have someone investigate this further as there are many of us that are having to spend quite a bit of money on repairs when it is pretty obvious that we should be included in this recall. Thanks for your time and consideration. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
Rolled into a parking lot and the car suddenly stalled right before I could get into the spot - electriconics were still working and what not. Turned the car off and on and pulled in and then proceeded to charge my portable jumper just in case. Came back a few hours later and drove it home - all sorts of sensors were going off but the car was still fine. Once I got home, I swapped the battery with one that I was charging. At this point there was light flickering and more sensors failing. I went to replace with a new battery and it drove fine for a day or two. On the last day, my girlfriend said it started happening again, and she turned around and came back home where it stalled out again. We are terrified to drive this vehicle and purchased a different one out of fear. Please fix this issue, Honda, as it is pretty rampant from the other reports here.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2024
Keyless entry malfunction. Vehicle not starting at times. Replaced battery. Error lights on dash. A known issue by Honda
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2024
The A/C in my 2016 Honda Pilot is blowing hot air. On my first visit to the dealer, dye was added to detect the leak at a cost of $422. Upon returning to the dealer a second time, the dealer replaced the A/C condenser at a cost of $1,075, which did not solve the problem. Upon returning to the dealer a third time, the A/C condenser was replaced again, and that also did not solve the problem. Upon returning to the dealer a fourth time, the dealer now recommends replacing the A/C evaporator at a cost of $2216. I believe these parts are defective, as Honda has already issued service bulletins extending the warranty to 10 years for the A/C Condenser in certain vehicles. This new warranty extension applies to the Accord, Accord Hybrid, Clarity, Civic Type-R, and Insight. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] According to the service bulletins "This warranty extension covers vehicles that have a defective A/C condenser from the factory. The A/C condenser was not manufactured to specification. As a result, corrosion may develop in the form of tiny holes in the condenser tube walls that allow the refrigerant to leak out." See (Warranty Extension: 2019–21 Insight A/C Condenser) I am requesting that the 2016 Honda Pilot be included in the warranty extension, as I am experiencing the same issues for the expensive repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2024
For the last few years the idle stop feature has resulted more than one dozen times of me being stuck at a stop light and not being able to get the car started. It will idle off and when I lift my foot off the break it will have trouble starting back up. If I wait a minute or so it can sometimes start back up but at least four times it has required a jump start to get it started again. It’s extremely stressful and scary to be at a light and stuck there with people honking and having to get out of the vehicle in a busy intersection to try to jump start the vehicle. I try to remember to turn off the feature every time I start the car but I forget sometimes. After the latest time being stuck with a toddler and trying to get someone to stop to jump start my car I am sending in a report.