Owner complaint record
2016 Honda Pilot Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2016 Honda Pilot owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,685 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 2, 20261,685 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
Model year2016
- 2025189No page yet
- 2024108No page yet
- 2023132No page yet
- 2022144No page yet
- 2021419No page yet
- 2020478No page yet
- 2019883No page yet
- 2018436No page yet
- 2017913No page yet
- 20161,685
- 2015108No page yet
- 2014116No page yet
- 2013270No page yet
- 2012170No page yet
- 2011292No page yet
- 2010111No page yet
+1460% vs 2015, most of any Pilot year
758 complaints, 45% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
10 mention an injury, 9 a fire
The engine leads the 2016 Honda Pilot record at 45%, with electrical system close behind. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 61,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the battery, $142 to $320 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Stalling runs through the engine and electrical complaints, and some owners tie it to the idle stop feature that shuts the engine off at a stop.
2016 Honda Pilot overview
The 2016 Pilot came with one engine, a 3.5-liter six-cylinder, with a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Owners filed 16 times as many complaints about the 2016 as the 2015 (108), and the engine leads both years. The 2017 drew 913, with engine named most.
LX · EX · EX-L · TOURING · ELITE
- Power
- 280 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 262 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic or 9-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Honda's 2016 Pilot specifications.
Is the 2016 Honda Pilot reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2016 Honda Pilot than about any other Pilot year, and the engine draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1stCompared with other Pilot years1,685 complaints, the most of 16 model years (next is 2017 with 913).By model year
- 45%The system named mostEngine, in 758 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 61,000 miles.Problems by system
- 8Recalls8 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Honda Pilot.Recalls
- 23Crashes, injuries, fires23 complaints mention a crash, 10 an injury and 9 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2016 Honda Pilot problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,685 complaints about the 2016 Honda Pilot that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine45%758 complaintsStalling, idle stop shutting the engine off, warning lights
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What owners describe
Engine stops won't restart multiple warning light flashing giving appearance of computer failure. Second incident. First incident dealer said no problem after checking battery. Second incident in traffic when failure occurred (5/25/17 approx 8 a.m) blocking intersection. Fortunately we were slowing to stop at light. Video of dash available too large to upload.
Recurring problem with idle stop feature causing car engine to shut off completely (even when disabled), resulting in an error message and requiring the car to be turned off and on. This is a safety issue while driving, especially if in an intersection while turning. Https://www.carproblemzoo.com/Honda/pilot/car-stall-problems.php https://www.piloteers.org/threads/elite-shuts-off-at-stop-light.157005/page-13
ARNYNCOHRead 4 more owner reports+4
Surge while braking during parking caused vehicle to accelerate ahead and hit vehicle parked in front. This caused damage exceeding $1600.00. See Honda service bulletin 16-008. This bulletin was not brought to my attention until after this incident even tho my vehicle had been serviced by my Honda dealer only since ii purchased it new.
On my 2016 Honda pilot, all the lights come on in the dashboard ex; vsc, check engine, abs, power steering. Took it to Honda and they performed a software update. Two days later the same problems occurs.
Car brakes by itself, shakes the steering wheel and shuts off and loses power ranging in speeds from 20 -60mph. On double lane roads to interstates in the rain and sunny dry days.
This is a 2016 Honda pilot and the engine stutters/judder between 30-50 miles per hour apparently it is a common problem, went to the dealer flushed the transmission was good for 6 months then back, I think there is a design problem as many are describing same problem
When it starts
Usually starts around 61,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 37,520 and 90,072.
What to do
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and watch for a stall or a restart message.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoElectrical system34%569 complaintsKeyless start warnings, battery drain, stalling
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What owners describe
My 2016 Honda pilot have been popping up a 'keyless start system problem' message . It happened about 3 weeks ago. It's sometimes will go away and come back the next day. It's on and off. When this issue occurs the 'walk away auto lock ' also didn't work too. I hope Honda to resolve this issue by recalling the model.
The keyless start and entry light will not turn off. Additionally many complaints about it and Honda ignoring the problem. Even more severe problems have been reported to you. This will lead to the car just stalling in the middle of the road. I have 2 children. Please have Honda address this asap.
WVFLTXVARead 4 more owner reports+4
Faulty start/stop switch-basic internet search reflects that this is a recurring issue with 2016 Honda pilots. The vehicle shuts off when the brake is depressed and may not restart due to faulty switch. We had to replace switch at a cost of $299.13. There should be a recall as this is a recurring issue with these vehicles.
Engine stops won't restart multiple warning light flashing giving appearance of computer failure. Second incident. First incident dealer said no problem after checking battery. Second incident in traffic when failure occurred (5/25/17 approx 8 a.m) blocking intersection. Fortunately we were slowing to stop at light. Video of dash available too large to upload.
I have a "keyless start system problem" message on since the car is more than 37,000 miles. Tried changing battery but it did not fix the problem. It does not seem to affect the driving. At 61,000 miles the dealer reset the code but after one day, the message came back. This issue disabled the autolock feature as you walk away. Not sure what else is being disabled by this.
Keyless start system problem warning continues to come up in my 2016 pilot from talking with multiple Honda pilot owners it seems as though the switch (engine start/stop) being installed are faulty.
When it starts
Usually starts around 49,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 35,750 and 65,000.
What to do
Start it several times and watch for a keyless start message.
Our guideBad Alternator or Battery? How to Tell Before You BuyMore: Dashboard warning lights
Powertrain12%198 complaintsRough shifts, jerks, noise
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What owners describe
I got problem with transmission with grinding gear when I use eco on and now my transmission make whistle noise when change shift from 2 to 3 and 3 to 4. I would like american Honda responsibility with transmission new Honda pilot 2016 and they should be recall for transmission. Now I feel not comfortable with this noise.
Oil leaking underneath car. This shows up as a puddle in my garage - it's a slow leak. I think it's probably the same issue as what's happening with the other 2016 Honda pilots and the seal on the oil container, but my specific car hasn't been flagged.
FLKYCOARRead 4 more owner reports+4
Engine stops won't restart multiple warning light flashing giving appearance of computer failure. Second incident. First incident dealer said no problem after checking battery. Second incident in traffic when failure occurred (5/25/17 approx 8 a.m) blocking intersection. Fortunately we were slowing to stop at light. Video of dash available too large to upload.
2016 Honda pilot surge while trying to stop on a city street and 2 times ended up part way in the intersection. No warning lights on dash. Had pilot about a month. Only drove about 500 miles. Concerned, so keep longer distances in traffic. Setup an appointment today with local dealer to inspect per his schedule in 4 days.
I have a 2016 Honda pilot touring auto with the 9 speed transmission. When coasting downhill or when down shifting using the paddle shifters the car abruptly accelerates. This is a serious safety issue as acceleration should not be the result of downshifting when approaching a curve or going downhill.
Surge while braking during parking caused vehicle to accelerate ahead and hit vehicle parked in front. This caused damage exceeding $1600.00. See Honda service bulletin 16-008. This bulletin was not brought to my attention until after this incident even tho my vehicle had been serviced by my Honda dealer only since ii purchased it new.
When it starts
Usually starts around 47,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 24,000 and 70,000.
What to do
Drive through every gear and feel for a jerk.
Our guideBad Transmission Symptoms: Seven Causes Ranked by CostFuel and power delivery10%167 complaintsRough acceleration, fuel injector replacement
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What owners describe
2016 Honda pilot sudden rough acceleration while pulling up to the driveway. This happened after accelerator was released before the approach. Fortunately the brakes were applied on time before crashing into the property.
The fuel injectors have to be replaced every 30 to 40k miles in this vehicle. Honda is aware of the issue and has no fix other than to reinstall the same bad injectors so the problem has happened 2 times on my vehicle
MDWVRead 2 more owner reports+2
Recurring problem with idle stop feature causing car engine to shut off completely (even when disabled), resulting in an error message and requiring the car to be turned off and on. This is a safety issue while driving, especially if in an intersection while turning. Https://www.carproblemzoo.com/Honda/pilot/car-stall-problems.php https://www.piloteers.org/threads/elite-shuts-off-at-stop-light.157005/page-13
My 2016 Honda pilot does not function properly. The "emissions" check engine light has come on three different times, all with less than 40,000 miles on the vehicle. The Honda dealer claims that they fixed the problem each time; but that's not the case. The light continues to come on in during normal driving conditions.
When it starts
Usually starts around 51,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 36,000 and 69,700.
What to do
Accelerate gently and feel for a stumble.
Body3%48 complaintsHood shaking, doors
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What owners describe
Driving at freeway speeds I noticed the hood was shaking. This car has about 3500 miles on it. I pulled over to check the hood to ensure it was secure, got back up to freeway speeds and it continued to shake. It looks like it might fly off at any time. Also concerned about fatigue of the joints over time due to the vibration.
Surge while braking during parking caused vehicle to accelerate ahead and hit vehicle parked in front. This caused damage exceeding $1600.00. See Honda service bulletin 16-008. This bulletin was not brought to my attention until after this incident even tho my vehicle had been serviced by my Honda dealer only since ii purchased it new.
CTTXRead 2 more owner reports+2
Roof rail covers blew off at highway speeds. Poor fit on front roof rail cover moldings leaves air gap. At highway speeds this can cause the 8 foot strips of rubber, pastic moldings to fly off vehicle. This has serious accident potential at highways speeds. Online forums are flooded with similar issues on all trim levels of the 2016 Honda pilot.
I have a 2016 Honda pilot elite and I noticed on my last road trip that the hood on the vehicle moves violently when I pass on coming vehicles especially large trucks. I also noticed that this happens during high wind situations as well. I made a service appointment for this week to address this with Honda. On both occasions I experienced this was at highway speed of 55 or faster.
When it starts
Usually starts around 12,500 miles. Half of owners reported it between 2,800 and 52,375.
What to do
Watch the hood at highway speed.
What repairs cost on the 2016 Honda Pilot
Part prices for the problems 2016 Pilot owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Seven brands, from Lucas up to Fullriver, plus a core deposit of up to $18.
Check batteriesFour brands, from GB Remanufacturing up to Autoline, priced per injector, plus a core deposit of up to $20.
Check fuel injectorsPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 3, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
9 owners name P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold, bank 2) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Body complaints start earliest, typically around 12,500 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 61,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Honda Pilot complaints by model year
2016 has the most complaints of any Pilot year. The engine is named most in 6 other Pilot years.
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2016 has the most complaints of any Pilot year. The engine is named most in 6 other Pilot years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2016 Honda Pilot have kept arriving since 2015, with peaks in 2019 and 2022. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2016 Honda Pilot recalls
8 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Honda Pilot. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2016 Honda Pilot crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2016 Honda Pilot five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened four investigations into two problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2016 Honda Pilot’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 16% to 18%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2016 Honda Pilot
These checks follow what 2016 Pilot owners reported most: stalling, then keyless start and battery faults. Ask for the service history by VIN, because it shows software updates and whether the recall repairs were done.
- 1Drive in stop-and-go traffic
Stalling is the most repeated engine and electrical complaint.
- 2Start it several times
Keyless start warnings and battery drain show up in the electrical complaints.
- 3Drive through every gear
Rough shifts and jerks lead the powertrain complaints.
- 4Ask for the injector records
Some fuel complaints describe injectors replaced more than once.
- 5Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.
Oil and service for the 2016 Honda Pilot
This is what Honda's manual says the 2016 Pilot needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. Honda gives no fixed mileage: the car works out how worn the oil is and shows a code on the dashboard, called the Maintenance Minder, that tells you which job to do.
- Engine oil
- 0W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 5.7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Honda ATF DW-1 (shift lever models); Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher (electronic gear selector models)
- Coolant
- Honda Long Life Type 2, 50/50
Service schedule
From the Honda 2016 Pilot Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Honda Pilot?
Owners name the engine most (758 complaints), then electrical system (569) and powertrain (198).
Is 2016 a good year for the Honda Pilot?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Honda Pilot?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2016 Honda Pilot: fuel system, fuel tank, seat belts, electrical system, structure (2), engine and engine cooling, fuel pump. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Pilot problems start?
Body complaints start earliest, around 12,500 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 61,000 miles.
Which Pilot years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2016 and 2017 model years have the most in the file, and the 2015 and 2024 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2016 SUVs to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 6 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.