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.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2024
The vehicle does not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR.
Engine, Apr 10, 2024
Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure. Cut open oil filter and found bearing material inside. Recommending a used or new engine." This same vehicle / year has a NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-751- 2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall- there is a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. The issue is my vehicles VIN# is NOT included in the recall, event though the failure code and bearing material found in oil filter indicates a high degree of similar root cause as the recall. There are other public forums and social media platforms with owners of 2016 Honda Pilots that are describing exactly same experience- well maintained, engine failure that are NOT included on recall. I've already had around $600 of towing and diagnostic tests. This needs to be further investigated.
Engine, Apr 8, 2024
Brought my 2016 Honda Pilot (71k miles) to dealer due to loud knocking noise and dealer confirmed rod bearing failure on cylinder 6 caused the issue and ruined the connecting rod and also the crankshaft. Dealer said the VIN wasn't part of the recall however the car's production date is [XXX] which falls under the Production dates listed in here: [XXX] Have to pay for a replacement engine to be put in. Honda should absolutely cover this due to the defect and recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Apr 8, 2024
Through diagnostic at Honda Dealership, the #5 bearing failed causing engine damage (crank shaft and connecting rod). This pilot year is included in the current Part 573 Safety Recall Report, however this particular VIN is not currently included.
Engine, Apr 8, 2024
Our Honda pilot has always had its routine maintenance and been kept in a garage. One day as we started it, the car made a weird noise and before we could get it back home the engine light was flashing red. We immediately shut it off and upon getting it towed to the dealership they took it apart to find the problem, didn’t really give us a conclusive answer and was told it now seized up completely and needs a new motor. I'm wondering if this is a common problem since I've had multiple Hondas in the past and ran them each for over 200,000 miles without anything close to this happening.
Engine, Apr 2, 2024
Rod bearing and crankshaft failure. Whole engine needs to be replaced. There is a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines but apparently this car with this VIN is not covered. Honda is lying. I only have 70000 miles and obviously, my engine developed the same exact problem as the recalled 2016 pilots.
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2024
The digital speedometer on the gauge cluster will sporadically stop working. Traveling at highway speeds with no idea of the vehicle speed presents a hazard for driver and passengers when approaching turns in the road and not knowing your speed. Valley Honda Naperville, IL checked the vehicle and could find no issue. A video of the issue was shared with Valley Honda. The speedometer flashes on and off without warning and sometimes remains off for extended periods of time. No warning lights or messages and the service center stated that no error codes were stored in the on board computer. Vehicle is available for inspection and a video documented the issue is also available upon request. The date listed below is just one of several dates when the problem occured.
Engine, Mar 27, 2024
Connecting rod bearing Failure. stalled in traffic. Waring lights included. emissions system problem VSA Problem Hill Start Assist Problem Trailer Stability Assist Problem Road Departure System Problem Emissions System Problem Power Steering System Problem All Wheel Drive (AWD) System Problem. also getting DTC Coded P0303_Cylinder 3 Misfire U0401-68_ECM Failure F-Can Time Out_ EAT_40F (NG) Loud Knocking coming from engine while running. removed the oil pan and rod bearing. Found Metal Shavings in the oil pan. located the loose connecting rod and removed the bearing.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The Honda stop-start system in this vehicle has a flaw. On this day the engine shut down as normal at a light, but failed to start when the foot was removed from the brake. The engine sputtered and shut back off. This should be a problem if a restart could have been attempted but this failure was so severe that the car had to be put in park and shut off completely. Almost like a reboot of the computer. Once the car was shut off and then powered up again the car could be started and move under it's own power. Even thought I was quick to turn on hazard flashers, cars behind me became angry at the inconvenience, honking and swerving to get around me when the light was green. Honda needs to make a way to attempt to restart after an unsuccessful attempt by the auto start system. The engine has run fine since the event so no issues with the engine can be found. It had to be something minor that prevented the successful firing of the engine.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and it was discovered that the crank bearing lock had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to a staffing shortage. The vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, however informed the contact the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and determined that the engine rod bearings had failed causing severe damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed us of a manufacturer's recall related to the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Engine, Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 95,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 17, 2024
2016 Honda Pilot EX-L Connecting Rod Bearing Failure. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has around 98,000 miles on it and now has a serious rod knock. My vin is not covered by the current recall, but I believe it should be. It is unacceptable that a manufacturer fault should not be addressed. Since my car is out of warranty I am on the hook for many thousands of dollars, not to mention the diminished value of a poorly built vehicle.
Engine, Mar 16, 2024
Connecting rod bearing failed and caused engine failure. Car began inoperable on the highway. Honda has issued recalls on this exact failure but has failed to recall my vehicle. Honda needs to be held liable to investigate my vehicle. This is a rare failure that is ONLY caused my manufacturer defects. This is the third inquiry I am sending and no one has done anything to demand that Honda issues recalls for ALL affected vehicle for the manufacturing defect. Please do your part so I don't have to hire an attorney. Thank you
Engine, Mar 15, 2024
Message is showing in instrumental panel KEYLESS START SYSTEM PROBLEM. I checked on line found Honda have found this problem with 2016 Honda Pilots. When I called Honda Woodbridge, VA dealer about it she (Customer Service agent) took my Vin and said no there is no recall. On line I found Honda Service Bulletin they do have recall. I am including Pic of vehicle and also Service Bulletin about it. Honda Dealers Should have this information.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2024
After the most recent recall fix was applied, the keyless start system started acting up. It would start, but died after 1 second I have video of this happening. In this video, it fails twice and starts on the third attempt. 03/01
Engine, Mar 9, 2024
Car engine started knocking a few days ago and yesterday the engine light came on and the car started loosing power even stalling at one point driving. Looks like a connecting rod bearing on bank 2 can be heard clearly. I understand a service bulletin just came out yesterday for this same issue on my year vehicle but I don't see the vin on the list and it should be added to list having the same exact problem. Thank you
Engine, Mar 8, 2024
Sudden engine knocking noise. Mechanic said the rod bearing is going out.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 3, 2024
1) First and most annoying is the start button displays code on the screen "keyless start system problem ". Its done it for about two three now. There is no recall for my VIN. 2) Back wheels brakes make very loud kicking noise when car put in reverse and moves in reverse. It started 4 years ago. I took it to dealership and they said breaks are fine and they don't know why its kicking. In cold weather break sensor displays warning "apply break before putting in park" while breaks are applied. So it can't sense that breaks are applied. 3)blue ray DVD player quit working years ago. 4) Transmission is jerking when switches to third gear. This car has 56000 miles. 5) Roof molding in the front came off while driving. The clips somehow broke and it flew away. This car has been parked in the garage during the day and driven carefully with all needed oil changes and one owner. It should not have this problems. 6) the tires fell apart when car was 4 years old with about 25000 miles on it. The dealership said they don't know why and its was not normal. The top of the tires pilled off in chanks.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2024
The car just stopped while being driven in the freeway around December 2022. It was towed to the dealership and they said that the engine "seized." We wrote a letter to Honda and they said that it was our fault (car has very little miles- it's a family car). The engine light was never resolved even after engine was replaced. Honda then came out with a recall for 2016 Honda Pilot for engine seizing but they said my VIN did not qualify although this was the exact same issue. I tried reaching out with them to no avail. I am afraid to transport my children in this vehicle and I have already spend over 10k fixing it. It also feels unethical to sell the vehicle knowing it's defective. If possible, please look into the VIN's that are part of the recall since I am afraid there are a lot more cars driving in the freeway from the manufacturer that has the same issue which pose a safety concern to the passengers and the cars around it.
Structure, Engine, Feb 28, 2024
hood cracked due to excessive vibration over the years from late 2015 until latch was repaired by Honda in 2021. Due to the number of years prior to the repair, the hood has cracked and could potentially fall apart or fly up and block the driver's vision.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2024
getting intermittent exhaust fumes inside the cabin. co2 and other exhaust gasses getting inhaled by my family
Engine, Feb 18, 2024
I drive have a 2016 Honda Pilot. On a trip from Overland Park, KS to Denver, CO, I exited the interstate and noticed a ticking sound. Turned the radio down, shifted into neutral and accelerated the engine a little. The sound I was hearing accelerated with the engine. Before getting to my destination, the engine light illuminated and an emission warning. I inspected the engine at my destination and the noise is coming from the front of the engine. I took it to an independent repair shop in the morning. They gave me an estimate to remove & replace engine assembly complete - used $8,733.60 or remove & replace short block - New OEM $13,282.63 I did not feel comfortable pursuing repairs in Denver. With the vehicle being unreliable to drive home, I rented a moving truck, trailer and towed the Pilot home. I found in an online chat group, [XXX] that other Pilot owners have has the same issue and a Recall was being issued from Honda due to improper bearing clearance issue. Honda Service Bulletin [XXX] I took the Pilot into Honda Dealership and they said internal noise coming from the lower part of the engine, main bearing failure. Gave me an estimate for a used engine $8,924.70 or new short block $10,694.24 plus $250. Recall was released after the 1st of the year, NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-751 My Pilot fall out of recall being manufactured in February. Less than 7,000 miles ago. I had to replace a cam in this engine and Honda America assisted with repairs as it was abnormal for a cam to need replacing around 100,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Feb 12, 2024
The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. It put the driver, my [XXX] daughter, in danger as the car shut down on a highway at night without warning. She safely pulled the car over to the side of the highway within a construction zone and waited alone in the dark for me to pick her up while cars were passing at highway speeds. This breakdown could have resulted in an engine fire again without warning. The Honda dealer inspected the engine and took photos of the broken connecting rod. I have sent a customer service request to American Honda with the pictures, maintenance records and diagnosis of the issue given by the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the engine made abnormal clicking sounds and was shaking while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic recommended that the contact wait to see if the vehicle was included in an upcoming recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was recommended that the rocket oil pressure switch and an oil change be performed. The vehicle was previously repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the independent mechanic recommending that the contact wait for a recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that assist might be provided under a Good Will Program. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.