NHTSA Complaint #11677681 — 2016 HONDA PILOT

I am writing to formally report a serious and dangerous mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving my 2016 Honda Pilot, which was later diagnosed by a certified Bell Honda dealership as a rod bearing failure. On July 25 2025, I was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph when, without warning, the vehicle began to shake violently, and I lost power and control of the car. The engine began making a loud knocking sound, and the vehicle decelerated rapidly, creating a hazardous situation in the middle of high-speed traffic. I narrowly avoided a collision while attempting to safely maneuver the car to the shoulder of the road. After the vehicle was towed to my home and to Bell Honda Dealership when they open, their inspection confirmed that the engine had suffered a rod bearing failure, which ultimately led to catastrophic engine damage. I was informed that the entire engine would need to be replaced at significant cost. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, including a recent [60K/other] mile service. It has never missed scheduled maintenance, and I have always followed Honda’s service recommendations. Despite this, I was told my VIN is not included in any current recall, even though this type of failure is a well-documented issue for 2016 Honda Pilots and is currently under NHTSA investigation. Honda of America has since denied my goodwill repair request, citing the age of the vehicle — despite the clear evidence that this was not due to owner neglect, but due to a manufacturing defect that poses a major safety risk. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed carefully, as it represents not just a financial burden, but a life-threatening mechanical failure. I am pursuing further action, including reporting this to the NHTSA, filing through BBB Auto Line, and seeking legal counsel if necessary. Please contact me if you need additional documentation, including the dealership’s diagnosis, repair estimates, maintenance records.