2016 Honda Pilot problems

ENGINE

My 2016 Honda Pilot Elite has developed a loud, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the engine block that increases in speed with engine RPMs. Despite strict regular maintenance and oil changes, the engine noise is getting progressively worse, creating an immediate risk of catastrophic engine failure, stalling, or seizing while driving on the highway. While this vehicle matches the exact failure symptoms of NHTSA Recall 23V751 for connecting rod bearing failure, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am reporting this as part of the ongoing investigation into underreported V6 engine batches.

NHTSA complaint #11758954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Clunking that happens at low speeds, sounds like control arm, but this is not the rear. It’s the front.

NHTSA complaint #11758196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I was able to restart after a few minutes and then it stalled again. I was able to get it to a repair shop after stalling about 3 times on the way. The diagnostic code was for the high pressure fuel pump. This was replaced. Four weeks later the same problem occurred. This time I stalled on a major freeway. I was able to restart and get it off the freeway. It stalled so frequently that I had to call a tow. The vehicle is throwing the same diagnostic code but the shop suspects the low pressure fuel pump may be the source of the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11758040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle, and the ignition control, stability control, power steering, and hill-start assist warning lights were illuminated. The warning lights initially turned on and off simultaneously but eventually remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no coverage under Technical Service Bulletin: A18-010 / NHTSA 10128893. The approximate failure mileage was 222,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Smells gas while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11757561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Alternator had been replaced a few days prior. Heard a rattling the same day we picked the car up. Called the dealership to arrange a drop off for inspection. An hour after that call, the car was at a stopped and the engine shut off. The car is currently at the local dealership. We were at risk because the engine cut off with no warning. No lights to indicate an issue. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda certified service department. According to the service department, this issue has been recalled but this specific vin was not involved in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11756838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had been driven for two to three hours. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The transmission fluids were flushed. The contact stated that the transmission fluids had been flushed and refilled four times within the year. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair for the rear-view camera; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot. In July 2025, I began noticing a knocking sound when starting the engine, along with difficulty accelerating. I promptly scheduled an appointment with the service department at Findlay Honda of Spokane, where I purchased the vehicle and where it has exclusively been serviced since purchase. I have always taken very good care of my car and followed recommended maintenance. On Thursday, July 17th, the dealership inspected my Pilot and informed me that the engine had failed and would cost approximately $10,000–$12,000 to repair. I was told the vehicle was unsafe to drive and strongly advised against taking it home. This left me with no choice but topurchase another vehicle immediately, as I am a single parent of two children and rely solely on my car for transportation. Unfortunately, I was not in the market for a new car and the unexpected expense has placed a significant financial burden on my family. To make matters worse, my Pilot was given a very poor trade-in value due to the engine failure. Since this occurred, I have learned that engine problems are not uncommon in the 2016 Honda Pilot. I am frustrated that I was not offered any assistance in having the vehicle repaired, especially given my loyalty to Honda and consistent maintenance history. I believe I am owed compensation, either for the denied repair or for the financial hardship of being forced into an unplanned vehicle purchase with little value received for my trade-in. I am asking that Honda review my case and provide assistance to address this situation. I trusted Honda to provide a reliable vehicle for my family, and I feel deeply disappointed by this experience.

NHTSA complaint #11755371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had been driven for two to three hours. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The transmission fluids were flushed. The contact stated that the transmission fluids had been flushed and refilled four times within the year. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair for the rear-view camera; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Dear NHTSA, My 2016 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Hoehn Honda, despite consistent and careful maintenance. The failure occurred suddenly, without warning or prior symptoms, and well before the expected lifespan of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window. After reviewing owner forums, various automotive publications, and the NHTSA website, I found numerous similar complaints involving the same year and model. A recall has already been issued under NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000, which corresponds to Honda Manufacturer Recall XG1 and Honda Recall GG0. Although my vehicle is not currently included in this recall, the nature of the failure is consistent with those that are. I also found there is an ongoing NHTSA investigation to expand this to an additional 1.4 million vehicles in which my 2016 Honda Pilot is listed. I have contacted Honda North America and was given a case number 15927935. This initial contact informed since my VIN is not part of the recall than I am on my own. I have requested this matter to be escalated. Given the circumstances, I believe my vehicle should be considered under NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 and included in Honda Recalls XG1 and GG0. Furthermore, I respectfully request that my case be reviewed as part of NHTSA Action Number RQ24013, which is investigating why the scope of Campaign 23V751000 was limited to 249,000 vehicles despite widespread reports of identical failures in vehicles outside the recall. I can provide the dealer documents confirming this finding along with photos they provided as well as the cost for replacement. I have since had the motor replaced at the cost of $7156.09 and have the invoice. I'm hoping there will be grounds for Honda to reimburse me for this cost. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11755059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Pilot broke down and when diagnosed, the rod bearing broke causing the engine to seize

NHTSA complaint #11754581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was blocking traffic and was pushed to safety. While in a safe location, the battery was diagnosed and was found to be in good working condition. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a seized engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle got the "knock" trouble code for a faulty crankshaft. This is a widely spread, well documented engine default in the 2016 honda pilot. There are many other pilots that have a recall but mine does not. This doesnt make sense to me. I have not been able to drive this vehicle for two years because of this problem. There is nothing else wrong with this vehicle. It honestly looks brand new.

NHTSA complaint #11753829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Speedometer quit working. Then comes on intermittently and then quits again.

NHTSA complaint #11752740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My engine has developed a severe internal engine/rod knock due to connecting rod bearing failure. My vehicle which is a 2016 Honda Pilot was built at the Lincoln Alabama plant but my VIN was excluded from recall 23V751 based on production dates. However my engine is failing from the same exact crankshaft and bearing defect.

NHTSA complaint #11751974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving down Car highway 395, at highway speed, when my vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic engine failure with no warning. The engine began to shutter and knock and I lost power. The check engine light then came on. I was able to quickly pull over and the vehicle shuttered to a stop and would not start. I and my family were stranded on the side of the highway in a remote area for hours late at night. CHP a contacted, non emergency, and was able to contact a tow truck. No officer was available to assist due to a wildfire in the area. After being towed, a mechanic was able to start it briefly and stated it seemed like a rod or bearing problem. I've now had a second mechanic say the same thing.

NHTSA complaint #11752168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am filing a safety and defect complaint regarding my 2016 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6 Engine). In Dec 2025, the "EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM" warning light ocationally illuminated on the dashboard. On 5/26/26.while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently and experienced a severe loss of acceleration—when I stepped on the gas pedal, the vehicle hesitated and would not speed up (loss of motive power). In June I let a certified Honda dealership scanned the vehicle and pulled diagnostic trouble codes P0430, P219A, and P219B, confirming that the fuel injectors have failed. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect explicitly detailed in Honda’s Technical Service Bulletin TSB 20-100. The defect causes uneven fuel delivery and cylinder misfires, which poses a severe driving hazard, including sudden engine stalling, loss of motive power while driving, and acceleration hesitation in traffic. Although American Honda previously extended the warranty for this specific injector defect to 10 years or 150,000 miles, my vehicle was DENIED coverage by American Honda corporate customer relations solely because it has just passed the 10-year mark (the vehicle was purchased on November 30, 2015), despite having only 140,000 miles (well under the mileage limit).This is a critical safety and environmental hazard inherent to Honda's manufacturing design. An expiration of time does not make a known manufacturing flaw any less dangerous on public roads. I request NHTSA to investigate this persistent issue and upgrade the current warranty extension to a mandatory safety recall so that affected consumers are not left driving hazardous vehicles or forced to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for an acknowledged factory defect.

NHTSA complaint #11752278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Monocular Windshield Camera premature part failure. 36160-TG8-A72-M1. Premature failure of the part causes all included safety systems to be disabled, and also negatively impacts standard cruise control. The part was sent for repair and the lens was thermally degraded as well as processor board non functional. There was no thermal paste installed on the processor. When the camera fails, an improper transmission failure warning light also appears on the dashboard, which prevents smog testing from being completed despite the camera system not impacting emissions at all.

NHTSA complaint #11751859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Monocular Windshield Camera premature part failure. 36160-TG8-A72-M1. Premature failure of the part causes all included safety systems to be disabled, and also negatively impacts standard cruise control. The part was sent for repair and the lens was thermally degraded as well as processor board non functional. There was no thermal paste installed on the processor. When the camera fails, an improper transmission failure warning light also appears on the dashboard, which prevents smog testing from being completed despite the camera system not impacting emissions at all.

NHTSA complaint #11751859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

Monocular Windshield Camera premature part failure. 36160-TG8-A72-M1. Premature failure of the part causes all included safety systems to be disabled, and also negatively impacts standard cruise control. The part was sent for repair and the lens was thermally degraded as well as processor board non functional. There was no thermal paste installed on the processor. When the camera fails, an improper transmission failure warning light also appears on the dashboard, which prevents smog testing from being completed despite the camera system not impacting emissions at all.

NHTSA complaint #11751859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

COMPLAINT REGARDING FRANCHISE DEALER RECALL NON-COMPLIANCE & MISREPRESENTATION (#26V-365). My vehicle is currently held at an authorized facility, [XXX], General Manager Honda (Downtown [XXX]), under an active manufacturer dispute (Honda Corporate Case #XXX). On Friday, XXX Service Manager [XXX] verbally stated on a voice line that the mandatory structural safety repairs for Rear Subframe Recall 26V-365 were 'fully completed' on my vehicle, and used this claim to demand immediate asset removal under threat of a $150 daily storage fee. Less than two hours later, at 4:30 PM, an agent named [XXX] from the exact same service department called to schedule the identical 'free safety recall service.' This represents a severe, documented misrepresentation of federal safety recall compliance records by a certified franchise dealer to pressure a consumer during an active dispute. The vehicle has never had a signed work order authorized by the primary owner for this recall. I request a formal manufacturer audit of this facility's recall tracking logs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11751254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My daughter was driving my 2016 Honda Pilot EX when loud rattling noise came from engine compartment. The vehicle lost power and display warning lights came on. She pulled over and shut off the vehicle since the rattling noise was very loud. Vehicle was towed to an independent shop and the technician from the shop confirmed engine malfunction and found large metal bits in the oil. I had the vehicle towed to Honda of Stevens Creek, San Jose, California. Technician also confirmed metal chunks in my vehicle oil. Brian the service advisor from the dealer told me that my VIN number is not part of the recall. I informed him of Honda's recall number XG1 and GGO, but he said he has to follow the VIN number and cannot include my vehicle's engine as a recall issue. Even though the recall article mentioned 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot in NHTSA recall no. 23V858000.

NHTSA complaint #11751320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hondal recall S/B 26-031 subframe This vehicle is 10 years old and was purchased / driven entirely in the northeast / NY - where the vehicle is most susceptible to underlying rust and corrosion issues and potential failure of suspension components. Vehicle was delivered to authorized Honda dealer / service center for scheduled inspection and required repairs on July 17. However, Honda service could not complete and remedy this safety recall on my vehicle due to unavailability of parts. Specifically, the subrame requires repair/reinforcement, but the bolts are seized and removing them will cause damage to the control arm bushing. Dealer advised they are unable to obtain control arm parts from Honda due to back order. I was advised my vehicle is not the only one they have where unavailbility of repair parts is resulting in inability to complete the safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11751082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Hondal recall S/B 26-031 subframe This vehicle is 10 years old and was purchased / driven entirely in the northeast / NY - where the vehicle is most susceptible to underlying rust and corrosion issues and potential failure of suspension components. Vehicle was delivered to authorized Honda dealer / service center for scheduled inspection and required repairs on July 17. However, Honda service could not complete and remedy this safety recall on my vehicle due to unavailability of parts. Specifically, the subrame requires repair/reinforcement, but the bolts are seized and removing them will cause damage to the control arm bushing. Dealer advised they are unable to obtain control arm parts from Honda due to back order. I was advised my vehicle is not the only one they have where unavailbility of repair parts is resulting in inability to complete the safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11751082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2016 Honda Pilot with 75k miles on it. The engine has started knocking and i have taken it to an official Honda dealership and i have been told there is a problem with the rod bearing in the engine. I know there have been a mass recall on Honda Pilots due to this very issue but apparently mine is not included in the recall even though the issue is the exact same as the ones stated in the recalls. Very frustrating especially when the car has been Honda maintained and is well under 100k miles

NHTSA complaint #11750593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.