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, Oct 20, 2025
I took my car in for a safety recall and was not provided a loaner vehicle. Both the dealer and Honda have refused to provide me a rental and now I will be picking my vehicle up and driving it while it’s unsafe with children in the car.
Engine, Oct 18, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot. While driving and attempting to turn into my local Walmart, my vehicle suddenly came to a complete stop without any warning. A vehicle traveling behind me had to swerve abruptly to avoid a collision, which could have resulted in a serious accident. After having my vehicle inspected by a local certified mechanic, I was informed that the engine had failed and that the estimated cost of repair would be approximately $9,000. Upon reviewing existing recall information for the 2016 Honda Pilot, I discovered that my vehicle is not currently included in the active recall related to engine failure. However, I have found numerous consumer reports describing the same issue with the 2016 Honda Pilot that were also not covered under the existing recall. I understand that as of August 2025, the NHTSA and Honda were reportedly reviewing the possibility of expanding the recall to include additional affected vehicles. Given the safety risks involved and the clear pattern of similar failures, I am respectfully requesting that my vehicle be considered for inclusion in the recall and that the engine repair costs be covered accordingly. Please let me know if additional documentation, such as repair estimates or VIN information, is needed to support this claim. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Oct 16, 2025
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Pilot (White Diamond Pearl, NH-603P) is peeling and flaking off on the roof and tailgate, exposing the primer. The vehicle has never been repainted or damaged. Honda confirmed my VIN isn’t covered, but this is the same factory paint defect affecting other Pilots and Hondas with the same color. The issue keeps spreading and reduces resale value while exposing metal to corrosion. This is a clear manufacturing defect, not wear or neglect. I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate and push Honda to expand coverage for all affected VINs.
Engine, Oct 14, 2025
Our 2016 Pilot errored while driving on the highway at 75mph and went to half power. This happened multiple times; resulting in a dangerous situation. After getting it towed to a Honda dealer, it was discovered that there was a defect of the engine crankshaft. This part needed to be replaced at our cost.
Engine, Oct 14, 2025
Broken connecting rod leading to total engine failure on a beltway single lane overpass during rush hour on December 11, 2023. I paid to replace the engine (and matching transmission) with recovered (junk yard) parts from a 2017 (as advertised). The failed engine has been retained in storage since the event and is available for inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for diagnosis where the findings of failed connecting rod. Dealer indicated that the failure was NOT part of the November 2023 recall. Shortly before the catastrophic engine failure the vehicle went into limp mode. The dealer advised attempting to get it to the dealership which was only a few miles further. The vehicle did not make it. The failure occurred on a very dangerous fly-over single lane overpass ramp on I-95 to I-695 WB in Baltimore, Maryland. When the vehicle was purchased, a (7) year / 150,000 mile extended, bumper to bumper warranty was also acquired. This warranty expired (19) days prior to the failure. My concern is that my only option, at the time, was to replace the failed engine with an available 2017 engine from the same vehicle model and trim level. This engine may very well have the same potential issue.
Engine, Oct 13, 2025
Hi, I have a Hoda Piot 2016 EX AWD V6, with odometer around 90000 miles. Last weekend my son who's 17 with his friends tok the car to go camping on the coast. The car has no problem at all, and I have folllowed the all Honda recommended maintenance. In fact it just have the break job and inspection done by the dealer a month ago. Well, my son parked the car in Fred Meyer and couldn't start the car. I took it to the dealer and notice that there's a recall 23V-751 and the dealer said that my car is not part of the recall based on the vin number. The dealer quote me to replace the engine with a used engine for $11,000 plus, they do not know what caused the engine to seize, and they can tear apart into the engine to know exacty what caused the issue for $616. How can I check if this is related to th erecall without paying $616 just to tear aprt the seized engine, and I also complain because I thought the car is the safest car my son can drive to his first camping trip.
Engine, Oct 8, 2025
Heard a knocking sound, had it towed, diagnosed by local mechanic ans then diagnosed by Honda mechanic as engine rod bearing failures. Consistent with recall. However Honda says this vehicle VIN is not scoped within the recall, and therefor requires an engine replacement. Both mechanics, and Honda Sales Mgr, service Mgr, and sales rep, along with other mechanical knowledgeable persons, all were shocked by the issue, and suggested the vehicle should go for 100,000 more l without this type of problem. Furthermore, all were shocked that the recall / Honda would not cover it, due to it being the same issue listed on the recall. Additionally, the dealership claimed the "lifetime powertrain warranty " was void and this would not be covered there either.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Oct 6, 2025
The front facing camera on my pilot failed over a year ago. We took the vehicle to honda its over 2,000 to fix it. When the camera gets hot all adas lights will go off and it effects the transmission my car went into limp while reversing I also have to pull over in unsafe areas to turn off my vehicle bc the camera heats up and the car freaks out
Engine, Oct 5, 2025
Our vehicle started making a knocking noise when being driven. We took it to the dealer for routine maintenance as well as to assess the noise. The dealership diagnosis is that the piston rods are knocking against the cylinder wall, causing a lot of metal shavings/glitter to be found in the oil. The service rep referred us to a recall for other vehicles of the same make and model for connecting rod bearings that can lead to the same mechanical failure. The issue can lead to an engine failure which can increase the risk of a crash, fire, or injury. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The diagnosis from the dealership was based on the metal shavings in the oil, the noise that the engine made, and the recall of other similar vehicles. The engine has not yet been taken apart to confirm the damage. We are waiting on Honda corporate to give the go ahead for that. No warning lights or other dashboard messages have appeared.
Equipment, Oct 3, 2025
The audio system in my car blares When car is cold and after 5 minutes it turned off, and once it turned off a loud static noise that makes my vehicle unsafe to drive. The only way to get the noise to turn off is to pull over and completely turn off the car, and sometimes that does not even work. This is a driving hazard and could also be damaging long-term to my hearing. I have contacted Honda who says they have no recalls associated with this issue, but there are NUMEROUS complaints from customers online.
Engine, Oct 2, 2025
The engine seized as I was driving. This posed a safety risk because it was in the middle of traffic. After having the vehicle towed to a service shop it was confirmed that the engine had seized. The check engine light had appeared 2 days prior but then went off and reappeared right before the engine shut off.
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
Recall ID: 23V-751 (2023) Recall Query RQ24013 On [XXX] my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure while driving. Prior to this, the vehicle had been maintained regularly and showed no signs of major engine issues. The failure occurred without warning, following intermittent misfire symptoms that quickly escalated to the engine shutting down and becoming inoperable. After towing the vehicle to a repair facility, I was informed that the engine suffered internal damage requiring complete replacement. The shop indicated that the failure was related to internal engine components, consistent with known issues involving crankshaft machining and connecting rod bearing wear. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 23V-751, which addresses improper crankshaft machining leading to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure in 2016 Honda Pilots and related models. Additionally, I am aware of NHTSA Recall Query RQ24-013, which was opened in 2024 to investigate whether the scope of 23V-751 should be expanded to include additional VINs due to similar failures. My VIN is currently outside the official recall range, but the symptoms and required repair align with the defect described in the recall and investigation. Given the similarity of my engine failure to the defect under federal investigation, I am requesting reimbursement for the cost of the engine replacement by adding my VIN to the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
While driving down the road the Engine started making a bearing noise and then started making a metallic rattling noise and then stopped. The car was towed to a Don Wessel Honda dealership in Springfield, MO, where they determined that parts in the engine just came apart. There were multiple holes in the Engine Block. I was told that this was not common and at 79093 miles it was no longer under Warranty. They replaced the engine with a used Engine from 2017. The total cost was $7483.90. I later learned that this was an issue that was recalled on this year and Model of car, but my VIN was not included. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the recall.
Engine, Sep 28, 2025
Engine rod bearing
Power train, Engine, Sep 24, 2025
Complete engine failure on highway
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
In Mid-August (8/13/25), at 61,355 miles, my 2016 Honda Pilot experienced sudden engine failure due to what my dealer diagnosed as a connecting rod bearing/crankshaft failure. Prior to the failure, we had no issues with the car. The engine ultimately seized while the vehicle was in motion, creating a serious safety risk. My vehicle has been regularly maintained, most specifically timely oil changes (the most recent in December (12/11/24), less than 4000 miles prior to failure, yet the engine still failed. I am aware that Honda has issued recalls and is under NHTSA investigation for engine failures caused by defective rod bearings in 2016–2020 Honda Pilots and related models. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall despite experiencing the same failure described in the recall notices and owner complaints. This is a serious safety issue. An engine seizure or stall at highway speeds could easily result in loss of control or a crash. I request that NHTSA expand its investigation and hold Honda accountable for covering all affected vehicles, including mine.
Power train, Engine, Sep 22, 2025
I own a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD with approximately 160,000 miles. Within a week of purchase, the engine suffered a crankshaft/rod bearing failure. While driving, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled in traffic. I had to quickly turn onto a side street to get out of traffic, and smoke started coming from the engine bay. The vehicle is now not driveable. I already went to a Honda dealer, and when they checked my VIN, their system only showed warranty extensions for the fuel injectors and the start/stop switch. No recall or campaign appeared for the known rod bearing defect. However, my vehicle experienced the exact failure described in recall 23V-751 and the current NHTSA investigation into Honda V6 engines. I also contacted Honda corporate recall center directly, and they opened a case under my VIN. I have the case number available if needed This poses a serious safety risk since the engine can stall without warning while driving. I request that NHTSA investigate and expand the recall to cover additional vehicles including mine, that have experienced this same dangerous defect.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from underneath the hood, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with a blown engine bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was deemed unrepairable due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine, Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was parked at the place of employment for several hours. After parking the vehicle at the workplace for several hours, the contact resumed driving at an undisclosed speed, and the abnormal knocking sounds from the engine compartment returned before the vehicle stalled at an intersection. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that connecting rod bearing failure caused engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Engine, Sep 12, 2025
While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring (approx. 110,000 miles) with my wife and two children [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned without warning. As I was coming to a stop, the dashboard lit up with multiple warning lights and the engine appeared to stumble/stall. Once I regained focus, I could hear a loud ticking/knocking from the engine. This sudden failure put my family’s safety at risk while the vehicle was in motion. I brought the vehicle to the dealership where all maintenance has been performed since purchase. A diagnostic scan revealed code P0302 (misfire cylinder 2). Upon inspection, the mechanic found metal shavings in the oil filter and determined that cylinder #2 suffered a spun rod bearing, resulting in connecting rod and crankshaft damage. The engine was deemed non-repairable and requires full replacement. The Pilot has been properly maintained, with the most recent oil change performed on 5/13/2025 and no issues noted. I am the original owner, and the in-service date was late 2015 (among the first redesigned Pilots). This appears to be a critical engine defect that occurs without warning, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and creating a serious safety hazard for drivers and passengers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2025
instrument panel
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 11, 2025
THEY SAID I HAD A RECALL KNOW THEY SAY NO WHAT IS GOING AND DASH PENAL
Engine, Sep 11, 2025
My Pilot is experiencing a loud knocking noise from the engine, a symptom directly related to NHTSA Recall 23V-751 (Honda's engine connecting rod bearing failure). On 9/8, I took my vehicle to BP Service in Kirkwood, Missouri, for a diagnosis. The technician confirmed that the knocking noise was consistent with an internal engine issue, likely involving the crankshaft and connecting rods. This diagnosis prompted me to investigate the recall. On 9/10, I contacted the Honda dealership in Frontenac, Missouri, specifically mentioning the symptoms and the recall. The dealership service department checked my vehicle's VIN and informed me that it was not included in the official recall list for 23V-751. Despite my VIN not being on the list, the symptoms of my vehicle match the described defect in the recall. The engine knocking and potential for engine failure pose a serious safety risk. I am concerned that the recall population may be too narrow and that my vehicle's VIN should be included. I have attached a receipt from BP Service regarding their diagnosis and I can have them provide a more detailed report if needed.
Engine, Sep 11, 2025
My vehicle is experiencing a loud knocking noise from the engine, a symptom directly related to NHTSA Recall 23V-751 (Honda's engine connecting rod bearing failure). On 9/8, I took my vehicle to BP Service in Kirkwood, Missouri, for a diagnosis. The technician confirmed that the knocking noise was consistent with an internal engine issue, likely involving the crankshaft and connecting rods. This diagnosis prompted me to investigate the recall. On 9/10, I contacted the Honda dealership in Frontenac, Missouri, specifically mentioning the symptoms and the recall. The dealership service department checked my vehicle's VIN and informed me that it was not included in the official recall list for 23V-751. Despite my VIN not being on the list, the symptoms of my vehicle match the described defect in the recall. The engine knocking and potential for engine failure pose a serious safety risk. I am concerned that the recall population may be too narrow and that my vehicle's VIN should be included. I've attached a receipt from BP Service regarding their diagnosis if more detail is needed, I can have them write a full report.
Engine, Sep 9, 2025
I was driving my 2016 honda pilot home. Started from a red light, heard some grinding and then a loud bang and had no power to move. I coasted to the side of the road and had it towed as I restarted it to hear a loud grinding. Local mechanic said to take to the dealership because I threw a rod and the cylinder seized up. Honda confirmed this and then replaced my engine with a used one. 2 years later I discovered other pilots had this happen after mine did and recalls were put out but my VIN isn't on the list and honda refused to reimburse me for the engine. Im out 8 grand for a problem that they know about with my same year and model vehicle but because I'm not on the list, im out of luck.