NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda Pilot. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The spare tire strap / carrier/ mount broke causing the spare wheel and tire to fall off the bottom of the vehicle striking the vehicle behind it.
Car keeps hesitating to accelerate, stalled a few times & is burning through gas extremely quickly. Error code "engine emissions problem" came up, believe this is part of the recall
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3 and replaced all the spark plugs and coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the connecting rod bearing had failed. The contact was advised that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The engine short block was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
THEY SAID I HAD A RECALL KNOW THEY SAY NO WHAT IS GOING AND DASH PENAL
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided to the contact. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 78,500.
Purchase Honda Certified with around 38,000 miles. Within days of owning became apparent there were drivetrain issues. In higher gears while cruising at speeds between 25 and 60 MPH, the car would pulse -- the speed goes up and down and the tachometer indicated same with RPM pulsing. I've had the vehicle at the dealership shop 7 times and very little was done to remedy. Very nearly one year later - near the end of the extended warranty they finally correctly identified, acknowledged and made an attempt to solve with a triple flush of the transmission fluid. That seems to have solved the pulsing issue, but a couple months later the transmission began making a loud clunking judder noise when shifting lower gears while accelerating. Also apparent the transmission is slipping. Very poor gas mileage and tach shows unreasonably high RPMs for given speed. Vehicle still has less than 60,000 miles and is undriveable. Been sitting undriven in my driveway for nearly 3 months. Of course the pulsing behavior that was evident for a year was a bit of a driving hazard. Now the clunking transmission is also a hazard. Only a matter of time until there is a major failure. Only once, briefly, have I seen a warning indicator.
When I am at a complete stop all the sudden when I want to accelerate my engine shuts off and all the warnings come up, this is very dangerous as it has happened to me a few times when I have cars behind me and my cars slows down and does not accelerate. I have to turn off the car and restart like 2 or 3 times to go back to normal. Could be the auto restart, I have tried turning it off when I get in the car but since this can only be done once you turn it on not permanently if you forget then this could happen. Is unknown when it happens but definitely a safety issue.
My Auntie was on her way to a sports game driving about 70 MPH when she heard a loud bang then sounded like metal in a blender and chirping. After that the engine had no power what so ever luckily she was going down hill carrying enough speed to safely move to the shoulder cause before hand she was going over an under pass and there’s nothing but the barrier so she couldn’t move over till the top of the hill. If that engine had locked up completely she could have been killed at worst. The thing is that we took the vehicle to Honda 2 weeks prior to see if the vehicle was affected by the bearing recall and they said no the best they could do is give me honda corporate phone number to make a complaint which we did. I’ve also read online about fellow honda owners having these engines failing and not being covered which is a $6000 dollar job that’s half the vehicle's price which is insane that is what the mechanic quoted us to replace the engine. She still has the vehicle parked cause the repair is expensive. So these v6 engine have to be looked into cause so many families could get hurt.
Connecting rod bearings failed in cylinders 1 and 4 with 133000 miles on the vehicle.
Sudden Engine Failure. Possibly connecting rod related
My friend drove my car and on the freeway the oil started leaking and the engine caught on fire and the car came to a complete halt. It has to be towed to the nearest Honda dealer and upon inspection found the following: DURING VISUAL INSPECTION FOUND HOLE ON THE BACK SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK DUE TO CONNECTING ROD FAILURE CAN NOT DETERMINE CAUSE TILL FULL ENGINE TEAR DOWN UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND COMPLETE INTERNAL DAMAGE AND METAL CIRCULATION OF OIL SYSTEM REC TO REPLACE COMPLETE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY Diamond Honda I looked online and saw the 2016 Honda Pilot had recalls on thai specific issue and called the headquarters. They said they don’t have any recalls test on this vehicle becuase not enough people reported a problem. It was very serious that the engine stopped in the middle of e freeway and caught on fire. I asked the rep how many incidences needed to be reported before they will open investigation and she didn’t say. I asked how many people. We’re indie before they will recall and she had no answer except to give me a case number and told me her manager will call me in the next two days but it’s been 3 and no one has called. Headquarter rep also mentioned that it’s 5000 passed warranty so too bad on my part. Dealer also said I didn’t do all oil changes at the dealer so it’s my fault. I feel like I got a lemon. I’m waiting to hear what the headquarters have to say and what they find out w the dealer. But I thought I should report this since it’s very serious.
The vehicle was not functioning properly and was running badly on Friday 10/25/2024. The SUV was dropped off at Reeves Honda on 10/26/2024. Vehicle was picked up from the Honda dealership on 10/28/2024. The dealership service department reported a transmission code and the transmission and , torque converter would need to be replaced. Additionally, a failing AC compressor was noted and spark plugs needed to be changed at 100,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 87,100 miles. On 11/3/2024 the spark plugs were replaced by myself. The car was test, drove and appeared to be running fine. However, the engine continues to have a mild knocking sound. They did not appear to be any issue with the Transmission/gear-shifting and appeared to be smooth. On 11/7/2024 while my son was driving to school suddenly stopped at the intersection of Davis and precinct line. A tow truck was required to tow the vehicle back to our home. After close inspection of starter alternator, battery, and virtually all fuses and relays without indication of problem. Code reader was applied to the ODB port and no codes were seen. An attempt to rotate engine was unsuccessful, indicating a seized or locked engine. On 11/13/2024 call to dealership for advice. The dealership denies any engine issues or any complaints of engine issues however, in their paperwork it specifically states that customer indicated a check engine light during the event on 10/25/2024 and that the engine was not idling and had a knocking sound. When the vehicle was driven to the Honda dealership on 10/26/24. To be running extremely with the very mild knocking sound again noted from the engine.
While driving a 2016 Honda Pilot, the vehicle began to lurch, and engine failed by what appears to be rod(s) failing within the engine, penetrating the engine casing leaving a large hole in the casing. The RPMs went fully to the right before the engine seized. The hood smoked significantly, likely due to oil through the hole in engine. Luckily the driver was in the right lane of a 3-lane interstate, and was able to pull over to the shoulder and exited the vehicle on foot as the cabin began to fill with smoke. The Pilot was towed to a Honda dealership that night and repairs were assessed in the morning. The technician took photos and a video of his findings. He noticed oil leaking from the engine block and ran a scope up and he observed and documented a very large hole in the engine casing with metal appearing to fold outward, an indication of impact from inside the engine, likely from a rod failure. The engine was seized and could not be cranked by hand. The repair would require using a used engine block and rebuilding the engine. The cost of the repair was significant and so we sold the Honda Pilot to the Honda acquisition team. The fair market value for this Honda Pilot was noted as $16,916 via KBB.com as run by Honda based on the VIN# and mileage. Due to the damage, the price of the vehicle offered to us was only $2,500 (a $14,416 loss in value). We assumed this was a very rare incident, however the very next week we saw an article that NHTSA was investigating Honda for this exact issue. A recall was issued for model another model year, but the recall did not include the 2016 model year. The particular investigation is NHTSA RQ24013. In our instance, there were no warning lamps and our oil changes were current. There was an ongoing vibration issue we first observed at around 6000 miles that we correlated with specific RPMs and documented. To our frustration, Honda service never was able to find and fix the issue and we lived with this issue until the failure.
paint chips all over pealing
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact made inquiries of the independent mechanic and was informed that there was a known issue with the engines of similar vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the contact was not offered any assistance in repairing the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Vehicle has strong fuel smell after driving. And took to mechanic and fuel is leaking out
2016 Honda Pilot AWD EX-L Vin: [XXX] Mileage: 72,475 Connecting Rod Bearings failing on 3.5 liter, V-6 engines, leading to complete engine failure. Affected Model Years: 2016 through 2020 The engine in my vehicle is the Honda J35, V-6 which was the subject of a NHTSA mandated recall of approximately 250,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in 2023. I have observed a pronounced engine knock when the vehicle is at idle, that intensifies when the car is driven. I brought the car to a Honda dealership (DCH Honda of Nanuet) where it was confirmed that the connecting rod bearing problem was the cause. The dealership advised that a bearing replacement would not be feasible, and that an engine replacement would be necessary (see attached). I contacted American Honda and advised them of the same and a case was opened for me. (Case # [XXX]) But I was advised that there was no recall on my vehicle and no current, applicable warranty. I am presently awaiting a call from a Honda Case Manager on my request for financial assistance to defray the quoted cost of $8,057, plus applicable sales tax for the dealership to replace the defective engine. Based on the documented history of this problem and the associated potential for an accident that this is a considerable safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a blank or blue image while in reverse(R). In addition, there was an abnormal scrambling sound coming from the radio before the radio failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that other electrical features failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that an abnormal, burning odor was coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter; however, the check engine warning light remained on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I have a 2016 Honda pilot it has about 104,000 miles And has had all its maintenance. One day, three weeks ago, the engine started making a banging sound, and the oil light turned on. We brought the car to a mechanics who diagnosed engine failure and said that there were tiny metal shards seen in the oil. I have been meticulous about oil changes throughout the life of the vehicle. I brought my car to the service center at the Honda dealership and was told that my car had the exact same problem with the engine that the 2016 engines were being recalled for, but that my VIN number was not included in the recall and that I would have to pay for a new engine. Personnel at the service center said that there were three other Honda Pilot vehicles of the same and similar year with similar mileages currently being serviced for the same engine problem as the recall and that they were also not in the group of VIN numbers included in the recall.
I just purchased this vehicle this year if any components failed I do not know of it.
The connecting rod bearing seized up. Connecting rod broke and puncture through the engine housing. No recall notice was received from manufacturer about the issue. I was driving on the highway when my car made a sudden stop and smoke came from the hood along with a slight metal sound. There have been no professional inspector yet. My brother in law is a car mechanic and found the problem for us. When the car came to a stop there was no indicating of any signs. I did try to start the car again and that is when all the lights came one.
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the connecting rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Connecting rod bearing issues
Driving our well-maintained 2016 Honda Pilot with 133K with cruise control set at 65 on [XXX] in Kingman, AZ in October 2024, when the "check engine" light came on. I pulled off as soon as I could on the exit ramp 1.5 miles later. By that time, the engine was ticking and clicking loudly and all of the various system errors were flashing on the dash. The engine then started vibrating and sounded like a box of marbles being shaken violently. At that point, the engine had 10% of less of the normal acceleration. The local shop in Kingman, that I managed to limp to, said the engine had blown. I had it towed to the Honda dealer in Kingman (Anderson Honda) and they confirmed that a new or rebuilt engine and quoted me approximately $19K or $13.5K, respectively. They made no mention of the existing recall for three weeks of Pilot production, but I found that on my own, along with many frustrated Pilot owners. I'm now weighing whether I should have the work done by the Honda dealer in Kingman, whether I should have the Pilot towed to Phoenix, Arizona, where I live and there are more repair options, or whether I should wait and see whether the NHTSA forces Honda to expand the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Had a knocking noise coming from the engine of our 2016 Honda Pilot. My fear of "rod knock" was a reality. Piazza Honda of Pottstown, PA confirmed that it was likely a failed rod bearing(s). Honda of America (corporate) is supposedly giving some good will money to help offset the cost. The dealership initially said that it would cost around $9000.00 to repair it (that's without "good will"). They have had our Pilot for over 2 weeks now and the new estimate today is $17,280.00. It's all over the internet that these Honda/Acura J-Series V6 engines are having premature rod bearing issues.
Wife was driving kids to school on the highway when the vehicle bucked repeatedly and started making a loud ticking noise. When checked using a scan tool, it showed that a backfire had occurred on cylinder 5. Vehicle only has 120,850 miles on it and has always been serviced as required at a Honda dealership. There were no previous warnings or indicator lamps to foreshadow the engine problems with the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the Honda dealership and they stated that it needed a new engine. When asked as to why, they stated they just knew it did. After researching the problem online, the connecting rod bearing recall for 2016 Honda Pilots was found. The symptoms were exactly the same as what others had when having that same failure. Vehicle taken to another repair shop who came to the same conclusion that the vehicle needed a new engine. Honda of America was contacted about the issue and they stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall as it is outside the stated manufacturing window even though the engine is having exactly the same connecting rod failure as is stated in the recall. Honda refused to provide any assistance or help in resolving the problem. The dealership wants over $10,000 to install a USED replacement engine. Honda is obviously misrepresenting the problem to limit their liability even though they are fully aware there is a bigger problem with these engines. Quite a few other people online in groups/boards are stating they have the same engine failure and Honda is refusing to take accountability for it. Fortunately, it did not fully throw a rod at highway speeds with my wife and children in the vehicle as a much more life threatening situation may have occurred. We have little confidence if they replace the engine with a used, lower mileage engine that this situation that this issue will not reoccur.
My 2016 Honda Pilot started making a terrible clacking sound when I was driving it a few weeks ago. I brought it into my local auto mechanic and he told me the sound was coming from the engine and that it would probably have to be replaced but that he did not do that work. He told me it would be dangerous to drive, and that I should have it towed to another repair shop that does engine work to confirm his opinion. I did, and they did confirm that it would need a new engine. I then had it towed to a Honda dealership for a final opinion, in hopes that they could give me a break on putting in a new engine since my car was out of warranty but only had less than 75,000 miles on it, relatively low for engine problems. They did confirm that I would need a new engine and stated that it may be a rod. I have always gotten regular oil changes, and have not had many other problems with the car. They had been giving me the run around regarding paying for anything, and the other day refused outright to pay for anything. I have been without a car for 3 weeks now.
In 2021, while driving on a highway all vehicle warning lights came on. Engine ran at high rpm and low speed. Honda said is was a software update. Charged for update. This seemed to resolve issues. Car is regularly maintained and transmission fluid changed 2/1/2024. In 2024, the vehicle warning lights (in multiple & varying groups) began coming on and off at various intervals. The car stalled while at a red light on at least two occasions. When I was not near home I would stop at AutoZone for computer readings; misfiring of cylinder 2, random multiple misfire detected, system too rich bank 2. Car was at Honda for 2nd software update and lights were off at pickup. Lights started again. The mechanic found the vehicle was sending upwards of 100 codes. Repairs were made (and paid for) at local shop 2 separate times. Car is now at Honda diagnosed with engine failure due to bent rod. Honda will not offer goodwill on vehicle. However, the car has a "soft" recall for fuel injectors which seems to be the likely culprit. KBB in early '24 was $16k. Honda wants $18 k for repair and nearly $1k for diagnostic fee.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle regained power, and the contact drove to the residence. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The emission warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact researched the failure and determined that it was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Subject: VIN [XXX] My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Bobby Rahal Honda in Mechanicsburg, PA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA Campaign number 23V751000. Honda recall number XG1, Honda recall GG0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. This is a current investigation as to why the NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 was limited to 249K vehicles while so many cars continue to have the same issue but fall out of the scope of the recall. The estimate of the work that needs to be completed was going to cost us $7,585 on my vehicle. They wanted to replace the engine with a used engine that has the same issue. We had no choice but to trade it in and buy a new Pilot. This is unfair to American consumers, and I feel we need to get reimbursed by Honda Motors. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your work to protect the American consumer, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When at a stop at an intersection the engine auto idle/stop feature will engage and when you let off the break the engine comepletely dies and you have to put car in park and restart the car. This is extrememly dangerous when at intersections and in turning lanes.
transmission slipping
Purchased a used 2016 Honda Pilot Elite in "great condition" from the Honda dealership 2.12.24 @ 99,745 mi. Car performed awesome, minus the need for new battery and continued to perform well until recently 10.15.24. The car was a bit low on oil so I topped it off thinking that this new clicking sound from the central part of the engine would mellow. I gave the engine a day or two to allow the engine to hopefully settle. Still heard the clicking. Took it in to the shop 10.21.24, thinking that it may be the timing belt tensioner beginning to go, (I'm @ 107,000 now. I took it to the shop before 105,000 6.21.24) and my mechanic confirmed the belt is still good and has much life left) and was told my engine is on the verge of seizing up. The noise I'm hearing is related to the Cam Rod/connecting rods of my engine. Theres still not a check engine light on in the car.! WTH? This came as a complete surprise. My VIN is currently not included in the engine recall incident #23V751000 issued 11.12.23, but it should be!!!!!! I've made an appeal to American Honda, but I'm not confident of the results based on what I'm seeing others have posted before me. Please help us!
While merging onto the highway at about 45 mph the vehicle started to shake, stall, fail to respond and make a horrific noise. This caused a traffic situation as the car would not correctly get up to speed thereby affecting my merge and those behind me. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and upon completing an engine teardown I was advised that the connecting rod bearing had failed. When I asked how this could have happened I was told that I was "unlucky and got a defective part." The dealer quoted me about $18k for a replacement engine and actually discouraged me from proceeding with the repair. The vehicle body, interior and all components are in very satisfactory state and earlier in the year I ran a KBB report to value it. Those reports ranged from $12k - $16k. Ultimately, due to this situation not only were my daughter and I in danger but I lost any value.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, all the warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the highway where the vehicle stalled and restarted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
While driving a knocking sound started progressively getting worse. I took it into the Honda dealership. They said I had the same engine rod problem as covered by the recall, but my VIN wasn't covered. I was told driving it was dangerous and it could lose power at anytime.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged. Vehicle struggles to restart on various occasions. Honda America has an extended warranty to replace the starter.
Keyless entry malfunction. Vehicle not starting at times. Replaced battery. Error lights on dash. A known issue by Honda
Rolled into a parking lot and the car suddenly stalled right before I could get into the spot - electriconics were still working and what not. Turned the car off and on and pulled in and then proceeded to charge my portable jumper just in case. Came back a few hours later and drove it home - all sorts of sensors were going off but the car was still fine. Once I got home, I swapped the battery with one that I was charging. At this point there was light flickering and more sensors failing. I went to replace with a new battery and it drove fine for a day or two. On the last day, my girlfriend said it started happening again, and she turned around and came back home where it stalled out again. We are terrified to drive this vehicle and purchased a different one out of fear. Please fix this issue, Honda, as it is pretty rampant from the other reports here.
Around October 1, 2024 we were driving home and our entire dashboard lit up. The car still drove but lost all power. Concerned we would cause an accident as we were in a busy section of town, we immediately turned around and limped it to our independent mechanic. Upon inspection by the mechanic the following day, we were sent a list of codes. The mechanic also sent a video of the engine, explaining it sounded like a blown engine. He advised replacing the engine. The mechanic, who was previously a Honda technician, said he had rarely seen a Honda engine blow with so few miles. Given his experience and expertise, we moved forward with replacing the engine on October 9, 2024.
On Sept 29, my vehicle’s engine light came on while driving on a hwy. I have kept the vehicle serviced, and have all maintenance records. Due to minimal shoulder space, I continued to the nearest turnoff, and before approaching the turnoff the engine shut off entirely, creating a dangerous situation (no power, no power steering or power brakes), and I was forced to cross the highway by coasting. My vehicle was undriveable and towed to a Honda dealership, where I was told the engine was finished. I found a recall linked to engine failure, but Honda claims my VIN isn’t included, though it likely came off the assembly line during the affected period (May-June 2016) and the symptoms are indicative of the recall. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2024/INOA-RQ24013-27484.pdf
The A/C in my 2016 Honda Pilot is blowing hot air. On my first visit to the dealer, dye was added to detect the leak at a cost of $422. Upon returning to the dealer a second time, the dealer replaced the A/C condenser at a cost of $1,075, which did not solve the problem. Upon returning to the dealer a third time, the A/C condenser was replaced again, and that also did not solve the problem. Upon returning to the dealer a fourth time, the dealer now recommends replacing the A/C evaporator at a cost of $2216. I believe these parts are defective, as Honda has already issued service bulletins extending the warranty to 10 years for the A/C Condenser in certain vehicles. This new warranty extension applies to the Accord, Accord Hybrid, Clarity, Civic Type-R, and Insight. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] According to the service bulletins "This warranty extension covers vehicles that have a defective A/C condenser from the factory. The A/C condenser was not manufactured to specification. As a result, corrosion may develop in the form of tiny holes in the condenser tube walls that allow the refrigerant to leak out." See (Warranty Extension: 2019–21 Insight A/C Condenser) I am requesting that the 2016 Honda Pilot be included in the warranty extension, as I am experiencing the same issues for the expensive repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, or while the vehicle was cold started, the engine was running rough and making an abnormal clanking sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod bearings were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,383.
For the last few years the idle stop feature has resulted more than one dozen times of me being stuck at a stop light and not being able to get the car started. It will idle off and when I lift my foot off the break it will have trouble starting back up. If I wait a minute or so it can sometimes start back up but at least four times it has required a jump start to get it started again. It’s extremely stressful and scary to be at a light and stuck there with people honking and having to get out of the vehicle in a busy intersection to try to jump start the vehicle. I try to remember to turn off the feature every time I start the car but I forget sometimes. After the latest time being stuck with a toddler and trying to get someone to stop to jump start my car I am sending in a report.
I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot. After taking it to 3 mechanics ,the vehicle has been diagnosed with premature rod bearing failure, which I believe could be a safety concern for other owners as well. Despite regular maintenance and care, the rod bearings failed unexpectedly, causing significant engine damage and posing a potential safety risk. I am concerned that this may be a widespread issue affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to determine if there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed. Ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road is crucial, and I believe this issue warrants attention. Thank you for your time and consideration.
The engine seized on my 2016 Honda pilot with only 106,000 miles on it. It got regular maintainence and had oil in it when it seized. There was a clicking sound the day before but no warning lights to indicate an oncoming failure. The car just shut down while driving on the highway.
Idle stop feature caused the car to fall dead and go stuck into neutral while at a stop sign and getting ready to pull off into traffic to make a right onto the feeder of a busy freeway. I had to place the car into park then press the ignition button to turn the car back on then shift back to drive before being able to pull off.
Engine started to make noise at around 130,000- difficult to get diagnosed- engine noise went away - engine started to run rough at around 147,000: changed plugs and coils along with air filter- engine power returned momentarily but then the engine started to get noisy - diagnosis was engine failure due to possible rod bearing letting go. Vehicle ran so rough- it was parked. 151,000 miles - regular maintenance and oil changes.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026