CarComplaints.com Notes: It's worrying when the top category for 2016 Honda Pilot problems are transmission problems. Owners report jerking when accelerating. Also as the first model year of the redesigned 3rd generation Pilot, it's not a good sign.

Honda released a TSB on October 29 2016 that's possibly related. The TSB deals with a "a judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch ... while driving between 20 and 60 mph" due to deteriorated transmission fluid resulting from "specific driving conditions". In the TSB, Honda states they are developing a software fix to try to keep the transmission fluid temperature within spec.

We are keeping a close eye on this defect trend because if certain driving conditions can affect transmission shifting in the first year of ownership, we'd hate to think what 10+ years will do.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,967 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Honda Pilot Owner Comments (Page 2 of 23)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #423

May 112024

Pilot

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

A connecting rod bearing in the engine of my 2016 Honda Pilot seized while driving on the highway during acceleration while passing a vehicle, causing a complete failure of my engine. The vehicle began to de-accelerate as I was returning to the right lane and the engine light started flashing. I was able to make it onto the shoulder of the highway before all ability to accelerate was gone. The engine was making a kind of clanky sound as I turned the engine off. The vehicle is available for inspection and I would be happy to let it be looked at. Considering the vehicle had a complete engine failure on a fast moving major highway, this put myself and other drivers at risk of a major crash and possible fatalities. I was only able to avoid this due to a large shoulder being available on the stretch of highway I was on. The vehicle was towed to our long term mechanic who confirmed that the connecting rod seized causing catastrophic failure of the engine. The engine needs replaced and the estimate is $10,900. There was no warnings or issues prior to the engine failure. The flashing engine light occurred at the same time as the failure was happening. The vehicle had recently been in for its oil change with the dealer. This is the same issue that a recall has been issued for in 2016 Honda Pilots but my VIN is not included in the recall.

- Dallastown, PA, USA

problem #422

Mar 172024

Pilot

  • miles
On [XXX] I noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine of my 2016 Honda Pilot so I made an appointment with Pacific Honda in San Diego the next day for a diagnostics test. The following day they called me and said that the technician was able to replicate the issue and it was a rod knock and I would need a new engine. I was quoted $10,725.04 for the repair. I declined the service because I could not afford an almost $11,000 bill all while still making payments on the car. I was still able to drive it home and after a little bit more research I found an open recall for 2016 Honda Pilots describing the same exact issue my car was diagnosed with as well as other years and similar model vehicles (Ridgeline & Odyssey). I read the potential dangers of this issue and finding out that it could cause the engine to stall while driving increasing risks of a crash or potentially catching fire. After reading that I started to feel overwhelmed and afraid that if I had continued to drive this car with my 3 year old son in the back and the engine seized or caught on fire on the freeway on our way to daycare.. I was relieved I was able to catch this issue before any of that could happen. No warning lamps or any other type of message except a knock coming from the engine bay to warn me of any issues displayed on the dash. I initially thought this was an overlook by the dealer and they must have not seen it but after calling them back I was told my specific 2016 Honda Pilot was not covered under that recall and it needed a specific VIN/Manufacturer date. Even though it was diagnosed with the same issue on the recall. I do not feel safe driving in this vehicle knowing that the engine could fail causing a crash at any moment and knowing that there is an open recall attached to it, not having a solution from Honda other than my VIN being from a wrong date is very disappointing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #421

Jan 102023

Pilot

  • miles
Engine is making a knocking noise at startup, continues when accelerating. This was confirmed by the dealer who cited "engine has lower end rod knock. The dealer had to replace the engine and both front sway bar links. These are the same symptoms as NHTSA Recall #23v-751. I opened a case with Honda but they said because my VIN was not included in the recall, they would not cover the cost of the repair.

- Pewaukee, WI, USA

problem #420

Apr 062024

Pilot

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Damage to mulitple rod bearings causing engine lock

- Springfield, TN, USA

problem #419

Dec 042023

Pilot

  • miles
On [XXX] 2023 our 2016 Honda Pilot experienced a total engine failure while we were driving on [XXX] in Maryland just south of the Delaware border. The only warning was a clicking noise that lasted for a few minutes and then an engine warning light. We had just had the car serviced by Sheehy Honda in Alexandria, VA on November [XXX] (which is the only place we have it serviced) and the vehicle only had 65,000 miles on it. We were stranded beside the highway and had to get the vehicle towed to the nearest Honda station (Martin) in Delaware where they said that pieces of metal had broken off inside the motor requiring total engine replacement. Martin showed us photos and video of the metal pieces. After getting the engine replaced by Martin Honda, I did some online research and found Service Bulletin 23-097 dated November 9, 2023 posted on the NHSTA website regarding malfunctions of Honda Pilot 2016 models with the connecting rod bearing possibly leading to engine failure. When I complained to Honda three times about this engine failure (cases [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX]), I was told that my VIN was not covered. I find this problematic. This failure occurs in some 2016 Pilots, but not in mine according to Honda. Something major certainly occurred causing total engine failure in our Pilot. I also complained to the Better Business Bureau, but Honda did not respond to them. The fact that the engine failed while driving on the highway put my wife and me at risk as well as others driving around us at the time. The engine failure was confirmed by Martin Honda and they were in correspondence with Sheehy Honda, our normal service center. I have the service documents from both Martin and Sheehy as well a photos of the damage from Martin. American Honda Corporation stated that this failure is not their responsibility, but I find this unacceptable from a major corporation to pass on an obvious defect in their product to the consumer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

- Dulles, VA, USA

problem #418

Nov 072023

Pilot

  • miles
My vehicle has been loosing power when accelerating. This has been an ongoing issue for approximately six months or so. I' have taken it to two different mechanic shops locally and both have stated that some of the fuel injectors are not working properly and 5 cylinders are misfiring. That is the reason the vehicle is loosing power. But they don't understand why the engine light or any other light are not coming up on the cluster board. Vechicle continues to jerk and shudder everytime we stop and only happens on 2 and 3 gear to the point we have to stay two cars back everytime it is in use to avoid rear ending any other vehicles. Feels like it looses power to the point of turning off then begans to pull. The RPM needle jumps up and down when the shuddering begins. It is a great concern such that i feel it poses a risk to my family and other drivers. I have been to the dealership but they will not do anything about it unless the engine light is on which at this point it has not turned on making impossible to diagnose the issue through the dealership. I did provide the dealership with documentation from other shops but they wouldn't accept them as they would have to run diagnostic themselves. I did check for recalls and other complaints. A recall was issued for the fuel injectors but as stated dealership will not do anything unless the engine light turns on. They wouldn't even test drive it to confirm the issue. I feel that if this issue isn't addressed my family or others drivers will end up getting hurt. There has been hundreds of people who have complained of the same issue on the internet forums and many have filed complaints with the NHTSA. This complaint is for record purposes in the event of injury due to engine failure on my vehicle.

- Yuma, AZ, USA

problem #417

Jan 302022

Pilot

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rod bearing failure, ,, vehicle year was subject to recall for this specific problem but my VIN not included in recall-??I did talk to Honda representative also

- Tully, NY, USA

problem #416

Apr 122024

Pilot

  • miles
I am writing about my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN [XXX] ). The car broke down in the middle of the road on [XXX], with the engine seizing and not able to start again. The car has only 134k miles and has had all of the recommended maintenances since we bought the vehicle Certified Used from Honda in 2017. There were no lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The car had an oil change the week prior to this incident at a Honda dealership, and the car's inspection came back showing no repair needs or problems. We have all of the service records for this vehicle. The car has been towed to the Honda dealership in Thousand Oaks, CA. The dealership has indicated the engine requires replacement due to the number 2 piston not being able to move likely due to the crankshaft failing. This damage has caused a catastrophic failure to the engine, requiring full engine replacement. This seems to fit with a current recall for other 2016 Honda Pilots resulting from a manufacturing defect in the engine's crankshaft, despite our VIN not being captured in that recall. The safety of my 1.5 year and nanny were put at risk due to the car stopping in the middle of the intersection and not being able to start again. From a reading of others' accounts online, it appears that this problem is happening to other people with the same vehicle and their VIN is falling outside of Honda's current recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #415

Sep 082022

Pilot

  • miles
We bought the car online from a Honda dealer located about 450 miles away in Arkansas and on [XXX] we met them in Dallas near the halfway point and they delivered the car It was a one owner with just under 29000 miles, had a clean carfax, title, etc. Over the next 10 days, we put about 300-350 miles on the car, including the 220 miles home from Dallas. On [XXX] we were driving at about 45-50 miles an hour when we heard a sort of "ping" noise, sort of like a tin can dropping, the car began to run rough and a number of message lights flashed on the dash. We had it towed to our local mechanic who drained the oil and cut open the filter and he found metal fragments and diagnosed a thrown rod bearing. We then had it towed to the local Honda dealer who said that was probably correct, but they couldn't diagnose without taking the engine apart. We spent several months talking with the Honda dealer who sold it to us as well as American Honda and in the end they said sometimes things just break, it's not under warranty and repairs were on us. We had the engine replaced with a used engine at the local Honda dealer. Total cost parts and labor $8922. We called American Honda and were told our VIN is not included in the current recall announced in November 2023, but that the recall may be expanded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #414

Mar 092024

Pilot

  • miles
Dealership involved is Lamacchia Honda at 932 Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13204. They have the failed engine and vehicle currently. The engine failed rapidly, and could have caused a unexpected stall and made the vehicle hard to control, had it not happened while the vehicle was parked. The issue was noticed in early March, approximately 116,200 miles on the odometer, with a small knocking noise not noticeable under all conditions. Once the knock noise was discovered, the vehicle was driven approximately 100 miles to return home. The next morning the car was started, in order to identify the noise. The engine was running for 4-5 seconds before the knock became rapidly worse, and a low oil level warning was displayed. I immediately shut down the car, and confirmed that the engine oil level was full. After this, I drained 1 liter of engine oil for analysis (from Blackstone Laboratories), and parked the vehicle until it could be towed to Lamacchia Honda. After the engine was disassembled, the dealership stated that the #1 rod bearing and crankshaft journal were damaged. No repairs have been completed yet. Dealership has suggested a long block or engine replacement will be required. I believe this incident is related to NHTSA recall No. [XXX} Attached is the invoice from the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Solvay, NY, USA

problem #413

Nov 152023

Pilot

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle oil light illuminated. The contact added oil and resumed driving. The contact stated after the vehicle was restarted, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact moved over to the shoulder to have the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #412

Apr 032002

Pilot

  • miles
Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure. Cut open oil filter and found bearing material inside. Recommending a used or new engine." This same vehicle / year has a NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-751- 2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall- there is a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. The issue is my vehicles VIN# is NOT included in the recall, event though the failure code and bearing material found in oil filter indicates a high degree of similar root cause as the recall. There are other public forums and social media platforms with owners of 2016 Honda Pilots that are describing exactly same experience- well maintained, engine failure that are NOT included on recall. I've already had around $600 of towing and diagnostic tests. This needs to be further investigated.

- Brush Prairie, WA, USA

problem #411

Mar 182024

Pilot

  • miles
Brought my 2016 Honda Pilot (71k miles) to dealer due to loud knocking noise and dealer confirmed rod bearing failure on cylinder 6 caused the issue and ruined the connecting rod and also the crankshaft. Dealer said the VIN wasn't part of the recall however the car's production date is [XXX] which falls under the Production dates listed in here: [XXX] Have to pay for a replacement engine to be put in. Honda should absolutely cover this due to the defect and recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #410

Mar 292024

Pilot

  • miles
Through diagnostic at Honda Dealership, the #5 bearing failed causing engine damage (crank shaft and connecting rod). This pilot year is included in the current Part 573 Safety Recall Report, however this particular VIN is not currently included.

- Owatonna, MN, USA

problem #409

Mar 062024

Pilot

  • miles
Our Honda pilot has always had its routine maintenance and been kept in a garage. One day as we started it, the car made a weird noise and before we could get it back home the engine light was flashing red. We immediately shut it off and upon getting it towed to the dealership they took it apart to find the problem, didn-??t really give us a conclusive answer and was told it now seized up completely and needs a new motor. I'm wondering if this is a common problem since I've had multiple Hondas in the past and ran them each for over 200,000 miles without anything close to this happening.

- Box Elder, SD, USA

problem #408

Mar 172024

Pilot

  • miles
Rod bearing and crankshaft failure. Whole engine needs to be replaced. There is a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines but apparently this car with this VIN is not covered. Honda is lying. I only have 70000 miles and obviously, my engine developed the same exact problem as the recalled 2016 pilots.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #407

Nov 012023

Pilot

  • miles
Connecting rod bearing Failure. stalled in traffic. Waring lights included. emissions system problem VSA Problem Hill Start Assist Problem Trailer Stability Assist Problem Road Departure System Problem Emissions System Problem Power Steering System Problem All Wheel Drive (AWD) System Problem. also getting DTC Coded P0303_Cylinder 3 Misfire U0401-68_ECM Failure F-Can Time Out_ EAT_40F (NG) Loud Knocking coming from engine while running. removed the oil pan and rod bearing. Found Metal Shavings in the oil pan. located the loose connecting rod and removed the bearing.

- Fairview, WV, USA

problem #406

Mar 242024

Pilot

  • miles
The Honda stop-start system in this vehicle has a flaw. On this day the engine shut down as normal at a light, but failed to start when the foot was removed from the brake. The engine sputtered and shut back off. This should be a problem if a restart could have been attempted but this failure was so severe that the car had to be put in park and shut off completely. Almost like a reboot of the computer. Once the car was shut off and then powered up again the car could be started and move under it's own power. Even thought I was quick to turn on hazard flashers, cars behind me became angry at the inconvenience, honking and swerving to get around me when the light was green. Honda needs to make a way to attempt to restart after an unsuccessful attempt by the auto start system. The engine has run fine since the event so no issues with the engine can be found. It had to be something minor that prevented the successful firing of the engine.

- Elizabeth, CO, USA

problem #405

Jun 242023

Pilot

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and it was discovered that the crank bearing lock had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to a staffing shortage. The vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, however informed the contact the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Donnellson, IA, USA

problem #404

Feb 032024

Pilot

  • miles
2016 Honda Pilot EX-L Connecting Rod Bearing Failure. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has around 98,000 miles on it and now has a serious rod knock. My vin is not covered by the current recall, but I believe it should be. It is unacceptable that a manufacturer fault should not be addressed. Since my car is out of warranty I am on the hook for many thousands of dollars, not to mention the diminished value of a poorly built vehicle.

- Clarkdale, AZ, USA

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