2016 Honda Pilot Engine Problems

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 ID

11755371

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

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 ID

11755059

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11754581

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

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 ID

11753829

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

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 ID

11753807

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Mileage

131,000 mi

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 ID

11752168

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

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 ID

11751974

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

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 ID

11751320

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

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 ID

11750593

Incident

May 13, 2026

Vehicle flashing warning signs for multiple system functions including battery and mechanical, forcing driver to pull over, unable to put vehicle in neutral to tow. Took vehicle to Honda dealership in Phoenix, AZ dealership unable to recreate issue. Stated it was cleared as a certified used Honda. Continued to have reoccurring issues, less than 2 months later vehicle engine completely seized. Honda refused to take responsibility for engine failure despite documented recurring issues with this make and model.

NHTSA ID

11749902

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

While driving a knocking noise was heard which was worse during acceleration. An orange flashing engine light was displayed a mile away from home. Inspection completed by certified master technician was completed showing engine damage from rod beating and crank shaft. Vehicle was out purchased from Honda dealership and all services and oil changes were completed at same dealership. Vehicle is now inoperable. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V751000

NHTSA ID

11749792

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

2016 Honda Pilot EXL. At 100,100 miles, an engine rod bearing went bad. Honda told me my VIN was not covered and it would be $8000 to replace the engine with a used engine. I sold them my car

NHTSA ID

11749243

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

My 2016 Honda Pilot Touring repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including at lower speeds in traffic. When it happens, the engine and all electrical power shut off; the vehicle then has to be jump-started, and it will sometimes only restart after sitting for an hour or more. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose power unexpectedly while in motion, creating a risk of a crash and of being stranded in a travel lane. The failed component is the fuel delivery system (fuel pump / fuel system pressure). The condition has been diagnosed repeatedly with trouble code P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure — Too Low). It was first documented on July 18, 2025 at 144,303 miles by an independent service center, which diagnosed a failing fuel pump. On March 13, 2026 a Honda dealer again retrieved code P0087 and diagnosed a failing fuel pump. In April 2026, a second Honda dealer could not reproduce the code, replaced the fuel injectors instead, and the stalling returned within about 670 miles. In May 2026 that same dealer documented the problem as a "reoccurring issue" and now recommends replacing the in-tank fuel pump. The warning symptom prior to failure was the check-engine/malfunction-indicator lamp, which set code P0087; the stalling followed. The problem has been confirmed and reproduced by both an independent service center and a Honda dealer, and the vehicle is still owned and available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. This stalling/loss-of-power failure mode is the same one described in NHTSA recall 23V-858, in which the in-tank fuel pump can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving. This vehicle is exhibiting exactly that failure mode but is not currently included in that recall population. I am reporting it so the agency is aware, and I request that this vehicle be considered for inclusion in recall 23V-858.

NHTSA ID

11748988

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light flashed continuously. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the noise emanated from the middle of the engine. The dealer advised that there might be a loose wrist pin where the piston meets the connecting rod, or a systemic oil delivery problem, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11748512

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

Mileage

77,000 mi

Even though the vehicle has been regularly serviced and exceptionally maintained, the rod bearing failed and now the whole engine has to be replaced. Unfortunately my vin is not covered as part of the recall for this exact same issue. I reached out to Honda and they are not willing to cover any of the $14k quoted to replace the engine.

NHTSA ID

11748111

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

Complete engine failure while driving on an interstate highway, no previous issue or warning. The car made some knocking noises and then became completely inoperable. Was able to steer it to the side of highway, in traffic, just enough to get off the main roadway. The experience was terrifying and put us and others around us at risk or a highway speed crash due to loss of all power to the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by a Honda dealership, and has been reported to Honda, with an open case pending. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the event of it happening. The vehicle is up to date on all maintenance and I am the second owner, and know the first owner.

NHTSA ID

11747454

Incident

May 17, 2026

While driving at night, the 2016 Pilot, it started making a loud rattling noise then just died in the middle of the road and failed to start. There were no service or check engine lights on at the time of failure or at any point prior to the failure. We were stranded in the middle of the road at risk of getting hit by other cars. The electronic transmission would not go into neutral and we had no way of even pushing the car to the safety of shoulder. We had to tow the vehicle. The tow driver also had a very difficult time of getting the car into neutral, necessary to tow it. Having the vehicle towed to a local mechanic, they reported it being very difficult to start and when it did, it had a sever engine skip with a loud rattling noise which is indicative of a connecting rod/bearing failure. The car has 140000 miles at time of failure. We had ALL required maintenance performed as they were scheduled. Approximately 95% was performed by Honda dealers. In fact we had a Honda dealer perform an oil change and inspection a week before the engine failure. We have had some local shops perform several required oil changes and the timing belt / plug service. We have all receipts. We contacted Honda dealership who quoted $18,225 for an engine replacement. We contacted Honda Customer Support who refused to offer any assistance, goodwill or other forms of reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11747297

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

The 3.5L V6 engine in this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to premature connecting rod bearing wear. The engine stalling occurred abruptly while actively driving, which created an immediate safety risk as the vehicle lost propulsion, power steering assistance, and power braking assistance. This forced a dangerous emergency maneuver to navigate through moving traffic to get to the side of the road. Prior to the engine failure, there were no persistent dashboard warning lights or clear messages indicating an imminent mechanical failure. The first distinct symptom was a brief, sudden metallic knocking sound from the engine bay immediately before the vehicle lost all power and stalled. An authorized dealership has since inspected the vehicle and dropped the oil pan, physically confirming a massive accumulation of metal shavings and bearing debris inside the block. The dealership verified that the complete destruction of the engine block is identical in nature, symptom, and cause to the manufacturing defects described in NHTSA Recall Campaign 23V-751. However, this vehicle's specific VIN was excluded from that original recall parameter. This catastrophic failure directly corresponds to the ongoing Office of Defects Investigation Probe PE25008 regarding extensive V6 engine rod bearing failures. The failed engine block remains fully intact at the service center and is available for regulatory inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11747229

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

hEAR RATTLING NOISE ON my 2016 Honda Pilot which has only 111041 miles on it This is what the Honda service department said it was (which there is a RECALL on it but apparently my VIN isnt in the RECALL which i think is not very fari at all) Noise was a lower end RO/BEARING knockingCustomer will need new or used engine Now I have a recall letter that i printed online dtd Jan 2024 This isnt fair I now have a really good vehicle with a blown engine We babied this car too

NHTSA ID

11746621

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

My car has a knocking noise coming from the engine. It happened suddenly when I was driving. I took it to Honda dealer shop to check it out and they told me I need to replace the motor.

NHTSA ID

11746184

Incident

May 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The Check Engine warning light illuminated after the failure, with unknown messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot and manually pushed into a parking space. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda dealer for further inspection. The dealer disassembled the engine and informed the contact that the engine had thrown a connecting rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would do a follow-up with the dealer; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,800.

NHTSA ID

11745729

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

Mileage

105,800 mi

Summary of issue The vehicle developed an engine/emission warning light and failed mechanically without any crash or impact. The car drove fine until about one week ago. I have driven the vehicle normally and performed regular maintenance. Events and observations A warning light appeared indicating engine and emission problems. I took the vehicle to two separate mechanics: Mechanic A diagnosed engine damage and catalytic converter issues. Mechanic B diagnosed engine damage and a possible fuel pump problem. I am not a mechanic and cannot independently interpret technical findings, but both inspections indicate serious engine-related failures. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles and was purchased for more than $20,000 less than two years ago. No collisions, impacts, or abuse occurred that could explain the failure. I believe this is a potential manufacturing defect. I contacted a Honda dealer about the problem; they stated it is not a manufacturing defect and declined to accept responsibility for repair. I believe the dealer is avoiding responsibility. Requested action I request NHTSA open an investigation (or add my report to any existing investigation) into this vehicle’s engine and related components to determine whether a safety defect or noncompliance exists. I request guidance on next steps and that this complaint be considered in any recall evaluation.

NHTSA ID

11745027

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX], approximately 125K miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, the engine seized and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The check engine light began flashing, the oil pressure light came on, and the vehicle began making loud grinding noises. After pulling over safely, the vehicle was no longer drivable and required towing. Upon inspection by Northampton Car Care (6115 Root Road, Spring, TX), it was determined that the engine failure is consistent with the connecting rod bearing failure and crankshaft defect described in NHTSA Recall 23V-751. My VIN does not currently appear in the recall database; however, given that my vehicle experienced the exact failure mode described in the recall, I am requesting this complaint be considered under both Recall 23V-751 and NHTSA Investigation RQ24-013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744968

Incident

Jun 16, 2026

Was driving vehicle and experienced complete loss of engine power. No warning signs until after the failure. Vehicle was immediately pulled over and limped into a parking lot where it was shut off and then towed to mechanics shop. Upon further inspection, mechanic stated a complete engine failure as it "threw a rod". He stated engine had a complete failure and needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11744179

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine stalls out and shuts the car down. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving down the road, if the engine shuts off, myself, passengers, and other vehicles could cause a fatal crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have brought this in several times to try and fix this issue. The fuel pump has been replaced and the auto idle recall has been take care of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The check engine light comes on occasionally when it happens; sometimes when it does not. Other details: Several times now my car has randomly shut off especially when driving down the road. I wasn't sure what happened, but I finally figured out a way to replicate it. Basically if you drive it after about an hour of non-stop driving / engine being turned on, the engine overheats causing the car to stall out and eventually turn off. I timed this at 10:15AM to 11:25AM and my suspicions were correct. At 11:25AM, the car stalled and shut off while I was parked in my driveway.

NHTSA ID

11743174

Incident

Jun 5, 2026