2016 Honda Pilot Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: June 15, 2023 · Filed: October 29, 2026

I have a series of dashboard warning lights that have went off due to failure of this camera-based (LKAS) unit. They are labeled as: 1) Lane Keeping Assist Problem 2) Auto Matic Cruise Control Problem 3) Traction Control Problem 4) ABS - braking system failure. These issues, IMO, are enough to suggest a recall is warranted. Please advice. I can provide photos of these warnings if necessary. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: October 20, 2026 · Filed: October 28, 2026

Connecting rod spun a bearing/ rod knock Verified le customer's concern regarding an abnormal engine knockır oise. Conducted a diagnostic inspection and confirmed pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the ower engine assembly. Used a mechanic's stethoscope tr isolate the noise to the crankshaft/connecting rod area technician verified a catastrophic lower-end engine failure. Specifically, the diagnostic notes state: "Connecting rod spun a bearing / rod knock Verified" "Pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the lower engine assembly" "Testing indicated that the knocking noise was most prominent at cylinder #2, consistent with excessive connecting rod bearing clearance and a spun connecting rod bearing." Furthermore, the computer scan sheet shows zero codes for low oil pressure, engine overheating, or vehicle neglect. The temporary misfire codes listed occurred solely because the technician intentionally disconnected individual ignition coils to isolate the mechanical knocking sound. This precise diagnosis—a spun connecting rod bearing at cylinder #2 due to improper clearance—is the textbook definition of the inherent manufacturing defect that triggered the major NHTSA Action regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engines. Because my vehicle was manufactured at the Lincoln, Alabama plant and has been maintained perfectly by Honda its entire life, this failure is undeniably due to a factory structural defect rather than normal wear and tear or owner oversight.

Incident: October 27, 2026 · Filed: October 28, 2026

Hello, While driving, the engine developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the bottom end. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection, where the mechanic drained the oil and cut open the oil filter. The filter pleats contained significant metallic debris and bearing shavings, confirming internal connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic confirmed the engine has severe bottom-end damage requiring a complete replacement. The damaged oil filter and engine are available for inspection upon request. According to the previous owner, the vehicle was brought to an official Honda dealership in April 2024 for this exact knocking noise. Per the seller, the dealership misdiagnosed the engine knock as a faulty timing belt tensioner and charged approximately $2,000 to replace the timing belt assembly. That repair failed to resolve the noise, but because of the dealer's misdiagnosis, the vehicle continued to be driven with failing rod bearings. This failure poses an immediate safety hazard. Sudden connecting rod bearing failure on the highway can lead to complete engine seizure, abrupt loss of power at high speeds, power steering loss, or a thrown rod causing an engine fire, putting passengers and surrounding traffic at severe risk. Prior to the diagnostic check, there were no low oil pressure warning lights or dashboard indicators. This failure directly aligns with NHTSA Campaign 23V-751 (Honda Recall XG1) for 3.5L V6 (J35) engine connecting rod bearing defects. This 2016 Honda Pilot has the exact affected J35 engine type and exhibits the exact failure mechanism described in the recall, yet this specific VIN was excluded. Given that non-recalled VINs are experiencing identical catastrophic bearing failures, Honda should expand the recall parameters or cover the replacement engine cost for vehicles with this confirmed defect.

Incident: September 18, 2024 · Filed: October 28, 2026

I have been having issues with my 2016 Honda Pilot and I looked on Experian and it stated that there is a recall. There are two different recalls, the first one says Fuel Injector/W Software Update the date is 11/24/2020 and recall # W8V. Also recall for Start/Stop Switch that the recall date was 12/9/2020 and recall # Y93. I bought my car in 2024 but I did not get an extended warranty. The car is having same symptoms for the past 2 years, my husband tries to fix what he can. Even though it is not under warranty they never fixed these issues before selling my car. It started acting up after 3 months of having it. So I am thinking they just took of the system problem and tweaked it so the car would be sold.

Incident: October 3, 2026 · Filed: October 24, 2026

While driving our 2016 Honda Pilot on the highway approximately three weeks ago, we experienced a sudden, loud clunk from the engine, followed by catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious safety concern. Following the incident, we learned that the engine had suffered severe internal damage involving the connecting rod/piston assembly, with internal components breaking through the engine block. The vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated by the Honda dealership at approximately $20,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 95,000–105,000 miles and had received regular maintenance at an authorized Honda dealership, including major engine maintenance in November 2025. We are particularly concerned because Honda previously issued Safety Recall 23V-751 for connecting rod bearing failures affecting certain 2016 Honda Pilots. However, our vehicle’s VIN was excluded from that recall despite experiencing an apparently similar catastrophic engine failure. NHTSA also opened Investigation PE25008 to investigate additional connecting rod bearing failures involving Honda vehicles outside the original recall population. We believe our vehicle’s failure warrants investigation to determine whether it is related to the known connecting rod bearing defect and whether additional vehicles were improperly excluded from the original recall. We have opened a case with American Honda, which is currently reviewing our request for assistance with engine replacement. We request that NHTSA document and investigate this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, given the sudden engine failure at highway speed and the risk of a serious accident.

Incident: October 22, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

I am writing to report a severe internal engine defect on my 2016 Honda Pilot that poses a sudden stalling and safety hazard, identical to the failures covered under NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 23V-751. My vehicle is currently experiencing a distinct metallic rattling/knocking noise coming from the lower engine block. This noise is highly noticeable under acceleration and high-load conditions right before the transmission shifts gears at higher RPMs. Upon performing an inspection of the engine oil system, the drained engine oil revealed a heavy concentration of microscopic metallic "glitter" and shimmering copper/silver shavings suspended in the fluid. This confirms acute, active connecting rod bearing degradation and crankshaft journal wear. Despite displaying the exact textbook symptoms, failures, and manufacturing characteristics of the defect outlined in Recall 23V-751 (improperly ground crankshaft journals from the factory), my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am submitting this complaint to formally document that my vehicle is a clear positive match for this manufacturing defect. I request that my VIN be added to the active recall scope or included in the NHTSA’s ongoing investigation regarding Honda’s under-inclusive recall volume, as this failure introduces an immediate risk of catastrophic engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds.

Incident: October 12, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

The engine has developed a severe internal engine knocking/rattling noise while running. This symptom matches the defective crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failures detailed under NHTSA Campaign 23V751000, presenting a severe risk of sudden stalling and complete engine failure under load.

Incident: October 7, 2026 · Filed: October 21, 2026

My 2016 Honda pilots has given me trouble lots of people call it the Christmas lights effect, all the dashboard lights turn on in the middle of the highway and my truck jerks and turned off , they now about this dangerous trouble and has not put any recalls on this matter, had to spend 3,000 dollars had to replace the fuel pump and the fuel injected , will not recommend this truck, I was so stressed and scared

Incident: October 2, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

An airbag warning light recently appeared in our 2016 Honda Pilot. Believing it might be a faulty sensor, we scheduled a service appointment with our local Honda dealership. During the inspection, we were advised that the airbag was not properly seated and requires replacement. This vehicle has not been involved in any recent accident or other event that would explain why the airbag became dislodged. I am very concerned that a critical safety component such as an airbag could become improperly positioned without any apparent cause. Given Honda's history with airbag-related issues, I believe this matter warrants further investigation. The fact that an airbag can become unsecured without any known impact raises significant safety concerns, not only for my vehicle but potentially for other owners as well. I respectfully request that this issue be reviewed and addressed to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Incident: October 13, 2026 · Filed: October 16, 2026

Driving home late Tuesday night October 13, 2026 the car made a severe noise, pulled to side of the road turned car off. The car would not start, the car was towed the next day to the Honda Dealership it was bought from. The car had just been in the Honda shop for routine maintenance. There was no warning lights. The safety concerns being on the side of a busy road. My wife and 2 children had to wake up and come and get me. This Pilot is our primary car the other one is not safe enough and is used for in town driving. According to the dealership it was towed to it was a P0304: cylinder 4 misfire misfire with a brand-new plug and a healthy timing belt, together with a loud engine noise, points to mechanical damage inside the engine. That fits a rod bearing failure.