2016 Honda Pilot Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 838 Engine complaints for the 2016 Honda Pilot, 49% of its 1,703 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 66,000 miles. A related recall (23V751000) covers a manufacturing error affecting the engine.
- Engine complaints
- 838
- 49% of 1,703
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 9
- Injuries reported
- 9
- Median mileage
- 66,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine losing power or dying suddenly while driving, sometimes with a loud rattling noise before failure.
- Some describe a rod breaking through the engine block, spilling oil onto the exhaust and triggering a fire under the hood.
- Several complaints describe smoke or flames coming from the engine bay, in some cases while the vehicle was moving at highway speed.
- Owners report unexpected acceleration or surging while braking or holding the vehicle on a hill, without touching the gas pedal.
- Some drivers noticed an unusual sound from the engine while climbing a hill, followed by the noise stopping once they leveled off.
When 2016 Honda Pilot engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 31, 2015, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Honda Pilot
- NHTSA 23V751000Nov 13, 2023Engine248,999 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
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.
Engine complaints by Pilot model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Honda Pilot?
- NHTSA lists 838 Engine complaints for the 2016 Pilot, which is 49% of the 1,703 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Honda Pilot engine?
- Yes. Recall campaign 23V751000, reported November 13, 2023, covers a manufacturing error and applies to certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles among other Honda and Acura models. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine as necessary.
- At what mileage do 2016 Pilot engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2016 Pilot is 66,000 miles.
- Have engine problems on the 2016 Pilot led to crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 8 crashes, 9 fires, and 9 injuries connected to the reported engine issues on the 2016 Pilot.