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, Jul 8, 2021
Auto Idle shut off stalls the car. Once the car is stopped...the engine will shut off. When I take my foot off the brake...the engine stalls, goes into park..several lights come up on the dash. This is very concerning....especially when it is difficult to start the car back up again.
Power train, Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission failed to shift up to a higher gear. The contact mentioned that the RPMs were shifting faster than the speed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, Jul 4, 2021
While waiting for the green light and pressing the brake engine suddenly stopped. Thinking that engine stop and go mode kicking in but despite releasing the brake it won't restart. Tried to restart vehicle but only on the 3rd attemp that engine restarted. This is the second time it happened despite the repair last month at dealership which according to them they change the start switch botton that might caused the problem. I believe the stop and go feature of the car causing this problem. Releasing the brake from full stop should render the engine to restart but for any reason this is malfunctioning.
Engine, Jul 2, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The auto engine idle fails to restart / shuts own the vehicle completely in busy intersections or stop and go traffic. A common symptom that is character I ed as the root cause is a weak battery, even when the battery is less than 2 years old. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, vehicle has stalled several times on the busiest highway in Hawaii during rush hour traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was recreated by me during a road east several times with the service manager from the local Honda dealer in the vehicle. 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? All lights come on instantaneously before the vehicle completely does. The vehicle must be placed in park and takes as long as 30 seconds to restart. Again, in the middle of the highway H1 on Oahu.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2021
The components that have failed are the fuel injectors and catalytic converter. This is according to the Honda dealerships diagnostics. Whenever I press the gas the car hesitates, shudders, shakes, and wont accelerate. This has been an ongoing issue for the past 4 years when the car was 1 year old. It has gradually become worse.My children's safety as well as my safety are put at risk every time I drive. But one example was when I was entering the highway, I tried to speed up and couldn't and almost crashed with another car because my car wasn't functioning correctly and I wasnt able to merge correctly. The dealership has confirmed the issue but wont take responsibility on fixing it. They want me to pay out of pocket. No it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, etc. At first there were no warning lamps, but there was a slight hesitation. Eventually, when the car started getting worse, the emissions light as well as check engine light came on. Took it it to the dealership and they got Catalytic converter P0430 error code. However, the dealership kept saying it was fuel injectors issue since it was no longer under warranty and they wanted me to pay for it. Fuel injector warranty is covered until 36k miles and I was at 60k miles.I did replace the fuel injectors with a different mechanic and that didn't fix the problem. Still drove the same. Now that I am over 100k miles on my vehicle, they are saying it's the catalytic converter because that warranty ran out at 80k miles and I would have to pay for it. I am not the only 2016 Honda Pilot owner having these issues and Honda is aware of it but wont take responsibility for it. I cannot afford to get a new car. This year model came out faulty and Honda has made bulletins regarding the issue, but wont cover the cost to fix the cars. They should be held responsible.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
The Auto Idle Engine malfunctioned and would not allow the car to start again at an intersection. Previously, It has been stalling out and turns the electrical of the car off (radio) when engaging but this time the car would not start at all. After approximately 90 seconds I was able to turn the car back on.
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2021
Remote key start error
Engine, Jun 20, 2021
When I was stopped at a stop light, the auto idle malfunctioned. The car totally shut off and I was unable to get it restarted despite the flashing lights telling me to put it in park and restart it. It wouldn't start. After sitting for awhile in traffic waiting for the tow truck. I opened the door and closed it and then it restarted. I moved it over to a parking lot where it happened once again for the tow truck driver.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2021
The vehicle is starting itself in accessory mode. It is completely off, no one around, no one touching the key fobs, and it will just try to start itself. Because no one is inside of the car pressing the brake, it just defaults to accessory mode. The vehicle is just turning itself on by itself. When the vehicle is locked, this triggers the alarm.
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2021
Got a “Keyless Start System Problem” message on the display board. Changed the batteries in the key fobs and the message won’t clear.
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2021
At a stop light the vehicle will intermittently, during the idle stop sequence, not restart. I have had it to the dealer for this problem where the outcome was NTF. I had the battery replaced and the vehicle still does this on occasion. In order to restart it must be placed in park, powered down, powered back up and then you can restart. This process on average takes 15 to 20 seconds. In a busy intersection this is very stressful as cars behind you start to honk and yell as you try and keep your cool to go through the restart process.
Engine, Jun 5, 2021
The auto engine idle feature when enabled will not start back up properly and stall at times. I’ve taken this car to my Honda dealer to repair and they do not see an issue.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 2, 2021
Emission problem system keeps lighting up, going to service with Honda 3x times but engine light keeps popping up, replaced knock sensor failure at first, then still pop up, they figured out now it’s 2 bank failure, need to replace engine harness and knock sensors sub harness, p0328, p0333. It will cause acceleration problem
Electrical system, May 31, 2021
I get a keyless start system error that hasn’t been fixed with changing out the battery on the remote. From reading about this, it is a major issue with the Honda Pilots
Electrical system, May 30, 2021
"remote start system Problem" is displayed and starting and shutoff of vehicle
Power train, Engine, May 24, 2021
My vehicle shut down while driving with error messages on screen: emissions transmission, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, trailer stability, assist, power steering, road departure,collision mitigation, blind spot, transmission, battery light, oil light. Coasted into safe place and had towed. Could not turn car back on other than seeing the above warnings.
Engine, May 24, 2021
The 2016 Honda Pilot Elite has an auto idle stop (AIS). Three times in the last six months my Pilot has stalled when at a stop and not automatically restarted when the foot was taken off the brake. It then took 5-6 tries to have the car restart. Twice it happened at stop signs with traffic behind me and once in rush hour traffic in Dallas when stopped for traffic backup. Mine does not seem to be an isolated problem since I have read numerous accounts of similar problems online. Dealer said did not have a fix for problem.
Engine, May 21, 2021
Won't start after idle stop, and i have reported to Honda Dealer Elcrrito service center they updated systems last three months back again its same issue and have now had this problem 4 times in the past 4-5 months while we stopped at a light, the idle stop will engage and shut off the engine, but then it won't start without completely turn off for a couple of minutes, this serious safety issue if this will happen the same issue at freeway then we don't know what to do.
Engine, May 19, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. A COMPLAINT WAS SUBMITTED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,100.
Engine, May 17, 2021
Auto Idle stop. twice my car has shut of when auto idle was engaged. Traveling at speed have to stop to merge or at red light auto idle will engaged. Car shut off when the brake was released followed by a warning display in the speedometer screen to put car in park and and restart. Those are the facts now for the issue. I was traveling on I35 in Texas merged onto 190. Had to momentarily stop to merge. I let off brake and the car died. Cars where coming up on me fast. I was able to engage hazard flashers and restart car. Second time I was at red light released brake and car died. Followed same procedure and got car restarted. This has happened twice in last two weeks My car is now in the shop . When researching on line this seems to be a common problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2021
MY CAR WAS "STALL OUT" AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN WHEN I WAS IN "AUTO IDLE-STOP" AND PRESSED ON THE GAS. I FIRST NOTICED THAT THE AUTO IDLE-STOP WAS HESITATING WHEN IT WOULD START UP. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE RADIO WOULD "CUT OUT". AFTER THAT, THE VEHICLE WOULD JUST STALL OUT AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH PARK, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN PUSH START. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT WHEN YOU ARE AT A STOP LIGHT OR GETTING READY TO MAKE A TURN AND THE VEHICLE JUST "DIES". TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SOFTWARE ADJUSTMENT. THE AUTO IDLE-STOP WORKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, THEN STARTED HESITATING AND NOW IT INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHEN THE GAS IS PRESSED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2021
AUTO RESTART HAS TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AT A STOPLIGHT AND THEN NOT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND PUT THE DRIVETRAIN INTO NEUTRAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. ALSO THE CAR SHIFTS INTO GEARS THAT EITHER SLOW MY CAR UP WHEN IM TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND SPEEDING MY VEHICLE UP WHEN BRAKING.
Air bags, May 13, 2021, crash
GOT INTO A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM PROBLEM APPEARED ON THE DASH.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 7, 2021
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO SHUT OFF AND RESTART FEATURE. THERE ARE MANY INSTANCES WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT A STOPLIGHT OR IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN DOES NOT RESTART AUTOMATICALLY AS IT SHOULD. THE VEHICLE MUST BE POWERED OFF AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. THERE SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY SENSOR OR SOME THING. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP HAS PROVIDED NO EXPLANATION EXCEPT IT'S A BATTERY ISSUE WHICH IT IS NOT CONNECTED AS WE HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY. I AM CONCERNED THAT WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC AT A STOPLIGHT IF I HAVE FORGOTTEN TO PRESS THE BUTTON TO DISENGAGE THE AUTO RESTART THEN I'LL BE STRANDED WHILE TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR. IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT THE LAST 18 MONTHS.
Engine, May 7, 2021
THE "AUTO IDLE-STOP" IS AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED ON THIS VEHICLE. WHENEVER IT IS "ON" THE CAR WILL STALL AND SHUT DOWN WHEN STOPPING IN TRAFFIC OR AT LIGHTS. HAVE BROUGHT TO HONDA, THEY SAY IT CANNOT BE FIXED AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS.