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 17, 2023
The vehicle was making a noise when being driven and we took it to Fletcher Honda for diagnosis. They told us there was a safety bulletin out for rod bearing noise but no other information available. Now there is a recall and they say our VIN is not included in the recall but we have rod bearing noise and cannot drive the vehicle for fear the engine will blow out.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, she heard an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle stalled and the contact coasted to a stop. The contact stated there was warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod to the crankshaft had failed, and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 17, 2023
I have a very loud knocking noise in the engine of 2016 Honda Pilot. The dealership told me it was a bad rod bearing. The same day the dealership told me there was going to be a recall on my vehicle for this exact problem. They are now telling me my VIN number is not covered in the recall for this exact problem. I find it hard to believe this problem occurred on my vehicle and is not related to recall. Thanks
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2023
I have been receiving a keyless start issue warnning and my battery has malfunctioned as a result of being unable to start the vehicle in a emergency situation is not safe
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2023
At times, when you start the car, on the screen where the radio and Honda link and Bluetooth are a message ( like an email) with a red exclamation point appears. I check the HONDA LINK app and it says that it has to do with the brake system. I drive the car and it stays on or disappears. It will come back and the go away. It happens around every few months since July.
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2023
On Monday my wife was outside the vehicle with the keys in her pocket. All of a sudden the car alarm went off without anyone touching the vehicle or without her bumping the button on the key fob. Also, on Tuesday morning she walked into the garage and noticed the vehicle’s headlights and taillights were on. The key was not in the vehicle nor did she have it on her. She opened/closed all doors thinking a door was left open. The lights eventually went off. Later that morning she got in the car and it would not start. The battery was jumped and she took it to our mechanic. The battery is fairly knew and after testing it, the mechanic said it had “plenty of juice left” but he did recharge it. While doing other maintenance to the car, he noticed the headlights/taillights coming on sporadically. He could not locate any electrical issue so he suggested I take it to the dealership. This morning (Wednesday) I took it to a Honda dealership and after running some diagnostics, it was determined it was a “keyless entry control unit” issue. The service tech told me he has seen this before in other Hondas and said it is a major safety issue if not repaired. The repair cost me over $1,000, and one I feel Honda should reimburse me for. This was not a normal wear/tear issue (like brakes, transmission, tires, etc.). This is a Honda internal electrical issue that malfunctioned. And as the service tech mentioned, it’s an extremely dangerous issue that causes safety concerns for my family (and other potential Honda owners).
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The short engine block failed while driving the car. Engine experienced problems prior to event such as engine shudder, engine shutoff while driving, and ultimately an engine failure while driving. Honda dealer stated that a failure in the short block is due to a manufacturer defect, but did not identify what the defect is. Having a car shut off while driving is extremely dangerous. Having a car engine fail while driving is also extremely dangerous. Car has been well maintained to all Honda standards. The 2016 Honda Pilot should be investigated for engine shudder, engine shutoff and premature engine failures.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2023
Auto Start/Stop feature has repeatedly struggled to restart car at stop lights. Disabling this feature manually after starting the car is the only way to disable this feature. Initial failures were due to battery wear, but after replacing the battery we still have intermittent issues where the vehicle will not restart after the auto stop feature has shut off the engine. This is very dangerous in traffic or in an intersection when expecting the vehicle to restart when you remove your foot from the gas and it instead shuts the vehicle off and puts the vehicle in park. It can take multiple tries to successfully restart the car after this shut down event. The dealership has not been able to replicate the issue.
Structure, Oct 24, 2023
My vehicle had a recall on my car hood because its loose. When you drive it when its windy it moves. I had recall fixed at a Honda dealership in Hutchinson Ks. Now my hood is loose again. I had to pull off the interstate yesterday to try to get it to latch because it was moving, and it was very windy, and I was afraid it was going to blow open on me. I wanted a whole new hood, and I was told I'd have to pay for that myself. I really think a new hood and latch system should be included in recalls with this type of vehicle. Im honestly afraid to go over 65mph in my cars current condition.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2023
I am reporting a problem with the 2016 Honda Pilot audio system. It sounds identical to the reported problems that have lead to a recall for the 2018-2022 models. The system works fine initially, but anywhere from 10 min - 1 hour into driving the system becomes staticky. The static noise starts out low, but quickly gets to the point where nothing else can be heard. This is across all input channels: radio, ipod, XM Satellite, etc.. The system then eventually shuts down and no sound can be heard.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2023
Unable to open my gas cap door either by pushing the gas opener button by driver side door or manually from the latch located in the trunk. I was running low on gas and am unable to refill the gas. Others offered to help by forcing the gas door open but said they would definitely damage the car. Gas attended looked at it and was unable to open gas door to refill gas tank. Without gas, my car is unable to turn on and drive. My kids were in the car with me and we were stranded. My car did not show any signs of warnings for this issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 10, 2023
1. The camshaft on the engine, took to a mechanic and Honda dealership, they are both saying its the camshaft. 2. Cannot drive the vehicle because every time I get up to about 20 - 30 mph the shuts off without warning while driving, not even coasting to a stop enough to pull over to a shoulder of a highway, leaving me and my 3 kids stranded in the middle of busy roads/highways. 3. yes, Honda issued a "technical service bulletin" but refuses to fix the issue without causing unnecessary hardship to owners who are affected. 4. The manufacture Honda Co., is aware the Camshaft was "not machined according to spec" based on their own bulletin. 5. No warnings as far as I can tell, it just started happening more and more frequently until I can hardly drive it anywhere without it breaking down. Once it breaks down a bunch of unrelated warning lights come on such as, "Emission system problem, power steering problem, Vehicle stability /assist problem, Hill Start problem, Trailer Stability Assist problem, Road departure mitigation system problem, Keyless start problem, along with the check engine light.
Engine, Oct 3, 2023
REFERENCING PRIOR SERVICE BULLETING HONDA 20-117 Warranty Extension: 2016-17 Pilot and 2017 Ridgeline Keyless Start System Error with DTC B12C5 This failure continues to occur but Honda will no longer cover since mileage is greater than 125,000 miles. The time is within the limits. This appears to be a known issue which is why the service bulletin was issued. My car has now had this issue but it wont be covered since I have 140,000 miles on my vehicle. Yet if its a known issue , its a known issue?
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the PUSH-to-START button was inoperable intermittently. There was no option to start the vehicle with a key. The key less start error message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty extension coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to the START/STOP switch assembly located under TSB: 20-117. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2023
Engine Auto Start failure at stop-light. Total vehicle shut-down instead of just the Engine Auto-stop/start. Happens several times annually - first noticed probably in 2021. Then can't restart car until I manually "Turn-off" vehicle. It's crazy - at a stop light and the car then car wants to fail when I release from the brake - when the light turns green. Have cars behind me honking. It's a major vehicle safety issue.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 25, 2023
While driving at freeway speeds of 80 mph, and while passing a vehicle, Engine wants to temporarily slow (like it's dropped a cylinder or two), and the car will NOT speed up. Then engine warning light starts to blink, Emissions Problem light starts to blink, then car downshifts several gears and slows dramatically - or will rev at 4500-5000 rpm. ON THE INTERSTATE! DRAMATICALLY UNSAFE. I've reported this to my dealer, Penske Honda in Carmel, IN - and they can't resolve any issue or see a stupid "error code". This has happened three times in past 3 years. IT"S TERBBYLY UNSAFE. Car goes from 80 to 60 and engine and transmission go on the blank.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2023
the auto engine idle stop repeatedly malfunctions causing the stopped car to not start up when it is time to go. It takes several seconds to restart the car and, in the middle of an intersection, this is very dangerous. It has happened numerous times. The dealer repeatedly says that there is nothing wrong with it. There are no warning signs when this happens. I am reporting the date of the last incident below
Power train, Sep 11, 2023
When driving vehicle between 20 to 60mgh the vehicle judders. The vehicle almost feels like it's going to come out of gear. The vehicle also seems to not speed up or react to the accelerator. This being an SUV that my wife and kids drive everyday seems to be a very high safety issue for our family. If this vehicle does not accelerate in time or shift in time it could potentially put my family in harm's Way. And the other vehicles involved as well. The dealership has inspected and acknowledged that there is a problem with the transmission shifting or shuttering. But they only say that the transmission needs servicing. I service the transmission at the Honda dealership 10 months ago and it's reoccurring again. A 10-month transmission service and it reoccurs seems to be excessive. Attached is a Honda service bulletin that I found and mentioned to the dealership and American Honda. They mentioned to me that my VIN number is not covered by this Service Bulletin. The bulletin States all VIN Bulletin # 17-015, #16-091 February 18, 2017 A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder. The judder was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid. The transmission fluid deteriorates quicker than expected when it is exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions. A software update is available to maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the potential for this judder. There are two bulletins referring to this subject: x 17-014 - 2016–17 Pilot: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch. American Honda customer service says that my VIN # is not cover by this Service Bulletin # 17-015, dated February
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
WHILE DRIVING HOME, ABOUT 30 MPH, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT IS SHIFTING ODDLY, THE STEERING GETS HARDER TO STEER THE LONGER YOU DRIVE AND IT GOT HARDER TO BREAK LIKE THE BRAKES WERE FREEZING UP.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the emissions warning light illuminated. The light was illuminated for approximately five days and then disappeared. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,600.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2023
vehicle died/lost power on interstate traveling near 75mph in heavy traffic. warning lights on dash came on. trying to maneuver through traffic to get to the side of the road was very dangerous. car taken to dealership and had a P0716 CODE stored in the computer. was told that there was a TSB for the issue but it was no longer in effect. they said it needed a TCM update. this is not an TSB issue but is a safety issue that should be addressed with a recall.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
My 2016 Honda Pilot was recently repaired as the Cam-Shaft had move within the care engine. My car has 109,000 miles on the vehicle, and should not have this issue given the cars age and the way that the car is driven. I am a suburban mom, who drives the car to work and with both of my children within my car. This put my entire family as risk driving within the care and could have hurt other drivers if the malfunction happened in the middle of the free-way or otherwise. The vehicle was inspected by the Honda Dealership for the issue. The vehicle has all of the dash lights flashing and the car was driving erratically, so much so that mid driving the car, it we were in a near miss accident due to the mechanical malfunction. The 2nd issue that has presented itself, it the start and stop button within the vehicle. It is a known defect to the vehicle.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was then towed to the local dealer who replaced the fuel pump a second time. The contact stated that the failure recurred a third time and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 216,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 17, 2023
at 45.000 miles all of my fuel injectors was replaced due to emission system problem appear on my dash board for free. At 97,000 miles we were on vacation in Houston TX, when the same emission system problem pop up on my dash board. I went to Honda dealership for engine diagnosis-"faulty fuel injectors". Sad thing the replacement fuel injectors are back ordered. So we left the vehicle behind in Houston and we went home with a rental car. 2 weeks after Honda informed me the parts have arrived. The vehicle was brought to the dealership and got fixed. we had it transported back here in Chicago. Back here same emission system problem came up. now they reprogram the vehicle computer. after a day they released the vehicle same error came up. now the Honda dealership says that the catalytic converter should be replaced. Parts and labor totals to $3,200.00. That is so upsetting considering the age of the vehicle and mileage. Suppose to get to 200,000 miles. Major defect on the 2016 Honda pilot that needs to be address by Honda of America and investigated by NHTSA.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2023
Our Honda Pilot 2016 starting experiencing fuel surging issues in July 2018 and was taken to our nearest Honda Dealership on 7/03/18 in The Dalles, Oregon. Honda stated it was a code C1841-27 which was repaired with no mention of fuel injector extended warranty issues, document included. On September 23, 2023 my car stopped functioning on a busy road way and was brought into our local mechanic. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump failed due to Honda code P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low) and was repaired. Shortly after while driving the car check engine light came on and the car had a noticeable burning smell. The car was towed to our mechanic which in turn told us to have it towed to the Honda Dealership for misfiring counter associating with failing fuel injectors TSB #18-025 code. My vehicle was towed to the closest Honda Dealership and repaired under the extended warranty recall 6E6. The fuel injectors were replaced by Honda on April 10, 2023 under above warranty recall. All documents and extended warranty paperwork was submitted to Honda, however, Honda is stating that they will not cover the faulty fuel pump and cost of towing the vehicle when the fuel injectors failed.