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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-HONDA-PILOTNHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Honda
Honda Pilot problems
1,644 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
5.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Pilot?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
5 fire-related complaints on the engine
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Pilot· engine
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3 and replaced all the spark…
1. Keyless start system problem error warning 2. Transmission or throttle issue: jerky or choppy acceleration when at low or moderate acceleration between speeds of 20 to 50 MPH or during cruising at speeds of 20 to 50 MPH. Brought it to dealership 3 times for issue, first…
Had a problem with your 2016 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 1,644 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Honda Pilot has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Honda Pilot?
The 2016 Honda Pilot is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints on the engine; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Honda Pilot?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 527 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,269 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 52,269 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda Pilot has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Honda Pilot?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,644 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Honda/Pilot.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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