Honda Pilot Complaints (2016)

1,724 consumer complaints on file.

#11691530October 6, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691487October 5, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691173October 3, 2025
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690945October 2, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690528September 30, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690587September 30, 2025
ENGINE
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690177September 28, 2025
ENGINE
Engine rod bearing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689356September 24, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Complete engine failure on highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688922September 22, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689030September 22, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687934September 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687376September 15, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686799September 12, 2025
ENGINE
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686494September 11, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686495September 11, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686608September 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THEY SAID I HAD A RECALL KNOW THEY SAY NO WHAT IS GOING AND DASH PENAL
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686609September 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
instrument panel
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686125September 9, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685862September 9, 2025
ENGINE
While driving, the engine suddenly seized without warning. The vehicle lost power and could not be restarted, creating a hazardous situation. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership service center, which diagnosed a seized engine. They indicated that the next step would be a complete engine teardown to determine the cause, at significant cost. The component (engine) is available for inspection. To my knowledge, this problem has not been previously addressed or repaired, and it appears consistent with rod bearing failures currently under NHTSA investigation for this engine family.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685645September 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that no assistance could be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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