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moderate Owners of the 2016 Honda Pilot have filed 530 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Pilot | 20 |
| 2013 Pilot | 7 |
| 2014 Pilot | 6 |
| 2015 Pilot | 11 |
| 2016 Pilot (this page) | 530 |
| 2017 Pilot | 234 |
| 2018 Pilot | 70 |
| 2019 Pilot | 230 |
| 2020 Pilot | 194 |
Of the 530 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 21 model years of Honda Pilot we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 530.
Electrical accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on initial startup after precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the water will freeze inside the starter motor. This will prevent the starter from cranking the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button. NOTE: If 23-008 Product Update: PGM-FI Idle Stop Software Update is applicable to the VIN, the PGM-FI software must be updated first before the warranty extension applies. Honda is extending the warranty coverage for valve adjustment and starter replacement related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - During development, the idle stop enable criteria was mis-set allowing idle stop to improperly engage while battery health is low. Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not automatically restart. In most cases, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the Start button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2016 Honda Pilot's electrical system generates two dominant failure patterns that put drivers in immediate danger. The first centers on the auto idle stop (start/stop) system failing to restart the engine after it shuts down at traffic lights, stop signs, and in low-speed traffic. When this happens, all electrical power cuts out—radio, climate control, instrument cluster, hazard lights—leaving the car dead in the middle of busy intersections. Restart attempts fail multiple times; owners report waiting one to five minutes or longer before the engine cranks. The second pattern involves widespread electrical malfunctions: dashboard lights flashing on and off, keyless entry control unit errors, "Keyless Start System Problem" messages appearing intermittently or constantly, and false alarm triggers. A third distinct failure involves the vehicle cutting out completely while moving at highway speeds, with all warning lights illuminating and power steering becoming inert; owners report coasting to the shoulder and waiting 15–45 minutes before the engine restarts.
Dealers consistently report they cannot replicate these issues despite owners providing video evidence. Attempted fixes include battery replacement (often unnecessary, per independent testing), engine start/stop switch replacement, software updates, sensor cleaning, and even transmission replacement in one case—none permanently resolve the problems. Honda's responses range from denying awareness of issues to issuing service bulletins and limited warranty extensions (9 years/125,000 miles for keyless start errors on 2016–2017 models), but many owners fall outside coverage windows or are denied reimbursement. One owner documented a vehicle fire three weeks after routine dealer service. The consistent workaround is disabling auto idle stop manually each time the car starts, which itself is unreliable—owners forget or the disable button malfunctions.
Same Honda Pilot electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Engine shuts down as intended when braking, but fails to restart when driver releases brake. Complete electrical power loss occurs (radio, A/C, dashboard lights cut out). Vehicle remains dead for 1–5+ minutes; multiple restart attempts required.
When: Occurs at traffic lights, stop signs, and during stop-and-go traffic; began within first year to a few years of ownership; some owners report first incidents around 20,000–50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies at red light when auto idle stop engages; All electrical accessories shut off simultaneously (radio, A/C, dashboard); Engine will not turn over on initial restart attempts; Multiple warning lights illuminate on dashboard after stall; Takes 1–5 minutes or longer before engine restarts; Clicking or popping sound sometimes reported during attempt to restart; Vehicle shifts into neutral on its own after stalling
Codes mentioned: B12C5 (Keyless start system error), P0087 (Fuel pressure/rail pressure too low)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced batteries (many were tested as good), engine start/stop switch assemblies, software updates (factory resets), carbon cleaning, fuel pressure sensors, fuel rails, fuel injectors, low-pressure and high-pressure fuel pumps, transmission sensors, brake boosters. None provide permanent fix. Owners resort to manually disabling auto idle stop before each drive. One dealer replaced transmission at 70,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 20-117 issued for 2016–2017 Pilot addressing Keyless Start System Error (DTC B12C5) with warranty extension to 9 years/125,000 miles. Many owners fall outside coverage window or are denied coverage. Honda corporate acknowledges issue only after extended dealer involvement and refuses to provide root cause analysis or recalls. One owner's case remained open for many months with no resolution.
Vehicle loses all power while in motion at highway or street speeds (35–70 mph). Engine cuts out, transmission becomes unresponsive, power steering lost, and all dashboard lights illuminate. Vehicle coasts to stop; restart may take 15–45 minutes.
When: Occurs both on highways during heavy traffic and on city streets; incidents reported from 2016 onward through recent years; one case as early as May 2016 with 9,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Complete loss of power steering; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously (hill start assist, traction control, AWD, emissions system, transmission problem, etc.); Vehicle enters limp mode or becomes unresponsive; Cannot accelerate; RPM may rev but vehicle does not move; After restart, brief rough starting, growling, and sputtering; Hazard lights may not activate
Codes mentioned: P0087 (Fuel pressure too low), P0328 (Knock sensor voltage high)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnosis often blamed on software glitch requiring computer reset only. Subsequent visits resulted in replacement of fuel pump relay, fuel pressure sensor, fuel rail, fuel injectors, low-pressure and high-pressure fuel pumps, and multiple ECM/wiring/voltage drop code corrections. Dealers report nationwide shortage of replacement fuel pump lines. One owner had repeated repairs over months with no solution and was advised car is 'stuck with it' despite warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First incidents often dismissed as computer software resets only. Dealer contact with Honda Corporate engineers revealed Honda was unaware of the issue and could not provide fixes. Honda-issued TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for fuel pump replacement exists but parts are unavailable nationwide. No recall issued.
Keyless entry control module fails intermittently or continuously, causing false alarm activation, headlights/taillights turning on without key presence, loss of keyless remote function, and inability to lock/unlock vehicle reliably.
When: Issues began shortly after purchase through several years of ownership; one case within a few weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Car alarm activates without reason when vehicle is locked; Headlights and taillights turn on spontaneously without key in vehicle; Keyless remote does not function reliably; Auto-lock feature stops working; Door locks become unresponsive; Dash panel and relays flicker; No dashboard lights or warning displayed before malfunction
Codes mentioned: Keyless control unit fault (specific code varies by case)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of keyless entry control unit required. One owner paid over $1,000 for replacement. Technician noted this is a known issue in other Hondas and called it a major safety concern. Nationwide backorder reported for replacement units.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Service shops note this is a widespread issue across multiple 2016 Honda models. Owners have not received formal communication from Honda despite widespread reports on forum sites.
Dashboard displays 'Keyless Start System Problem' or 'Keyless Start System Error' message intermittently or constantly. Message appears at startup or while driving. Vehicle may or may not start; when it does, message persists or reappears on next startup.
When: Begins around 25,000–42,000 miles and becomes more frequent over time; one case reported message showing up intermittently for weeks before becoming constant
Symptoms owners cite: 'Keyless Start System Problem' or 'Keyless Start System Error' displayed on dashboard; Message appears intermittently or becomes nearly constant; Engine may fail to start or take multiple attempts; Away-lock system stops working; Keyless remote function becomes unreliable or stops working; Message dinging as reminder while car is running; Message suddenly appears while driving; No warning before the error message first appears
Codes mentioned: B12C5 (Keyless start system error)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted resetting error codes, updating vehicle computer software, and replacing key fob batteries; none provided permanent fix. One owner replaced engine start/stop switch assembly per Honda recall (Campaign 20-117-6S100), but error returned three days later. Dealer then blamed weak battery (testing showed battery was good). Changing key fob batteries does not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 20-117 issued for 2016–2017 Pilot with 9-year/125,000-mile warranty extension for Keyless Start System Error (DTC B12C5). Dealership-only technical messages have been issued. One owner with 107,000 miles on a six-months-past-warranty vehicle was denied coverage despite the known defect and extended warranty applying to others. Honda declined to reimburse or cover repair.
Dashboard indicator lights for safety and driver-assist systems illuminate and flicker on and off repeatedly or simultaneously: lane-keep assist, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, ABS, emissions, transmission, power steering, hill start assist, and others. Occurs whether vehicle is moving or stationary.
When: Begins shortly after purchase and becomes more frequent over time; incidents reported from initial ownership through several years
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights turn on and off repeatedly; Lane-keep assist (LKAS) warning; Collision mitigation system warning; Adaptive cruise control warning; Road departure warning; ABS warning light; Emissions system problem; Transmission system warning; Power steering warning; Hill start assist warning; Backup camera displays black screen; Navigation map turns gray with no information; Bluetooth and radio notifications appear; Vehicle suddenly brakes when no obstacle is ahead; Vehicle surges forward while coming to a stop; RPM raises unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes reported, specific codes vary by incident; P0087, P0328, B12C5 noted in related complaints
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced radar sensing system, performed computer updates, replaced multiple parts in attempts to correct, but could not replicate issue during test driving. One case involved technician cleaning carbon buildup. Most repairs unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state they cannot duplicate the issue. Honda has not issued recalls or service bulletins addressing this pattern. Owners report dealer responses ranging from 'can't duplicate it' to 'you are stuck with it' despite warranty still being active.
Vehicle fire started in passenger side lower headlight area, spreading to engine hood and front of vehicle, three weeks after routine scheduled dealer service. No collision or incident preceded the fire.
When: Occurred approximately three weeks after vehicle was serviced at dealership; vehicle had approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Small flame visible in passenger side lower headlight area; Flame grew to full-car fire engulfing engine, hood, and front; Smoke smell noticed immediately after parking
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was towed. Insurance company took possession and initiated origin and cause investigation. No dealer or manufacturer repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer was unresponsive; told owner to contact Honda national office. Honda case was filed, but owner was not contacted as promised. No resolution provided.
Wiring insulation in engine compartment damaged by rodents (squirrels). First incident involved fuel injector wiring; second incident involved brake system wiring, resulting in brake failure.
When: Two separate incidents; exact dates not specified but reported as distinct incidents during vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: First incident: Check engine light; Second incident: Loss of braking function while approaching red light; Driver had to shift to park and engage emergency brake to stop; Narrowly avoided collision
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (first incident, code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: First incident: Wiring to fuel injector repaired after check engine light appeared. Second incident: Mechanic confirmed brake line was leaking from rodent damage; mechanic had seen this issue before.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; repairs handled by independent mechanics.
Synthesized from 530 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Keep encountering keyless remote start problem. Problem does not resolve. Takes several tries to get car started.
Keyless start system problem comes on and off the dash board
On 3 separate occasions, our 2016 Honda pilot elite has completely shut down while we were driving - twice on the highway and once in busy traffic. When this happens, the engine, transmission, power steering, etc. All stop working and the car displays every error you can imagine. I have posted a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btebmywy-is this is very scary because there is nothing…
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stalling and losing motive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an extended warranty; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred, and that the vehicle was stalling. The…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 530 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 265 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,500 and 65,832 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,500; a quarter make it past 65,832. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.