2016 HONDA PILOT Engine Problems

For the past three years or more the car does randomly turns of the engine often at a red light stop and sometimes requires multiple push on the start button to start the motor running. we have complained to the local Honda dealer of this issue several times through the years. they run all the tests needed and that the car has no problem. the can has been unreliable to drive in fact it is scary to drive.

In my 2016 Honda pilot a lot of buttons are popping up on the screen with no information about how to fix it. My car is having trouble accelerating and is hesitating when needing to accelerate. I was unable to speed up while driving to get to 45 mph Because it would not speed up. All the buttons that are coming up on my car or not correct it’s showing trailer issues and I’ve never once trailed anything with my car. It seems like it’s having extra trouble when the air condition is on as well. I’m unable to figure out what is wrong with my car because all the buttons are not coming up correct when they plug it in for a diagnostic. I have had the alternator replaced and that did not change anything.

2016 Honda Pilot was taken to Utah Moto Shop for routine maintenance and to diagnose engine noise after Honda replaced fuel injectors Nov 2024. Noise started right after injectors were replaced but customer was told that noise was normal. Utah Moto Shop found rod knock and diagnosed issues with connecting rod bearings. The shop contacted Honda in regards to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 and the related connecting rod bearing recall by Honda. Utah Moto Shop was told the VIN did not qualify. The vehicle has been deemed unsafe to drive due to the likelihood of engine failure at any time. The vehicle remains unrepaired and undriveable at 147,996 Miles.

While traveling at highway speed a rod knock suddenly developed inside the engine. Engine lost power which could have led to crash or injury. Had vehicle towed to the nearest Honda dealer (Fox Honda in Grand Rapids, MI) and they reported broken pieces internal to the engine coming out when draining the oil. There is an existing Honda service bulletin 24-001 that covers this issue on some 2016 Pilots but we were told by the dealer that our VIN does not fall within the range. I have seen reports online of other owners of 2016 Pilots being affected by this and being told the same thing.

Car had a low oil light and started a knocking noise on 6/6. Stopped vehicle and had it towed to dealership on 6/7 report came back with a connecting rod problem. No further inspection after that. Was made aware that there is a current recall on my vehicle specs but not my specific vin number.

Honda Technician upon inspection found code p0175 fuel system too rich, preformed af test found bank 2 failed on all injectors, injectors need to be replaced. But the honda dealer is NOT willing to replace the fuel injector based on "SERVICE BULLETIN 20-100, & 20-11 Warranty Extension". The service bulletin ask for replacement of the fuel injectors and/or a software update.

In many instances (perhaps 30 in the five years) while driving on the highway I will depress the accelerator to pass a vehicle but instead of accelerating the engine revs drop and the speedometer goes blank. This is very dangerous as you are expecting to accelerate - especially when changing lanes to pass someone - but instead of accelerating the car starts to slow down for a few seconds and then, after the revs drop, they pick up again. I have a video of this but I can't upload it below. Please let me know where to send it. The first time I brought it to a Honda dealer they said they had to remap the "software". The second time they had no idea why it was happening or how to fix it. I would like to get this fixed but am flummoxed.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was then towed to Dennis Automotive Care, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to a dealer for additional diagnostic testing. The dealer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

UPON INSPECTION FOUND KNOCKING NOISE FROM LOW END ROD KNOCK. INTERNAL FAILURE OF ROD CAUSING NOISE FROM SPUN BEARING- Honda told me that the VIN was not included in the previous recall despite being manufactured in the same month and year of the recall causing me to pay out of pocket to replace the short block of the engine at 85,000 miles

Engine seems to have failed. Having it towed to get a final diagnosis but it seems seized/blown.

According to the Honda dealership of Winchester, West Virginia, an engine rod came through back of block and into oil plan, causing oil to leak on exhaust, which then caused the car to catch on fire. My daughter was driving and her safety was at risk. There were no warning signs about this prior to the incident. We had just driven the car from Nashville to West Virginia with no problems. I was told that there was a recall for this for 2016 Honda Pilots, but that my VIN was not included. This has cost me $215.31 in car rental fees, $169.38 in Uber fees, $1661.35 in auto transport and towing fees, $165.99 inspection from Honda. I'm still waiting on final costs for a new engine; I was quoted $12K from Honda; trying to find a cheaper alternative.

I was driving in the interstate today. Car started knocking really hard and shuts off. Dealership replaced fuel injectors. 2 weeks later car started knocking. Dealership said I need a new engine as they found metal shavings in the oil.

The engine failed/died while being driven on the highway by my son, nearly causing a life threatening accident. I brought the car to our trusted Honda mechanic (certified mechanics specializing in Hondas/Acuras) and was told the problem was a rod bearing issue, there was a recall (23V-751) and to take the vehicle to a dealership. I paid to have the car towed to Honda of Annapolis and was told the engine failed because of rod bearing issue and that my VIN was not included in the recall. I requested the dealer provide a goodwill repair as the engine failed to the same reason listed in the recall and was denied. I filed a complaint with corporate (claim 15247280) which was denied because my VIN was not included in the original recall of only 249k vehicles. I then paid for it to be towed back to my home. It remains unsafe...

I was on my way to work and was in a neighborhood going 25 mph and came to a stop. My engine cut off and would not restart. I bought the car with somewhere around 120,000 miles in 2021.. it is the end of May 2015 and the car has a little less than 152,000 on it. I kept up with required oil changes and I have been told that the engine is siezed. As well as the torque converter being stuck... sounds like the SAME ISSUES listed in the recall

While driving vehicle lost power and started smoking; and would not restart. Towed to honda, they stated engine siezed and connecting rod was protruding out of the side of engine. Took to another shop and they confirmed rod bearings failed and caused connecting rod to break causing it to go through the engine. When attempted to restart car check engine light was on. Heads to the engine were good. Had to replace engine at 157k with all service being done at honda on time or early with all maintenance being done on time. Vehicle lost power on highway in far left lane, very dangerous.

Check engine light on emissions system problem and transmission system problem, there is loss power of engine light, after 2 gear transmission feel like it jerks I don't have save to drive my car, i would like to request a recall to be inspected and repair by warranty of Honda because my car is defective by manufacturer Code are: P0420 (rear bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 1]) P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 2]) P0300-P0306 (misfire) P219A (air-fuel ratio variation of cylinder [bank 1, rear bank]) P219B (air-fuel ratio variation of cylinder [bank 2, front bank])

I had just left my house and, approximately five minutes or 1.2 miles into my drive, the engine suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, leaving me stranded and in a dangerous situation. I had the vehicle towed to a Honda dealership, where I was informed that the engine had failed. However, I was given no explanation as to why this happened—only the option to replace the engine at my own expense.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Report of Engine Stalling and Rattling Noise in 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report an issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot that appears to be similar to the problem described in Honda's recall 23V-751, but my vehicle is not included in the recall. Vehicle Information: - Year: 2016 - Make: Honda - Model: Pilot - VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On the night of [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while traveling on a side road, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine stall accompanied by a loud rattling noise. With little power and momentum, I was able to pull into a gas station. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained during this incident. Service History: The vehicle was towed to Gunn Honda in San Antonio, TX. No repairs have been made to...

1. The engine system failed, specifically due to a connecting rod bearing failure caused by improper machining of the crankshaft journals. This led to internal metal-on-metal contact and abnormal wear. The engine is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. The engine failure caused jerking during acceleration, hesitation, and intermittent stalling, particularly when attempting to merge onto highways or accelerate from a stop. This significantly increased the risk of losing power while driving, which could have led to rear-end collisions or sudden stalls in traffic, putting both my safety and the safety of others at risk. 3. Yes. The problem was initially identified by an independent, authorized mechanical shop, which suggested that the failure resembled a known engine-related recall affecting other Honda Pilots. The issue was then formally confirmed by a certified Honda dealership (Honda Superstore of Lisle) on April 19, 2025, which diagnosed...

December 2017 I was driving my 2016 Honda pilot back from Florida and the car immediately reduce speed to about 25 to 35 mph. I had my OBD2 in the car so I reset the code and the car start driving fine and every time I will leave the gas station it will do the same thing dealership took the car said it was a throttle position sensor fixed it and the car broke down two days after getting it. I was told it was corrected for sure this time. However I'm saying a recall on Honda engines 2016 but my engine is not included. In 2024 I took the vehicle in for service and they said there was a recall for the ignition switch however since they fixed the ignition switch I have issues at times starting the car. I've also had to pay to get the electronic steering...

THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. YOU CAN HEAR IT WHEN THE VEHILE STARTS UP BUT IT GETS LOUDER AS THE VEHICLE GETS UP TO TEMP. MAINLY AT IDLE AND LOUDER AT ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN HONDA IN WOOSTER OHIO AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BAD ROD BEARINGS. WE PURCHASED IN FALL OF 2024 WITH ABOUT 64K MILES AND THE ENGINE AT THIS POINT HAS ABOUT 75K MILES ON IT. IT HAS AN EXCELLENT SERVICE RECORD AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AT HONDA SINCE IT WAS NEW AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER.

When the Auto Idle feature is on, the car will often completely turn off when at a red light or in stop & go traffic. When it is time to move again, I cannot go. Cars are honking at me to move, but the car will not start. I have to put the car in park, completely turn it off, and restart it. This sometimes happens on the interstate in heavy traffic, which can be extremely dangerous. My car’s engine light had been having a warning sign “emissions system problem”. I took it to the dealer, and told them about the auto idle problem & the light, but they could not find anything wrong. A few months later, my engine failed & they said it wasn’t covered under the recent recall so I had to pay $7,000 for a new engine. Now a few months later, the auto idle problem...

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. 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 failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Our 2016 Honda Pilot had rod bearing failures, which lead to total engine failure. The problems matched EVERYTHING in the November 2023 recall, but our VIN was not included on the list. We ended up having to replace the entire engine. I contacted Honda and convinced them to cover half the cost but we still paid almost $10,000 out of pocket. I read an article stating that there have been 173 complaints of rod bearing failures on vehicles that were not included on the original recall. I would like my vehicle included on that list. We never should have had to pay $10,000 to replace an engine that should have been included on that recall. My husband almost got into an accident on the interstate because the engine began to fail completely.

I was driving on the interstate and while going up the hill at 70 mph my engine seized up and died on me. I was able to get it to the side of the road and get it towed. This happened in February of 2023. Had it towed to two different service shops. The first one, Roush Honds in Westerville, said the engine was dead and could not get it to turn. The Auto Clinic in Mansfield, Ohio said the same thing saying the engine seized up and it was an internal failure of the engine. They replaced my engine with a used Honda engine. With all these recalls and investigations on Honda engines, I believe that this is what was going on with my pilot engine. Also I am worried I could have the same problem with the used engine that was put in as a replacement.

I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite and I was driving it in March of 2024 when my engine started making a low ticking sound, after about 2 weeks it gradually got louder and louder. It felt like it didn't want to accelerate, meaning it took more force down on the pedal to get it to drive. On the last drive in it the engine shifted so hard it shook the whole vehicle feeling as if I was hit from behind. Once I got it home I parked it and have not drove it since March of 2024.

Engine knocking rod causing it Safety is at risk with engine knocking Took vehicle to independent service center Vehicle or component have been inspected by independent service center There was no warning until I heard the noise and saw the check engine light come on while driving home from work

Rattling noise in engine. Feels unsafe to drive. Honda mechanic confirmed new engine needed due to worn rod bearings.

Auto Start/Stop not working at stop. Vehicle fails to restart when engine has turned off at intersection. On occasion, vehicle fails to start and loses total power. Often, it takes several minutes to regain power. This has occurred in intersections, almost causing accidents. The car was repaired per a TSB, but the issue continues, and has for the last 4 years since purchase.

My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they couldn't help with the repair. This is a manufacturing defect and Honda should cover this expense. Although, they sent out a recall notice but they said my VIN is not part of it. Please help!

ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and ACC light.

Driving on [XXX] ) at highway speed in traffic when the engine started making a sudden rattling noise, shaking, and had immediate power loss. Within seconds the engine light started blinking, the oil light illuminated and the information light came on. I was forced to pull over and shut the vehicle off. We were forced to stand on the side of [XXX] on a Friday evening while we waited for a tow truck to come get us. I have had the vehicle towed to the dealership where we purchased it and they have indicated that the engine needs to be replaced due to failed rod bearings. The vehicle is currently at Ralph Honda in Rochester NY. 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 at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact research and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,055.

Heard a ticking sound, had a diagnostic test done and was told a bearing had broke and I need a new engine.

Vehicle was fixed for auto start stop under recall. They changed all the parts including capacitors. Within 5000 miles it started happening again. I’ve informed Honda about this from 20k miles. The vehicle now has 165k. I’ve told them on multiple occasions that this is a serious safety issue. They said they have this fixed and they do not. They closed my case even though I asked them to keep it open as they have not proved to me that it is fixed. The only way to fix this is to have Honda program the care to not allow start stop as someone is going to get killed. It’s just a matter of time.

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 power. Very POOR design by Honda and should be permanently disabled for driver/occupant safety

The car has trouble starting. It has been occurring for years. (1) It cycles like it has a bad battery. (2) It cycles like the starter is not getting power or is bad. (3) Sometimes this causes the engine starting cycle to completely fail and restart is not immediately possible. (4) The auto stop/restart feature cannot be used because it requires frequent stopping and starting of engine which is not possible. I’ve had many Honda dealers and Honda mechanics looking at the issue and none have been able to determine the problem.

Auto idle restart and transmission is unexpectedly put in Park upon restart. On occasion then car goes into limp mode and powers off.

Purchased 2016 Honda Pilot Elite used from a Hyundai dealership in Feb 2024 with ~70,000 miles. At approximately 89,000 miles noticed a ticking sound from engine that corresponded with engine RPM. Brought car in for oil change at 91,000 miles and noticed ticking had progressed to a more concerning knocking sound, however no codes or warnings were thrown and power seemed unaffected. Approximately 6 days later while on freeway felt a large shuddering, check engine light came on and power was significantly reduced, especially at higher RPMs. Limped directly to Honda dealership, who inspected and advised of metal shavings in oil filter. Advised by Honda techs there was evidence of camshaft rod failure and recommended total engine replacement ($11,330 quote). Mileage at failure was ~92,000. VIN check showed no unresolved recalls, despite remarkable similarity of symptoms and failure to Recall #23V-751. I did not receive a notice in the mail...

On January 25, 2025 I took my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring in for a knocking sound at Holman Honda in Colorado. After looking at my car the technician gave the following diagnosis below that found metal shavings when the engine oil had been drained. That diagnosis is pasted below for reference. The repair my car car needed was a new engine and we were advised not to drive the vehicle. The knock had become progressively and no earlier mention at any previous oil changes had mentioned any metal shavings. The car had all scheduled maintenance as recommended at the appropriate milage markers. After investigation online, this seems to be very similar to recall that impacts 2016 Honda pilots although my VIN was not included in that recall. I found it on Honda service bulletin 23-097 from March 8. 2024. There is an ongoing investigation:RQ24013 which looks to expand the vehicle...

Car fails to restart after idle stop is engaged and will stall out car. Causing significant safety hazard trying to restart car after idle stop.

I have to drive with my idle off because when I drive with it on, there were 4 instances where my car idled & it idled so much that the whole car just turned completely off when I was waiting at an intersection or at a red light or getting off an exit & there were numerous cars behind me waiting. I would have to keep pressing different buttons or drive to park then try to turn the car back on & it would take awhile to turn back on. So to avoid this, I would just drive with my idle off. I did bring it up the the service department at the dealership but they said they didn’t see anything wrong, because it doesn’t happen all the time or maybe because they were just driving around one block, I don’t know. But it happened with me and when my...

This vehicle has a good service history but when I was driving on the highway the motor stalled almost causing an accident I heard a popping sound then the motor started to knock like crazy I know there was a recall on these vehicles for the same issue I feel that honda should honor the recall on the pilot elite as well

Engine needs to be replaced vehicle only has 123,000 miles. Diagnostic states sounds like rod bearing has come apart in cylinder 2 Honda Recall #23V-751 involves certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles. This recall is due to a manufacturing error that may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. But yet Honda states my vehicle is not eligible for said recall.

Around 7 months ago my Honda Pilot began to make a loud "knocking" sound and would not run. I have been waiting on a recall on my specific vin because this is an issue for 2016 Honda Pilots.

2016 Honda Pilot with 77,000 (with additional transmission coolant system added upon purchase new) randomly blew the engine yesterday getting off of the interstate exit ramp. Minimal symptoms ahead of time...starting driving a little rough over last day but then complete engine and electrical failure out of nowhere. Honda dealership made it clear that it's no longer under warranty. Also said its very rare. Another mechanic told me that they've seen a few of these with 2016-2017 Honda Pilots with relatively low mileage and suggested I look online for others. (which led me to report this). This car has had issues since I bought it brand new including air conditioning system, excessive heat in the car from the engine, electrical quirks, etc.

The engine is making a very loud internal noise and it is available upon request. There is a major fear of the engine seizing while driving. I don't know if the vehicle has been taken to a dealer for this issue before. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking, and the engine made a loud knocking sound. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Brannon Honda (300 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235); who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was under review. The failure mileage was 121,006.

Engine "knocking". Car has slightly less than 80,000 miles and is 9 years old. Dealer has confirmed that the engine needs replacement. Same issue as the other 3.5 liter engine recalled earlier. Engine knocks, engine light came on and flashed the entire time it was on. Dealer did all the regularly scheduled maintenance. Got the vehicle to the dealer prior to major engine failure.

Our stop/start feature consistently causes the car to stall instead of restarting the engine. This leaves us stranded in or at intersections while waiting for the car to respond to pressing the park and restart buttons. This regularly takes enough time we have narrowly avoided being hit multiple times from suddenly not being able to move. Because it can turn off at any time you are fully stoped we have been caught after having to make a complete stop in the middle of an intersection and then still being stalled when the light changed. Honda has experienced the problem and has only been willing to change the battery. A fully charged and new battery does temporarily reduce the number of occurrences. This has only been inspected by Honda because we have not had an actual accident yet. There are no other warning lights on the car at any point. This...