2016 HONDA PILOT Engine Problems

My 2016 Honda Pilot with 81,000 miles has very definite pinging in the engine that increases with RPM increase. It has had an engine ping for over a year but was told that the noise is "just something Honda's are doing". Since pinging has gotten louder, I had an independent mechanic try to find the problem. He checked the cam shaft, rocker arm and push rods for wear and all were normal. He then stopped the ignition to one cylinder at a time. When number 5 was isolated the pinging stopped. His conclusion is that it is likely the connecting rod bearing on cylinder 5 and I should take the car to my Honda dealer. Took the car to dealer and their preliminary diagnosis was: "Found a noise coming from bottom end of engine." Since my VIN is not covered by the earlier engine recall the repair costs are mine....

I took my car in for a safety recall and was not provided a loaner vehicle. Both the dealer and Honda have refused to provide me a rental and now I will be picking my vehicle up and driving it while it’s unsafe with children in the car.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot. While driving and attempting to turn into my local Walmart, my vehicle suddenly came to a complete stop without any warning. A vehicle traveling behind me had to swerve abruptly to avoid a collision, which could have resulted in a serious accident. After having my vehicle inspected by a local certified mechanic, I was informed that the engine had failed and that the estimated cost of repair would be approximately $9,000. Upon reviewing existing recall information for the 2016 Honda Pilot, I discovered that my vehicle is not currently included in the active recall related to engine failure. However, I have found numerous consumer reports describing the same issue with the 2016 Honda Pilot that were also not covered under the existing recall. I understand that as of August 2025, the NHTSA and...

Broken connecting rod leading to total engine failure on a beltway single lane overpass during rush hour on December 11, 2023. I paid to replace the engine (and matching transmission) with recovered (junk yard) parts from a 2017 (as advertised). The failed engine has been retained in storage since the event and is available for inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for diagnosis where the findings of failed connecting rod. Dealer indicated that the failure was NOT part of the November 2023 recall. Shortly before the catastrophic engine failure the vehicle went into limp mode. The dealer advised attempting to get it to the dealership which was only a few miles further. The vehicle did not make it. The failure occurred on a very dangerous fly-over single lane overpass ramp on I-95 to I-695 WB in Baltimore, Maryland. When the vehicle was purchased, a (7) year / 150,000...

Our 2016 Pilot errored while driving on the highway at 75mph and went to half power. This happened multiple times; resulting in a dangerous situation. After getting it towed to a Honda dealer, it was discovered that there was a defect of the engine crankshaft. This part needed to be replaced at our cost.

Hi, I have a Hoda Piot 2016 EX AWD V6, with odometer around 90000 miles. Last weekend my son who's 17 with his friends tok the car to go camping on the coast. The car has no problem at all, and I have folllowed the all Honda recommended maintenance. In fact it just have the break job and inspection done by the dealer a month ago. Well, my son parked the car in Fred Meyer and couldn't start the car. I took it to the dealer and notice that there's a recall 23V-751 and the dealer said that my car is not part of the recall based on the vin number. The dealer quote me to replace the engine with a used engine for $11,000 plus, they do not know what caused the engine to seize, and they can tear apart into the engine to know exacty what caused the...

Heard a knocking sound, had it towed, diagnosed by local mechanic ans then diagnosed by Honda mechanic as engine rod bearing failures. Consistent with recall. However Honda says this vehicle VIN is not scoped within the recall, and therefor requires an engine replacement. Both mechanics, and Honda Sales Mgr, service Mgr, and sales rep, along with other mechanical knowledgeable persons, all were shocked by the issue, and suggested the vehicle should go for 100,000 more l without this type of problem. Furthermore, all were shocked that the recall / Honda would not cover it, due to it being the same issue listed on the recall. Additionally, the dealership claimed the "lifetime powertrain warranty " was void and this would not be covered there either.

Our vehicle started making a knocking noise when being driven. We took it to the dealer for routine maintenance as well as to assess the noise. The dealership diagnosis is that the piston rods are knocking against the cylinder wall, causing a lot of metal shavings/glitter to be found in the oil. The service rep referred us to a recall for other vehicles of the same make and model for connecting rod bearings that can lead to the same mechanical failure. The issue can lead to an engine failure which can increase the risk of a crash, fire, or injury. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The diagnosis from the dealership was based on the metal shavings in the oil, the noise that the engine made, and the recall of other similar vehicles. The engine has not yet been taken apart to confirm the damage. We are waiting on...

The engine seized as I was driving. This posed a safety risk because it was in the middle of traffic. After having the vehicle towed to a service shop it was confirmed that the engine had seized. The check engine light had appeared 2 days prior but then went off and reappeared right before the engine shut off.

While driving down the road the Engine started making a bearing noise and then started making a metallic rattling noise and then stopped. The car was towed to a Don Wessel Honda dealership in Springfield, MO, where they determined that parts in the engine just came apart. There were multiple holes in the Engine Block. I was told that this was not common and at 79093 miles it was no longer under Warranty. They replaced the engine with a used Engine from 2017. The total cost was $7483.90. I later learned that this was an issue that was recalled on this year and Model of car, but my VIN was not included. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the recall.

Recall ID: 23V-751 (2023) Recall Query RQ24013 On [XXX] my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure while driving. Prior to this, the vehicle had been maintained regularly and showed no signs of major engine issues. The failure occurred without warning, following intermittent misfire symptoms that quickly escalated to the engine shutting down and becoming inoperable. After towing the vehicle to a repair facility, I was informed that the engine suffered internal damage requiring complete replacement. The shop indicated that the failure was related to internal engine components, consistent with known issues involving crankshaft machining and connecting rod bearing wear. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 23V-751, which addresses improper crankshaft machining leading to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure in 2016 Honda Pilots and related models. Additionally, I am aware of NHTSA Recall Query RQ24-013, which was opened in 2024 to investigate whether the scope...

Engine rod bearing

Complete engine failure on highway

I own a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD with approximately 160,000 miles. Within a week of purchase, the engine suffered a crankshaft/rod bearing failure. While driving, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled in traffic. I had to quickly turn onto a side street to get out of traffic, and smoke started coming from the engine bay. The vehicle is now not driveable. I already went to a Honda dealer, and when they checked my VIN, their system only showed warranty extensions for the fuel injectors and the start/stop switch. No recall or campaign appeared for the known rod bearing defect. However, my vehicle experienced the exact failure described in recall 23V-751 and the current NHTSA investigation into Honda V6 engines. I also contacted Honda corporate recall center directly, and they opened a case under my VIN. I have the case number available if needed This poses a serious...

In Mid-August (8/13/25), at 61,355 miles, my 2016 Honda Pilot experienced sudden engine failure due to what my dealer diagnosed as a connecting rod bearing/crankshaft failure. Prior to the failure, we had no issues with the car. The engine ultimately seized while the vehicle was in motion, creating a serious safety risk. My vehicle has been regularly maintained, most specifically timely oil changes (the most recent in December (12/11/24), less than 4000 miles prior to failure, yet the engine still failed. I am aware that Honda has issued recalls and is under NHTSA investigation for engine failures caused by defective rod bearings in 2016–2020 Honda Pilots and related models. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall despite experiencing the same failure described in the recall notices and owner complaints. This is a serious safety issue. An engine seizure or stall at highway speeds could easily result in...

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was parked at the place of employment for several hours. After parking the vehicle at the workplace for several hours, the contact resumed driving at an undisclosed speed, and the abnormal knocking sounds from the engine compartment returned before the vehicle stalled at an intersection. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that connecting rod bearing failure caused engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring (approx. 110,000 miles) with my wife and two children [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned without warning. As I was coming to a stop, the dashboard lit up with multiple warning lights and the engine appeared to stumble/stall. Once I regained focus, I could hear a loud ticking/knocking from the engine. This sudden failure put my family’s safety at risk while the vehicle was in motion. I brought the vehicle to the dealership where all maintenance has been performed since purchase. A diagnostic scan revealed code P0302 (misfire cylinder 2). Upon inspection, the mechanic found metal shavings in the oil filter and determined that cylinder #2 suffered a spun rod bearing, resulting in connecting rod and crankshaft damage. The engine was deemed non-repairable and requires full replacement. The Pilot has been properly maintained, with the most recent oil change performed on 5/13/2025 and...

My vehicle is experiencing a loud knocking noise from the engine, a symptom directly related to NHTSA Recall 23V-751 (Honda's engine connecting rod bearing failure). On 9/8, I took my vehicle to BP Service in Kirkwood, Missouri, for a diagnosis. The technician confirmed that the knocking noise was consistent with an internal engine issue, likely involving the crankshaft and connecting rods. This diagnosis prompted me to investigate the recall. On 9/10, I contacted the Honda dealership in Frontenac, Missouri, specifically mentioning the symptoms and the recall. The dealership service department checked my vehicle's VIN and informed me that it was not included in the official recall list for 23V-751. Despite my VIN not being on the list, the symptoms of my vehicle match the described defect in the recall. The engine knocking and potential for engine failure pose a serious safety risk. I am concerned that the recall population may...

My Pilot is experiencing a loud knocking noise from the engine, a symptom directly related to NHTSA Recall 23V-751 (Honda's engine connecting rod bearing failure). On 9/8, I took my vehicle to BP Service in Kirkwood, Missouri, for a diagnosis. The technician confirmed that the knocking noise was consistent with an internal engine issue, likely involving the crankshaft and connecting rods. This diagnosis prompted me to investigate the recall. On 9/10, I contacted the Honda dealership in Frontenac, Missouri, specifically mentioning the symptoms and the recall. The dealership service department checked my vehicle's VIN and informed me that it was not included in the official recall list for 23V-751. Despite my VIN not being on the list, the symptoms of my vehicle match the described defect in the recall. The engine knocking and potential for engine failure pose a serious safety risk. I am concerned that the recall population may...

While driving, the engine suddenly seized without warning. The vehicle lost power and could not be restarted, creating a hazardous situation. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership service center, which diagnosed a seized engine. They indicated that the next step would be a complete engine teardown to determine the cause, at significant cost. The component (engine) is available for inspection. To my knowledge, this problem has not been previously addressed or repaired, and it appears consistent with rod bearing failures currently under NHTSA investigation for this engine family.

I was driving my 2016 honda pilot home. Started from a red light, heard some grinding and then a loud bang and had no power to move. I coasted to the side of the road and had it towed as I restarted it to hear a loud grinding. Local mechanic said to take to the dealership because I threw a rod and the cylinder seized up. Honda confirmed this and then replaced my engine with a used one. 2 years later I discovered other pilots had this happen after mine did and recalls were put out but my VIN isn't on the list and honda refused to reimburse me for the engine. Im out 8 grand for a problem that they know about with my same year and model vehicle but because I'm not on the list, im out of luck.

My vehicle has run 79k miles. The honda pilot started giving knocking noise from the engine on 30-Aug-2025. I somehow brought the vehicle back to my home. Today I took it to a service center which is next to my home. They looked at the vehicle noise and mentioned that the Rod bearing for the Honda is damaged and the engine needs to be replaced. When I looked online, there was a safety recall for Rod bearing for 2016 Honda Pilot. But when I called Honda Corporate, they mentioned that my VIN number is not eligible for recall and I need to replace the rod bearing myself. I will end up spending $10000 for replacing the rod bearing. This seems to be a common issue with 2016 Honda Pilot and Honda is refusing to acknowledge that this is an issue with their manufacturing. This is a very big safety issue...

Transmission slipping and motor making a grind sound since like 120k and dash problems and paint chips every were paint is coming off on its own. I did not about that i can do a complete here.

motor grinding

The engine seized while driving on the highway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. There is currently a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines involving premature connecting rod bearing wear. The mechanic that has been servicing this vehicle for the last 9 years stated this is exactly what happened to my vehicle and should be covered under the recall. Honda stated that my vin number was not included in the recall and repairs are my responsibility. The issue here is the engine seizing for a known issue while driving on the highway could have been disastrous. Luckily no accident occurred as a result but Honda should be liable for this.

Engine developed noises while driving and seized up. Prior to engine seizure, auto start/stop was having issues where it would not restart after stopping at a light or stop sign. Rear unibody rusting really badly due to cheap quality metal?

Driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to shudder and make a loud screeching/banging sound. Once shut off it would not start. Mechanic determined the vehicle had no compression on one cylinder and further observed that while the valves did operate, the piston was not moving in the cylinder. The conclusion was the connecting rod had broken. Engine is still sealed and has not been taken apart for inspection. Engine has been replaced at customer expense.

While driving approximately 65 mph on the [XXX], near Terre Haute, Indiana, the engine very suddenly started making a very loud noise without any warning and immediately thereafter every system failed. The check engine light and several other warning lights appeared on the dashboard; the car steering became very stiff, making it very difficult (and dangerous) to control the car and get it safely to the shoulder; and the engine noise became louder (like spoons in a blender). The car unexpectedly lost forward motion causing cars and semi-trucks around us to take evasive action to avoid hitting us. All of this happened without warning and in a matter of a few seconds and we were very lucky to avoid a very severe accident. We had the car towed by Hawks Towing (in Glenview, IL) to Loyola Service (our preferred, trusted automotive service provider). The technicians at Loyola Service diagnosed the...

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and that the connecting rods had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

The engine shuts off while driving and the car shifts the transmission to Park or Neutral.

Driving regular highway speed and lost power with a number 6 engine misfire. Towed vehicle to house and eventually to dealer to investigate.

There was a small ticking/knocking noise that started the week before I took my Honda Pilot in to the dealer. I took the car in for regular service and told them about this noise. Under further inspection, I was advised by the Honda dealership that the piston connecting rod bearing had failed causing damage to the motor. I had to pay to replace the motor at my own expense. This is a safety issue as I did not really have a warning that anything was wrong with the vehicle and the engine could have seized up and caught fire while I was driving putting my family and other vehicles in harms way. It is my understanding that Honda had a partial recall on this issue in which my VIN was not covered. I was not notified that this was even an issue for the 2016 Honda Pilots and I should...

Engine Rod defective .. car completely stopped working on highway . Had towed to dealer for $300 and dealer said 8.9k to replace engine. Lots of Honda owners complaints about the same issue We were forced to sell car to Cox auto at a loss as we did not have the money to fix Check car fax. As we had perfect maintenance all done at dealership

Complete engine failure. Connecting rod bearing completely broke while driving.

2016 Honda Pilot EX-L (80k miles) that has been always serviced at Honda dealership for all regular oil changes and all regularly needed service. Very well maintained and low miles. We heard a knocking sound from the front and brought it to Honda for diagnosis and repair. They informed us it’s a “connecting rod bearing” issue with “no signs of external abuse.” This car has been unsafe to drive for 2 months while we worked with Honda to repair this issue and cover the cost of this. They declined to cover the cost of anything since this VIN hasn’t been recalled, while other 2016 Honda Pilots have had the exact same issue and were in the recall list.

2017: transmission replacement UW 2021: Vehicle stopped/ lost power on I44 at a speed of 70 mph. I immediately pulled over and called Roper on a recorded line per roper Honda. Took it to roper- needs a new motor. 2021: motor replacement Not UW 2024: vehicle was called in about hatch defect . Apparently, Roper reports that it is fixed yet- it IS NOT. I was unaware of the rods recall. That would explain why I need another motor. 2025: motor is knocking. Not UW 2025: AIS: vehicle has stalled at busy intersections after an idle stop. Scary when you have a car full of kids and your car doesn’t want to go. Now the car will just loose power and not start at a stop light regularly. I paid $43,000 for a vehicle that may have all the bells and whistles but it is complete trash to say the...

Engine started knocking going down highway then shut off imeediatly. Dealer said engine needs replaced due to rod bearings. Dealer also said there was a recall for this exact issue but only certain VIN numbers were included. How can an engine type have the same issue but not be included in the recall?

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...

Engineer appears to have seized while driving in the mountains. I was able to pull off to the side but the steering and braking was very hard and we were going 55mph with a car full on our way back from camping. I had my family in the car and I’m thankful there wasn’t a disaster that happened due to the failure.

Car staring jerking and engine seized up while i was driving.

We purchased our 2106 Honda Pilot Elite new in 2016. In 2022, I was driving the car and heard a rattling noise after accelerating at a stop light. I took it to Honda and they determined the engine failed and we need a new one. Our engine went out at only 80,000 miles. I experienced other issues with the Pilot; getting stalled at stop lights due to the auto idle engine stop and the start was by far the worst. Honda repaired the start button, but it did not fix the issue. The next time they said my battery was bad, they were wrong because I purchased a new battery a few months prior. The auto tailgate and sunroof worked about 60%. The next thing we did was file a claim with Honda Corporate. Case number ending in 7316 We provided every receipt requested and hand-delivered them to the service...

Driving home on a Thursday evening and experienced engine knocking sound(only heard when pulling into garage) after 30 minute drive of mixed highway and street driving. Shut down car and restarted engine. Engine knocking sound occurs just above normal idle rpm and also when rpm is going back down(deceleration) Advised spouse not to drive car until it is diagnosed. Not ideal due to a family vacation the following week. Drove very slowly to dealer on Sunday evening for a Monday mid day diagnosis appointment. Suv did have a check engine light on ( Thursday) but did go away after sitting over weekend(sunday night drop off) Honda Dealer diagnosed my engine has a damaged connecting rod bearing on cylinder #6. The dealer then proceeded to quote around $12,000 USD to replace the engine with a used engine with 115,000 miles on it already. The quote also has individual cost to replace...

The engine on my 2016 Honda Pilot needs to be replaced. It started to have a rattle, and my local mechanic diagnosed it as an issue with the connecting rod bearing. Honda issued a recall for this type of failure mode for Honda Pilots built in May and June of 2016, but mine was built in September of 2016. Honda says the recall does not cover my vehicle, even though the failure mode is similar. I performed all standard maintenance on this vehicle, yet it failed well short of its expected life.

The vehicle has started displaying numerous codes/error messages on the display. Vehicle jerks while attempting to accelerate and loses power. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a camshaft, stating the camshaft, timing belt, camshaft thrust cover, and spark plugs would all need to be replaced. They also said this may have caused damage to the converter, which will not be known until other repairs are made. This is apparently a common and widespread issue with these Hondas despite no recall being issued.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a complete stop in a drive thru, the vehicle started shuddering and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart 40 minutes later after several attempts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at 55 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,440.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. There was an abnormal odor detected. The contact was able to take the exit ramp. The engine light illuminated, and the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was jumpstarted, and the contact was informed about an engine replacement. The vehicle was diagnosed with a split crank shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that no additional assistance would be provided. The manufacturer was no longer returning phone calls. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.

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...

The fuel injection system routinely fails or misfires. Not only does this cause an issue with said system but it also triggers a host of other dashboard alerts. The alerts display all wheel drive problem, emission system problem, power steering problem, hill start problem, vehicle stability assist problem. This is a safety issue because the amount of alerts especially unrelated alerts is obfuscating any actual problems and making it difficult to diagnose the real issue. Investigation shows many other drivers having the same issues with this model only going away when the fuel injection system is replaced. It's also safety issue because if the fuel injection is failing then the car may shut off at a danger to the driver and the public. Given that it is known and chronic it should be a recall

Engine seized, mechanic mentioned potential connecting rod bearing failure. Was on freeway when car started to malfunction. Car was immediately taken to trusted mechanic and issue was found. Towed to additional mechanic following that. Honda dealership/service center was called regarding recalls on other 2016 Honda pilots engine seizures and no response yet, want to have car inspected by them if possible.