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.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 30, 2026
Engine failure while on highway traffic in construction zone caused engine shut off, losing power steering and odd braking. I was driving on a split 4 lane highway (2 lanes each direction), with a large ditch median between the directional lanes. My direction had construction cones for several miles limiting traffic to 1 lane, still at a 65 MPH speed limit with heavy semi traffic. The right lane was closed for construction, so all traffic was lined in left lane, though maintaining the speed limit. A few hundred yards into the construction my check engine light came on, and then after a minute or so it started blinking but there was no place to pull over safely. I reduced speed and semi traffic was lining up behind me. Then the engine and rest of car shut off, losing power steering. I ended up weaving into the construction part and was finally able to stop but not without danger to myself and others. Motor would restart but sounded terrible and I did not feel safe driving further and did not have faith it would make it far, especially since I'd have to re-enter the highway construction traffic. I had it towed to local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as a piston rod bearing spin/stuck, or in other words a spun/slipped rod/crank bearing.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
Auto idle stop function causing car to not start back up. Could be at a stop sign, in a left turn lane, in the middle of an intersection waiting to turn. Very stressful and unsafe driving conditions. This has been ongoing for years. Dealership has blamed it on the battery, which has been replaced theee times (one of those times under warranty), dealership has looked at the car multiple times. Also made recommended Honda repairs per the issued safety bulletin. But it continues to happen.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2026
We started having problems with the catalytic converter clogging so we put Heat in it and then only used 100%gas. Then we went to my daughter’s house and when we went to leave the car wouldn’t start. We could smell burning. We had it towed to our mechanic and he replaced the starter but he had a hard time getting it off because it was almost fused because of the heat. Then 3-4 days later all the check engine lights came on. We had it checked out by Christian Brothers and he had to replace all of the fuel injectors. He also had to replace the ERG valve. It all I feel was caused by the fuel injectors and was causing problems in the engine and causing the burning smell. I have read that this has been a problem on the vehicles and wanted to report it for a Recall. We love the vehicle but with the mileage only being at 143,400.
Engine, Jan 16, 2026
According to my mechanic there is the low end bearing noise and bearing chirp that indicates it lost oil pressure due to internal components and a damaged engine. recommends replacing the engine. He said because of the recall there are no remanufactured engines available. Computer diagnostics showed code P0303 #3 cylinder misfire. He believes this has to do with recall 23V-751or RQ24-013. No repairs have been done.
Engine, Jan 15, 2026
Most recently my engine started to have a clicking/knocking sound that was progressively getting worse. This happened within 1000 miles of replacing the timing belt. I now have a cylinder 2 failure and the dealer is recommending a $6000 plus complete used engine replacement with a warranty of only 12,000 miles. the knocking goes away if cylinder 2 plug is pulled. car has had multiple problems, 9-Speed Transmission Defect rough/delayed shifting, loud noises, harsh acceleration/deceleration, and sudden power loss, creating a safety risk. It has stopped at stoplights and failed to restart for 10-15 seconds. Auto Idle Stop (AIS) System: Claims that the engine doesn't always restart when the driver lifts their foot off the brake, a defect that has led to a class-action settlement.
Engine, Jan 14, 2026
Purchased my 2016 Honda pilot with 3.5 v6 engine at Baierl Honda in November 2024. In December 2025 my engine failed. Towed to dealer I purchased from . Mechanic said there is metal in the oil the motor is done and needs replaced. Many of these motors were recalled , but for some reason mine is not on the list. I still owe 12,000 on loan on this car. I contacted Honda said nothing they can do because it hasn't been recalled "yet". There were other recalls from Honda in the same motor. Why wasn't mine recalled?
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2026
I was driving and went through an intersection when all of a sudden the car automatically shifted into Neutral and lights started flashing and stalled. The engine ceased up. I checked to see if I had oil. I did. Prior to this event on multiple occasions while driving on the HWY and trying to accelerate the engine had problems getting into gear. This vehicle has made me feel unsafe multiple times while driving and shifting out of gear and now just stalling while driving. Honda has a huge problem with the engines.
Engine, Jan 9, 2026
My engine has failed at ~104K miles after regular and consistent maintenance. The failure (rod bearing) matches Recall 23V751 but my VIN was excluded.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when he had parked the vehicle at work, he had heard an abnormal clicking sound from the engine compartment, and the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that as he drove the vehicle back to his residence at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning started flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact drove the vehicle to an auto parts store, and the store employee used a handheld scanner and drew voltage and engine communication codes. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer did not perform a detailed diagnosis, but when the contact picked the vehicle up, he was still hearing the abnormal clicking sound. The dealer had a mechanic try to evaluate the abnormal noise by listening and thought it sounded like a failing timing belt tensioner. The contact then drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rod bearings had failed and the crankshaft was scored. The mechanic recommended replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to a dealer to run a diagnostic check to see if the contact qualified for a "goodwill assistance program. The contact stated that the manufacturer advised that the program was not guaranteed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
Honda Pilot 2016 and 83K miles and original owner. The car was traveling at I-95 going to Vermont when the engine light come on the dashboard showing low pressure oil. The car was stopped in a safe place and called AAA and towed to nearest mechanic in Massachusetts. The mechanic diagnosed and said the engine is shut and needed to be replaced. I called American Honda and was being told to tow it to a Honda Service dealership nearby and we did. Confirmed by them that the engine was shut and they found a metal inside the engine which is caused by the rod bearing. The American Honda did nothing at all to address it. So frustrating. The car is still sitting on the Honda Service lot in Massachusetts. The cost to replace the engine with a used one is $7500.00
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
Torque shutter, transmission oil burning quickly
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that there was an abnormal engine knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were recurring oil leaks and a misfire coming from the engine. The engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, the ESC, hill start assist, VSA, EPS, and steering low warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the codes. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Jan 2, 2026
. We have owned our 2016 Pilot since 2023. We have never had a problem with it and have had the recommended maintenance performed on schedule. The incident of our engine failing, out of the blue, occurred when my husband drove from MN to Indiana and then he made it back to MN and the engine died literally at the exit to our hometown. Our Honda Pilot ran perfect when my husband drove from MN to IN with no problems at all. He made it all the way back to MN and when he took the exit to our town, a bunch of lights went off on the dashboard. There were several lights and I don't know exactly which ones unfortunately. He was able to get it into our driveway and it was unable to be started once he turned it off. We had to get it towed to the dealer (Tom Kadlec) . After diagnostic testing, we were told we needed a new engine. It cost us $8000 for a rebuilt engine. The mechanic knows all the details of the problem, but rod bearings were included in the description of our problem. I realize our vehicle has higher mileage, but this is so unlike a Honda vehicle to just quit and then to have such a drastic and expensive result....a new engine needed. Of course, completely unexpected and disappointing,out of the blue, I just am shocked and would like to know if it had something to do with the recall. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you very much. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 26, 2025
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while being driven at highway speeds in the carpool lane under normal conditions. The engine began knocking and misfiring, followed by a significant loss of power. There were no warning lights, oil pressure alerts, or messages prior to the failure. The loss of power and engine knocking made it difficult to safely cross multiple highway lanes from the carpool lane to reach an exit, creating a serious safety hazard in active traffic. The driver exited the freeway as soon as safely possible, parked the vehicle, turned the engine off, and had it towed to prevent further damage or risk. The vehicle was towed home and then towed the following day to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed the failure was caused by internal engine damage due to a connecting rod bearing failure, resulting in a misfire on cylinder 4. This diagnosis was confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, including routine oil and filter changes. There was no indication of oil starvation, overheating, or neglect prior to the failure. The engine failure occurred suddenly and without warning. There is an existing recall and an active federal investigation related to connecting rod bearing failures in certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles. While this vehicle’s VIN has not been officially included, the failure mode, symptoms, and dealer-confirmed diagnosis in this incident appear consistent with the issues described in those actions. Sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds presents a serious safety risk due to unexpected loss of power in traffic. This complaint is submitted to document a similar internal engine failure with no warning and its associated safety implications.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2025
warning engine light came on. Emission control system light came on too. Honda Pilot 2016 Milage 70,662. Vehicle operating normally. Had car parts store use OBD electronic scanner and it revealed a code P0328: "Knock Sensor voltage High". Code was deleted after scan. I was told by tech at car parts store that the sensor was detecting odd electronic signals and sent info to the cars computer, which intern made the computer to display the warning lights on the dash panel. Warning lights were then off, and then a day later, the engine warning lights came on again. There are no physical or audible signs that any mechanical errors are happening, The car/engine is operating as normal. next day; made appt with Honda dealership to check system with their equipment and the warning lights did not come on , prior to the trip to the dealership. Dealership scan (Dec 23, 2025) confirms a faulty Knock Sensor w/code P0328. My internet search of this code reading, reveals possible engine damage, improper fuel distribution and possible engine failure when driving. This issue has been reported before, many times, per my internet search...why no recall? Dealership wants $1,234 to replace Knock sensor bank 1& 2. My original request to the dealership was to check my vehicle to see if it had any performance problems as noted in Honda Service Bulletin 20-100 Nov 24, 2020 problems, but their search revealed the P0328 code . I was charged $100 just for this diagnostic system search.
Engine, Dec 23, 2025
This car was purchased new from Gustman Honda in Appleton WI. It was well maintained and never driven off road. On [XXX], my [XXX] old daughter was driving it to school. She was on [XXX] when the engine had a severe failure and several rods punctured the engine block. There were no warnings, no engine lights, etc. prior to this complete engine failure. Luckily she was going to school for an early morning class and there were few cars on the highway. She was able to get the car somewhat off the road and call called me for help. I had it towed to Jiggers Auto in Chilton WI where they determined the complete engine failure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 23, 2025
FAILING ROD BEARING
Engine, Dec 22, 2025
The car has 83K miles and the Honda Service said the engine needs to be replaced due to internal engine problem.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2025
My keyless start system is going off and on and this is supposedly a well known problem with this year and model and the start stop buttoning going off and car stalling etc. it says to report to you all online.
Engine, Dec 18, 2025
Rod bearing knocking noise.
Engine, Dec 16, 2025, fire
When driving on highway, heard loud engine cranking sound, followed by sudden jolts of the car. Stopped the car in the road median and then noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. Passengers got out of the car and noticed fire under the engine; called 911 immediately, then police and fire engine arrived to extinguish fire. Towed the car to Local Honda Service center. Diagnosis from the service center mentions: "A CONNECTING ROD BROKE AND EXITED THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK/OIL PAN AREA ON BACK OF ENGINE. .... and ENGINE ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED along with other fire damaged and water damaged parts/sections...." This looks to be related 2016 Honda Pilot Connecting Rod recall ( NHTSA recall# 23V-751 ). Car maintenance has always been done on-time at the Honda Service center (records available for inspection). There were no warning lights before the incidence. Insurance company has inspected the car for claim purpose.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2025
We had road issues recently and the care stalled on Thanksgiving. We ended up having it towed to 2 mechanics, the final mechanic determined that this issue is a recall for other Hondas. Ours is not listed. I called the recall hotline and they will not fix the car under the recall because they did not add our VIN number to the recall. They informed us we could pay for the repair and keep our receipt for reimbursement if/when the VIN number is added. I was not happy with this outcome as if it's a problem with other vehicles why are we not being added. The recall is "a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearing that could cause the engine to seize and fail, leading to stalling while driving."
Engine, Dec 11, 2025
Was at a complete stop and my car turned off and all my dash lights came on. ON THE FREEWAY
Engine, Dec 10, 2025
My check engine light come on and started flashing on 11/24/25 and came along with a knocking sound. Got it to the shop, and they confirmed that the vehicle has a rod bearing knocking in the engine. I see that this has been a frequent known issue with this specific car and believe my car should be apart of this recall
Engine, Dec 10, 2025
Engine seized up and died. Towed to shop and needs to be replaced. There has been a recall on this model year due to an issue with rods in the engine, but I am being told my particular car does not qualify. Researching showed me that if any kind of claim was denied, to file a complaint with NHTSA.gov.