2016 HONDA PILOT Complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving on a cross-country trip, the vehicle stalled on four separate occasions. The contact stated that on one occasion the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. On several occasions, the vehicle restarted after approximately 45 minutes. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 198,000.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.