Honda Pilot Complaints (2016)

1,724 consumer complaints on file.

#11774395October 29, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I have a series of dashboard warning lights that have went off due to failure of this camera-based (LKAS) unit. They are labeled as: 1) Lane Keeping Assist Problem 2) Auto Matic Cruise Control Problem 3) Traction Control Problem 4) ABS - braking system failure. These issues, IMO, are enough to suggest a recall is warranted. Please advice. I can provide photos of these warnings if necessary. Thanks [XXX] 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
#11774204October 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I have been having issues with my 2016 Honda Pilot and I looked on Experian and it stated that there is a recall. There are two different recalls, the first one says Fuel Injector/W Software Update the date is 11/24/2020 and recall # W8V. Also recall for Start/Stop Switch that the recall date was 12/9/2020 and recall # Y93. I bought my car in 2024 but I did not get an extended warranty. The car is having same symptoms for the past 2 years, my husband tries to fix what he can. Even though it is not under warranty they never fixed these issues before selling my car. It started acting up after 3 months of having it. So I am thinking they just took of the system problem and tweaked it so the car would be sold.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774211October 28, 2026
ENGINE
Hello, While driving, the engine developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the bottom end. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection, where the mechanic drained the oil and cut open the oil filter. The filter pleats contained significant metallic debris and bearing shavings, confirming internal connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic confirmed the engine has severe bottom-end damage requiring a complete replacement. The damaged oil filter and engine are available for inspection upon request. According to the previous owner, the vehicle was brought to an official Honda dealership in April 2024 for this exact knocking noise. Per the seller, the dealership misdiagnosed the engine knock as a faulty timing belt tensioner and charged approximately $2,000 to replace the timing belt assembly. That repair failed to resolve the noise, but because of the dealer's misdiagnosis, the vehicle continued to be driven with failing rod bearings. This failure poses an immediate safety hazard. Sudden connecting rod bearing failure on the highway can lead to complete engine seizure, abrupt loss of power at high speeds, power steering loss, or a thrown rod causing an engine fire, putting passengers and surrounding traffic at severe risk. Prior to the diagnostic check, there were no low oil pressure warning lights or dashboard indicators. This failure directly aligns with NHTSA Campaign 23V-751 (Honda Recall XG1) for 3.5L V6 (J35) engine connecting rod bearing defects. This 2016 Honda Pilot has the exact affected J35 engine type and exhibits the exact failure mechanism described in the recall, yet this specific VIN was excluded. Given that non-recalled VINs are experiencing identical catastrophic bearing failures, Honda should expand the recall parameters or cover the replacement engine cost for vehicles with this confirmed defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774283October 28, 2026
ENGINE
Connecting rod spun a bearing/ rod knock Verified le customer's concern regarding an abnormal engine knockır oise. Conducted a diagnostic inspection and confirmed pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the ower engine assembly. Used a mechanic's stethoscope tr isolate the noise to the crankshaft/connecting rod area technician verified a catastrophic lower-end engine failure. Specifically, the diagnostic notes state: "Connecting rod spun a bearing / rod knock Verified" "Pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the lower engine assembly" "Testing indicated that the knocking noise was most prominent at cylinder #2, consistent with excessive connecting rod bearing clearance and a spun connecting rod bearing." Furthermore, the computer scan sheet shows zero codes for low oil pressure, engine overheating, or vehicle neglect. The temporary misfire codes listed occurred solely because the technician intentionally disconnected individual ignition coils to isolate the mechanical knocking sound. This precise diagnosis—a spun connecting rod bearing at cylinder #2 due to improper clearance—is the textbook definition of the inherent manufacturing defect that triggered the major NHTSA Action regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engines. Because my vehicle was manufactured at the Lincoln, Alabama plant and has been maintained perfectly by Honda its entire life, this failure is undeniably due to a factory structural defect rather than normal wear and tear or owner oversight.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773380October 24, 2026
ENGINE
While driving our 2016 Honda Pilot on the highway approximately three weeks ago, we experienced a sudden, loud clunk from the engine, followed by catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious safety concern. Following the incident, we learned that the engine had suffered severe internal damage involving the connecting rod/piston assembly, with internal components breaking through the engine block. The vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated by the Honda dealership at approximately $20,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 95,000–105,000 miles and had received regular maintenance at an authorized Honda dealership, including major engine maintenance in November 2025. We are particularly concerned because Honda previously issued Safety Recall 23V-751 for connecting rod bearing failures affecting certain 2016 Honda Pilots. However, our vehicle’s VIN was excluded from that recall despite experiencing an apparently similar catastrophic engine failure. NHTSA also opened Investigation PE25008 to investigate additional connecting rod bearing failures involving Honda vehicles outside the original recall population. We believe our vehicle’s failure warrants investigation to determine whether it is related to the known connecting rod bearing defect and whether additional vehicles were improperly excluded from the original recall. We have opened a case with American Honda, which is currently reviewing our request for assistance with engine replacement. We request that NHTSA document and investigate this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, given the sudden engine failure at highway speed and the risk of a serious accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772972October 22, 2026
ENGINE
The engine has developed a severe internal engine knocking/rattling noise while running. This symptom matches the defective crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failures detailed under NHTSA Campaign 23V751000, presenting a severe risk of sudden stalling and complete engine failure under load.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773118October 22, 2026
ENGINE
I am writing to report a severe internal engine defect on my 2016 Honda Pilot that poses a sudden stalling and safety hazard, identical to the failures covered under NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 23V-751. My vehicle is currently experiencing a distinct metallic rattling/knocking noise coming from the lower engine block. This noise is highly noticeable under acceleration and high-load conditions right before the transmission shifts gears at higher RPMs. Upon performing an inspection of the engine oil system, the drained engine oil revealed a heavy concentration of microscopic metallic "glitter" and shimmering copper/silver shavings suspended in the fluid. This confirms acute, active connecting rod bearing degradation and crankshaft journal wear. Despite displaying the exact textbook symptoms, failures, and manufacturing characteristics of the defect outlined in Recall 23V-751 (improperly ground crankshaft journals from the factory), my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am submitting this complaint to formally document that my vehicle is a clear positive match for this manufacturing defect. I request that my VIN be added to the active recall scope or included in the NHTSA’s ongoing investigation regarding Honda’s under-inclusive recall volume, as this failure introduces an immediate risk of catastrophic engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772790October 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2016 Honda pilots has given me trouble lots of people call it the Christmas lights effect, all the dashboard lights turn on in the middle of the highway and my truck jerks and turned off , they now about this dangerous trouble and has not put any recalls on this matter, had to spend 3,000 dollars had to replace the fuel pump and the fuel injected , will not recommend this truck, I was so stressed and scared
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772132October 19, 2026
AIR BAGS
An airbag warning light recently appeared in our 2016 Honda Pilot. Believing it might be a faulty sensor, we scheduled a service appointment with our local Honda dealership. During the inspection, we were advised that the airbag was not properly seated and requires replacement. This vehicle has not been involved in any recent accident or other event that would explain why the airbag became dislodged. I am very concerned that a critical safety component such as an airbag could become improperly positioned without any apparent cause. Given Honda's history with airbag-related issues, I believe this matter warrants further investigation. The fact that an airbag can become unsecured without any known impact raises significant safety concerns, not only for my vehicle but potentially for other owners as well. I respectfully request that this issue be reviewed and addressed to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771719October 16, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving home late Tuesday night October 13, 2026 the car made a severe noise, pulled to side of the road turned car off. The car would not start, the car was towed the next day to the Honda Dealership it was bought from. The car had just been in the Honda shop for routine maintenance. There was no warning lights. The safety concerns being on the side of a busy road. My wife and 2 children had to wake up and come and get me. This Pilot is our primary car the other one is not safe enough and is used for in town driving. According to the dealership it was towed to it was a P0304: cylinder 4 misfire misfire with a brand-new plug and a healthy timing belt, together with a loud engine noise, points to mechanical damage inside the engine. That fits a rod bearing failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771409October 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and all of my dashboard lights lit up like a Christmas tree and i was unable to move the car safely without great difficulty in traffic during rush-hour with my children in the car the fuel pump went out was what i was told by Honda and there was a recall for this for several model years but not mine I only had 98,998 miles on the car and it should be covered by the recall like the other model years this is an on going issue for Denso fuel pumps my model year should be covered and i should be reimbursed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771477October 15, 2026
ENGINE
Driving on the highway the engine stopped no warning lights or noises. Private mechanic and Honda themselves have said it was due to a rod breaking off. Which was recalled for the same year make and model but did not include my VIN and I believe my VIN should have been included
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770056October 9, 2026
STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the front subframe had a hole caused by corrosion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made clunking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for suspension wear and tear repair, and it was determined that there was a hole in the front suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and stated that the recall repair was only for the rear subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 101,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769684October 7, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's company owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that vehicle failed to start after several attempts with the "Emission System Failure", "Trailer Stability Assist", and "Electric Power Steering messages were displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P0087. The mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768863October 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We have a 2016 Honda pilot. The front fuel rail assembly which included the fuel rail pressure sensor & the high pressure fuel pump had to be replaced in our vehicle and it is currently going to the mechanic shop for the low pressure pump to now be replaced as well. There have been multiple complaints regarding the fuel pump on 2016 Honda pilot and while there was a recall for the pressure one, our VIN wasn’t not on that list. This issue started somewhere between 165-170k miles. This causes sputtering when starting and stalling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767959September 30, 2026
ENGINE
Catastrophic internal engine mechanical failure. My 2016 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6 engine) has developed a severe connecting rod bearing knock that is highly audible during cold starts and heavily intensifies upon pressing the gas pedal to accelerate. This issue is an exact match to the mechanical defect and symptoms detailed in NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 23V751000 (Improperly ground crankshaft pins causing premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure). However, when running my vehicle's 17-digit VIN, the system states that my vehicle is excluded from the recall list. This is a severe, life-threatening safety hazard. The engine is at immediate risk of throwing a rod, throwing metal debris into the oiling system, or completely seizing without warning, which would cause an abrupt loss of motive power at highway speeds or a catastrophic engine fire. Because thousands of owners outside the original production window are experiencing this identical failure, I am filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to mandate that Honda expand Recall 23V751000 to include all affected 3.5L V6 engine blocks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768126September 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My 2016 honda pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3.5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767756September 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2016 Honda Pilot had a U3000-49- Integrated Driver Assist System code. Multipurpose Camera Unit Internal Electronic Failure. It has been happening intermittently for the past 2 weeks. No lane assist. No safety features.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767081September 26, 2026
SUSPENSION
In order to complete the safety recall on the rear subframe, the control arms, which are seized to the frame, need to be removed. Honda will cover the cost of these parts but not the labor associated with replacing them. The labor was quoted as $900. I’m unable to see the specific components covered under the recall, but reading the general description, I don’t understand how I’m responsible for any cost to complete the recall. I’ve spoken with the dealer and filed a complaint with Honda Care and have been repeatedly denied.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767159September 26, 2026
SUSPENSION
The car has spent its entire life in southern Arizona; no road salt and minimal moisture. Both front struts were required to be replaced - the front right strut had rusted and broken from its mount and the the front left strut was rusted in place.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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