Honda Pilot Complaints (2016)

1,724 consumer complaints on file.

#11629668December 9, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while test driving the vehicle after the repair, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was then towed to a transmission specialist. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629535December 8, 2024
ENGINE
The component that failed was the connector rod bearing in cylinder 4. It is not available for inspection. Our safety was put at risk because the connector rod bearing failed while my family and I were driving at 80mph (legal freeway speed) on the freeway. We lost power and the engine shuddered and the car shook while we navigated to the shoulder. The vehicle was inspected by the independent service center. There were no symptoms that I noticed prior to the failure. It was sudden, and occurred on my Pilot on just 112,546 miles. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628872December 4, 2024
ENGINE
Connecting rod failure, needs complete engine rebuild. 102,0000 miles. I was able to exit the highway and get to the dealership so there wasn’t a safety issue for me. I saw that this issue was a recall but my vehicle was not on the list so I thought I would submit. Dealership said I need a new engine. I bought it in 2020 at a dealership as a certified used Honda. I have service history with the dealership. No explanation was given as to what caused this. Check engine light started flashing and lost some power on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628924December 4, 2024
ENGINE
Driving at highway speeds when I notice a light rattling noise from front of car. Soon, light rattling turns to loud rattling and the check engine light comes on blinking. Slowed down and exited freeway as soon as possible and stopped at nearest gas station (right off freeway). Had vehicle towed to nearest Honda dealership for investigation of the problem. Upon investigation, service tech reported connecting rod damage to the crankshaft - recommend replacement engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628024November 30, 2024
ENGINE, STEERING
Been having engine issues for a while. All the way back to around 32,000 miles. The display says something about rods locker arms or something like that. I've also had an issue with throttle position sensor which was repaired however technician didn't tighten up a boat and I lost the oil pressure. The car was repaired at the end of 2017 in the beginning of 2018 but I've had the issue ever since so I typically don't drive the car too far since that incident. Some of the repairs should be in the Carfax however issue shows up from time to time on my display. I've also had to have some steering control module replaced in 2021. And I just got a transmission service to have the torque converter flush and reprogrammed because of constant jerking when accelerating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627845November 28, 2024
ENGINE
Connecting rod bearings failed in cylinders 1 and 4 with 133000 miles on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627772November 27, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an unclosed speed, the lower part of the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle and while driving 20 MPH. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with thrown rod bearing failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627252November 25, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627288November 25, 2024
ENGINE
Had a knocking noise coming from the engine of our 2016 Honda Pilot. My fear of "rod knock" was a reality. Piazza Honda of Pottstown, PA confirmed that it was likely a failed rod bearing(s). Honda of America (corporate) is supposedly giving some good will money to help offset the cost. The dealership initially said that it would cost around $9000.00 to repair it (that's without "good will"). They have had our Pilot for over 2 weeks now and the new estimate today is $17,280.00. It's all over the internet that these Honda/Acura J-Series V6 engines are having premature rod bearing issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627306November 25, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, or while the vehicle was cold started, the engine was running rough and making an abnormal clanking sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod bearings were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,383.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627312November 25, 2024
ENGINE
The connecting rod bearing seized up. Connecting rod broke and puncture through the engine housing. No recall notice was received from manufacturer about the issue. I was driving on the highway when my car made a sudden stop and smoke came from the hood along with a slight metal sound. There have been no professional inspector yet. My brother in law is a car mechanic and found the problem for us. When the car came to a stop there was no indicating of any signs. I did try to start the car again and that is when all the lights came one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627090November 24, 2024
ENGINE
2016 Honda Pilot AWD EX-L Vin: [XXX] Mileage: 72,475 Connecting Rod Bearings failing on 3.5 liter, V-6 engines, leading to complete engine failure. Affected Model Years: 2016 through 2020 The engine in my vehicle is the Honda J35, V-6 which was the subject of a NHTSA mandated recall of approximately 250,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in 2023. I have observed a pronounced engine knock when the vehicle is at idle, that intensifies when the car is driven. I brought the car to a Honda dealership (DCH Honda of Nanuet) where it was confirmed that the connecting rod bearing problem was the cause. The dealership advised that a bearing replacement would not be feasible, and that an engine replacement would be necessary (see attached). I contacted American Honda and advised them of the same and a case was opened for me. (Case # [XXX]) But I was advised that there was no recall on my vehicle and no current, applicable warranty. I am presently awaiting a call from a Honda Case Manager on my request for financial assistance to defray the quoted cost of $8,057, plus applicable sales tax for the dealership to replace the defective engine. Based on the documented history of this problem and the associated potential for an accident that this is a considerable safety issue. 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
#11627093November 24, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In 2021, while driving on a highway all vehicle warning lights came on. Engine ran at high rpm and low speed. Honda said is was a software update. Charged for update. This seemed to resolve issues. Car is regularly maintained and transmission fluid changed 2/1/2024. In 2024, the vehicle warning lights (in multiple & varying groups) began coming on and off at various intervals. The car stalled while at a red light on at least two occasions. When I was not near home I would stop at AutoZone for computer readings; misfiring of cylinder 2, random multiple misfire detected, system too rich bank 2. Car was at Honda for 2nd software update and lights were off at pickup. Lights started again. The mechanic found the vehicle was sending upwards of 100 codes. Repairs were made (and paid for) at local shop 2 separate times. Car is now at Honda diagnosed with engine failure due to bent rod. Honda will not offer goodwill on vehicle. However, the car has a "soft" recall for fuel injectors which seems to be the likely culprit. KBB in early '24 was $16k. Honda wants $18 k for repair and nearly $1k for diagnostic fee.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626889November 22, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This vehicle was recently recalled for the START / STOP in 2023 after complaining about it since 2017. The vehicle was repaired which resulted in starter and all related components associated with the recall. I questioned the repair as if you can't duplicate the failure (turn it on and turn it off) how do you know you have it fixed. They assured me they replaced all the associated components. Guess what the same problem is happening again. Start/Stop system is not working properly again post recall and software update. The US Government should go after Honda on this as it is truly a safety issue when your car dies at a stop and go light and then you have cares approaching you from behind at 55mph.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626501November 20, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact made inquiries of the independent mechanic and was informed that there was a known issue with the engines of similar vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the contact was not offered any assistance in repairing the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626165November 19, 2024
ENGINE
My Auntie was on her way to a sports game driving about 70 MPH when she heard a loud bang then sounded like metal in a blender and chirping. After that the engine had no power what so ever luckily she was going down hill carrying enough speed to safely move to the shoulder cause before hand she was going over an under pass and there’s nothing but the barrier so she couldn’t move over till the top of the hill. If that engine had locked up completely she could have been killed at worst. The thing is that we took the vehicle to Honda 2 weeks prior to see if the vehicle was affected by the bearing recall and they said no the best they could do is give me honda corporate phone number to make a complaint which we did. I’ve also read online about fellow honda owners having these engines failing and not being covered which is a $6000 dollar job that’s half the vehicle's price which is insane that is what the mechanic quoted us to replace the engine. She still has the vehicle parked cause the repair is expensive. So these v6 engine have to be looked into cause so many families could get hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626209November 19, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who detected an engine knocking sound and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626296November 19, 2024
ENGINE
the car had developed a light ticking sound intermittently for the last three that seemed to go away randomly then the engine stalled and won't start due to seized engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625819November 18, 2024
ENGINE
While driving a 2016 Honda Pilot, the vehicle began to lurch, and engine failed by what appears to be rod(s) failing within the engine, penetrating the engine casing leaving a large hole in the casing. The RPMs went fully to the right before the engine seized. The hood smoked significantly, likely due to oil through the hole in engine. Luckily the driver was in the right lane of a 3-lane interstate, and was able to pull over to the shoulder and exited the vehicle on foot as the cabin began to fill with smoke. The Pilot was towed to a Honda dealership that night and repairs were assessed in the morning. The technician took photos and a video of his findings. He noticed oil leaking from the engine block and ran a scope up and he observed and documented a very large hole in the engine casing with metal appearing to fold outward, an indication of impact from inside the engine, likely from a rod failure. The engine was seized and could not be cranked by hand. The repair would require using a used engine block and rebuilding the engine. The cost of the repair was significant and so we sold the Honda Pilot to the Honda acquisition team. The fair market value for this Honda Pilot was noted as $16,916 via KBB.com as run by Honda based on the VIN# and mileage. Due to the damage, the price of the vehicle offered to us was only $2,500 (a $14,416 loss in value). We assumed this was a very rare incident, however the very next week we saw an article that NHTSA was investigating Honda for this exact issue. A recall was issued for model another model year, but the recall did not include the 2016 model year. The particular investigation is NHTSA RQ24013. In our instance, there were no warning lamps and our oil changes were current. There was an ongoing vibration issue we first observed at around 6000 miles that we correlated with specific RPMs and documented. To our frustration, Honda service never was able to find and fix the issue and we lived with this issue until the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625835November 18, 2024
AIR BAGS
I was hit in the front of the vehicle in the driver side by a large deer while traveling at 55 mph and you could smell airbag smoke but there was no airbag deployment whatsoever.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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