NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2016 Honda Pilot Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 1684 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 8 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH289 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2016 Honda Pilot receives a 4.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1684 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 8 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 77,500 miles (IQR: 38,250109,750 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

Honda Pilot PlatformHonda Pilot Series
DLC Port: Under driver steering column

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
4.1 / 10

129.5 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
1,684

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
8

8 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Pilot Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity87% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

997
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):77,500 milesIQR: 38,250109,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756838 • Filed: 08/13/2026

Alternator had been replaced a few days prior. Heard a rattling the same day we picked the car up. Called the dealership to arrange a drop off for inspection. An hour after that call, the car was at a stopped and the engine shut off. The car is currently at the local dealershi...

ODI #11755371 • Filed: 08/06/2026

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 Find...

ODI #11755059 • Filed: 08/05/2026

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 w...

#2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity88% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

690
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):42,000 milesIQR: 32,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757426 • Filed: 08/17/2026

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 ...

ODI #11756838 • Filed: 08/13/2026

Alternator had been replaced a few days prior. Heard a rattling the same day we picked the car up. Called the dealership to arrange a drop off for inspection. An hour after that call, the car was at a stopped and the engine shut off. The car is currently at the local dealershi...

ODI #11755322 • Filed: 08/06/2026

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 additi...

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity82% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

309
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):56,217 milesIQR: 30,00091,818 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11755322 • Filed: 08/06/2026

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 additi...

ODI #11751859 • Filed: 07/21/2026

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 ...

ODI #11747297 • Filed: 06/29/2026Odometer: 140,000 mi

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 mi...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity67% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

224
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):22,500 milesIQR: 4,40045,563 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11731338 • Filed: 04/15/2026

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 eng...

ODI #11724509 • Filed: 03/15/2026

The engine is making a noise underneath—I think it's a connecting rod bearing. We replaced the entire timing belt assembly because of that sound, but now I don't know what to do; when driving on narrow streets, it displays a "Collision Brake Warning" every time another car app...

ODI #11711254 • Filed: 01/15/2026Odometer: 1,000 mi

Most recently my engine started to have a clicking/knocking sound that was progressively getting worse. This happened within 1000 miles of replacing the timing belt. I now have a cylinder 2 failure and the dealer is recommending a $6000 plus complete used engine replacement wi...

#5 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

135
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 37,000106,266 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11758040 • Filed: 08/19/2026

The vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I was able to restart after a few minutes and then it stalled again. I was able to get it to a repair shop after stalling about 3 times on the way. The diagnostic code was for the high pressure fuel pump. This was replaced. Fou...

ODI #11752278 • Filed: 07/22/2026Odometer: 150,000 mi

I am filing a safety and defect complaint regarding my 2016 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6 Engine). In Dec 2025, the "EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM" warning light ocationally illuminated on the dashboard. On 5/26/26.while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently and experienced ...

ODI #11748988 • Filed: 07/08/2026Odometer: 144,303 mi

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...

#6 STEERING & SUSPENSIONHigh Severity67% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

99
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):34,100 milesIQR: 22,221129,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11758196 • Filed: 08/20/2026

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

ODI #11757426 • Filed: 08/17/2026

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 ...

ODI #11751254 • Filed: 07/18/2026

COMPLAINT REGARDING FRANCHISE DEALER RECALL NON-COMPLIANCE & MISREPRESENTATION (#26V-365). My vehicle is currently held at an authorized facility, ..., General Manager Honda (Downtown ...), under an active manufacturer dispute (Honda Corporate Case #XXX). On Friday, XXX Servic...

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity73% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

33
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):16,280 milesIQR: 14,36140,640 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11661135 • Filed: 05/15/2025

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

ODI #11657425 • Filed: 04/29/2025

My name is ... . I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the repeated and serious transmission failures on two 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles that I own. Both vehicles were purchased together and have developed nearly identical transmission problems, posing serious safety c...

ODI #11651546 • Filed: 03/30/2025

Pilot has auto start/stop problems. when it stops, if the exact pedal procedure isn't followed the car will lurch forward and stall engine. After that is it difficult to restart. This situation creates a dangerous situation as the vehicle fails to pull out in traffic under pow...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (8)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #17V219000Reported: 30/03/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.

Safety Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
NHTSA Campaign #16V417000Reported: 09/06/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

Safety Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
NHTSA Campaign #15V424000Reported: 06/07/2015

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.

Safety Consequence: If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.
NHTSA Campaign #15V668000Reported: 16/10/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems".

Safety Consequence: If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
NHTSA Campaign #21V932000Reported: 29/11/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.

Safety Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
NHTSA Campaign #23V751000Reported: 13/11/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Safety Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
NHTSA Campaign #23V858000Reported: 18/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Safety Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
NHTSA Campaign #26V365000Reported: 04/06/2026

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Summary: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Safety Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Honda Pilot

Before purchasing a used 2016 Honda Pilot, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Honda Pilot

Is the 2016 Honda Pilot a reliable used car?

The 2016 Honda Pilot earns a 4.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1684 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Honda Pilot?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 77,500 miles (IQR: 38,250109,750 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Honda Pilot?

Yes, the NHTSA records 8 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.