RoadVitals

2016 Honda Pilot Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,703
Latest Sep 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
33

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Pilot, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

812
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine blew up and forced the hood open while driving, obstructing view, and then started smoking black smoke. The engine is ruined and all of the oil drained from it. Pieces of pistons were laying on the oil tray. The car had been inspected with an oil change within 1k miles.

NHTSA ID 11766830 · filed Sep 24, 2026

very well maintained 2016 honda pilot oil changes done on time only 149k miles started it up labor day weekend to a sound of engine knock. It ran for a min or two before I turn it off oil was full. It is not the failed timing the belt tenisoner.... I called my local Honda dealership where they said my vin was not included in the crank/engine bearing recall. I have no warranty and the dealership of course wants me to tow it there to pay their tech their diagnostic fee. I have read so many stories of this happening to the honda pilot and Ridgeline vehicles. This is a shame.... Honda needs to step up & double check their manufacturer dates & add more vin to this recall ASAP

NHTSA ID 11765581 · filed Sep 19, 2026
All 812 reports naming engine →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

581
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11757426 · filed Aug 17, 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 · filed Jul 13, 2026
All 581 reports naming electrical →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

200
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, the brake pedal became stiff, and the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 98,512.

NHTSA ID 11762859 · filed Sep 8, 2026

The 6-speed automatic transmission on my 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L (103,200 miles) has experienced a severe mechanical failure casing dangerously hard, violent gear shifts during both acceleration and deceleration. Critically, no dashboard warning lights or malfunction indicator lamps illuminated while this dangerous driving condition persisted, leaving me with no advance warning of a safety hazard. A subsequent diagnostic scan at an Authorized Honda dealership revealed hidden diagnostic trouble code P0776 (pressure control solenoid "B" performance or stuck off) and a failing torque converted. The severe, unpredictable jerking and hesitation during shifting creates an immediate traffic hazard during acceleration in traffic. Approximately 45 days prior, an out-of-town Honda dealership performed a prescribed triple fluid flush when the issue first arose. Then, 5 days later, my local Honda dealership performed the prescribed software update for shifting issues, which failed to remedy the underlying defect again. The dealership has now quoted $11,000 + for a full replacement of the transmission and torque converted. American Honda corporate has opened Case Number: 16606142 to track this defect.

NHTSA ID 11762631 · filed Sep 7, 2026
All 200 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

187
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle's fuel injectors failed, triggering a check engine light with code P0430. This matches a known manufacturing defect described in Honda's Technical Service Bulletin 20-100, which states injectors on affected vehicles may not have been manufactured to proper specifications, causing internal wear or clogging. The problem was confirmed and repaired by an authorized Honda dealership. The manufacturer extended the warranty for this defect to 10 years from original purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, due to the scope of the issue. My vehicle fell outside that window by approximately 15,000 miles despite showing the identical, factory-acknowledged defect. I paid out of pocket for a repair the manufacturer's own documentation attributes to a manufacturing defect, not normal wear. I am filing this complaint because owners with vehicles exhibiting this same documented defect are being denied coverage based on an arbitrary mileage/date cutoff, even though the defect originates in manufacturing and symptoms (a triggered check engine light) may not appear until after that cutoff has passed. This means the extension does not protect all owners of vehicles containing the defective part, only those whose symptoms surface within an arbitrary window. There was no impact to vehicle control or immediate safety when symptoms appeared, but the underlying condition stems from a part Honda has already documented as defective.

NHTSA ID 11762648 · filed Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an OBDII scan retrieved DTC: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low) and U0401-68 (Engine Control Module). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the low and high-pressure fuel pumps needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the VIN was not included NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 24-010, which might cover the repair of the vehicle. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was 100,901.

NHTSA ID 11761977 · filed Sep 3, 2026
All 187 reports naming fuel system →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

104
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11755322 · filed Aug 6, 2026

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 ID 11751859 · filed Jul 21, 2026
All 104 reports naming driver assistance →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Taligate is rusting through near the handle as well as around the right taillight. Another recall for this exact issue is in place for the same year/make/model, yet my vehicle is not included in the recall. Faulty seals allow water to get into the tailgate and rust from the inside-out. Honda has told me they won't help even though it is a known issue (recall).

NHTSA ID 11741661 · filed Jun 2, 2026

no incident : recall that was done on hood. gas cap/lid doesn't close tightly Hood looks like it going to open , left side front end lifts when driving on freeway, Honda of the Desert replaced latch but it did not solve the problem

NHTSA ID 11735564 · filed May 4, 2026
All 53 reports naming body & structure →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, the brake pedal became stiff, and the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 98,512.

NHTSA ID 11762859 · filed Sep 8, 2026

The component that failed in both incidents was the vehicle’s wiring system, specifically wiring insulation that appears to be vulnerable to rodent damage. In the first incident, squirrels chewed through wiring connected to the fuel injector system, which triggered a check engine light and was repaired. In the second incident, squirrels again accessed the engine compartment and chewed through wiring affecting the braking system. This resulted in a sudden and unexpected loss of braking function. Yes, the damaged components should be available for inspection through the repair shop or service records, although I would need to confirm the exact location of the retained parts. Safety was significantly put at risk. During the second incident, the vehicle was occupied by multiple passengers, including minors. While approaching a red light, the driver attempted to brake and found that the brakes were not functioning properly. The driver had to shift the vehicle into park and use the emergency brake to stop, narrowly avoiding a serious collision. This created a high-risk, potentially life-threatening situation. The first incident was addressed by a mechanic after the check engine light appeared, confirming damage to the fuel injector-related wiring. The second incident was formally confirmed by a mechanic that the brake line was leaking from damage from, what they highly suspected and have seen in the past, a rodent . In the first incident, a check engine light appeared, prompting immediate attention. In the second incident, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the brake failure occurred.

NHTSA ID 11731338 · filed Apr 15, 2026
All 31 reports naming brakes →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A critical failure in the direct fuel injection system caused severe engine misfiring, sudden loss of drive power, and a cascade failure that disabled safety systems during vehicle operation. Diagnostic scan confirmed DTCs P0172 (fuel system rich) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). In response to the misfire, the vehicle's computer automatically disabled the Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and SH-AWD systems (diagnostic codes U0401-68, U0416-68). This is a known manufacturing defect involving internal injector wear and high-pressure fuel pump debris (detailed in Honda TSB 20-100). The sudden loss of engine responsiveness paired with the simultaneous disengagement of traction and steering assists while driving creates an immediate crash hazard. Because Honda currently limits this repair to a 10-year warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, vehicles with low mileage are experiencing sudden safety-assist shutdowns on the road without manufacturer remedy.

NHTSA ID 11761766 · filed Sep 2, 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 · filed Jun 29, 2026
All 18 reports naming steering →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car hit pole head on, airbags did not deploy. Dash indicated SRS airbag failure

NHTSA ID 11661135 · filed May 15, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11625835 · filed Nov 18, 2024
All 14 reports naming airbags →

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Defective Keyless Access Unit Car will completely lose power Honda dealer confirmed defective keyless access unit Various problems experienced : a) Car is completely disabled b) Main Battery drained c) Flashing External Lights d) Flashing Dashboard cluster lights and indicators e) Anti Theft security Alarm Horn will sound f) Defective Hood Latch g) Windshield Wipers operational compromised

NHTSA ID 11589452 · filed May 18, 2024

My 2016 Honda Pilot was recently repaired as the Cam-Shaft had move within the care engine. My car has 109,000 miles on the vehicle, and should not have this issue given the cars age and the way that the car is driven. I am a suburban mom, who drives the car to work and with both of my children within my car. This put my entire family as risk driving within the care and could have hurt other drivers if the malfunction happened in the middle of the free-way or otherwise. The vehicle was inspected by the Honda Dealership for the issue. The vehicle has all of the dash lights flashing and the car was driving erratically, so much so that mid driving the car, it we were in a near miss accident due to the mechanical malfunction. The 2nd issue that has presented itself, it the start and stop button within the vehicle. It is a known defect to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11541354 · filed Aug 29, 2023
All 14 reports naming exterior lighting →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Defective Keyless Access Unit Car will completely lose power Honda dealer confirmed defective keyless access unit Various problems experienced : a) Car is completely disabled b) Main Battery drained c) Flashing External Lights d) Flashing Dashboard cluster lights and indicators e) Anti Theft security Alarm Horn will sound f) Defective Hood Latch g) Windshield Wipers operational compromised

NHTSA ID 11589452 · filed May 18, 2024

Rear glass window exploded outward. It was parked in the parking lot and was not forcefully shut or anything. Luckily, I was not driving when this happened and no one was hurt but it was very odd. No extreme temperatures. No extreme pressure from inside the vehicle. It is very unusual what happened.

NHTSA ID 11522523 · filed May 17, 2023
All 13 reports naming visibility →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lug studs keep breaking i have had honda and other dealers change the studs over 8 times new studs new lugs and 60-90 days one-two are broken again

NHTSA ID 11720080 · filed Feb 24, 2026

The audio system in my car blares When car is cold and after 5 minutes it turned off, and once it turned off a loud static noise that makes my vehicle unsafe to drive. The only way to get the noise to turn off is to pull over and completely turn off the car, and sometimes that does not even work. This is a driving hazard and could also be damaging long-term to my hearing. I have contacted Honda who says they have no recalls associated with this issue, but there are NUMEROUS complaints from customers online.

NHTSA ID 11691173 · filed Oct 3, 2025
All 12 reports naming other / unspecified →

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slow and moderate speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lurched and jerked. The failure was more evident while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and exceeding 40 MPH, the hood was flapping. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11715620 · filed Feb 4, 2026

The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood was vibrating excessively. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood latch was inoperable and failed to properly secure the hood. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,819.

NHTSA ID 11683466 · filed Aug 27, 2025
All 12 reports naming interior & seats →

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have an unresolved rear sub frame recall. The dealer looked at the problem. Said to fix it that control arms need to be replaced. Along with any other parts to fix recall. They submitted to Honda for goodwill claim to cover control arms. Honda approved it, and dealer told by Honda don’t know when parts be in. That was about six weeks ago. Still no updates from Honda to dealer on fixing it or parts being in.

NHTSA ID 11765590 · filed Sep 20, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11758196 · filed Aug 20, 2026
All 11 reports naming suspension →

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The seat belt on the driver's side is too short. I can barely get it to fasten and when I do I have no ability to move. I can't lean forward to look for traffic, light changes, etc. This seems to be a problem as I went on a Honda forum and others experience the same issue.

NHTSA ID 11605897 · filed Aug 1, 2024

Hood - flutters and wobbles significantly at highway speeds. Per recall check, this vehicle is not included. Seat belt - more of a personal thing, but the driver's seat belt cuts into the driver's neck, even when high of shoulder strap is adjusted. When using a device to help control where the shoulder strap lays, it was found that the driver's seat belt is MUCH shorter than all other in the vehicle. Therefore not allowing the driver to use something to adjust the shoulder portion and still safely check blind spots.

NHTSA ID 11484175 · filed Sep 13, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Pirelli scorpion verde plus 2 honda pilot 2016 awd while driving at safety speed about 40mph the rear tire suddenly explode right on the sidewall,no report or inspection by the store or any other. No damage to the vehicle,nobody injured.,weather temp at that time 67 F.

NHTSA ID 11500727 · filed Jan 8, 2023

ALL TIRES ARE NOT SAFE. TREAD IS CHIPPING AWAY. FIRST NOTICED AT 24000 MILES.

NHTSA ID 11012722 · filed Aug 3, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .