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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Honda Pilot engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Honda Pilot have filed 495 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 94,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
495
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Pilot | 24 |
| 2013 Pilot | 42 |
| 2014 Pilot | 25 |
| 2015 Pilot | 14 |
| 2016 Pilot (this page) | 495 |
| 2017 Pilot | 278 |
| 2018 Pilot | 79 |
| 2019 Pilot | 122 |
| 2020 Pilot | 49 |
1crash
5fires
When does it fail?
Of the 495 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Honda Pilot we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 495.
Owners have filed 495 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 - Drivers may experience a chirping sound coming from the engine area with the engine warmed up due to the high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering. Moisture accumulation in the intake manifold during long drives gets drawn into the combustion chamber while cornering, causing misfires.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Honda Pilot has generated 466 complaints concentrated on engine catastrophic failure, transmission breakdown, and fuel system defects. Most urgent is connecting rod bearing failure: owners describe sudden loud knocking or rod knock that escalates without warning into complete engine seizure, often at highway speeds. Failures occur between 65,000 and 145,000 miles. Some owners hear knocking noise for weeks or months before total seizure; others experience no warning until the engine seizes. Dealerships confirm metal shavings in oil pans and holes punched through engine blocks from rod failure. Honda issued NHTSA Recall 23V-751 in March 2024 covering specific 2016 Pilot VINs due to improper crankshaft machining, but many owners with identical failure modes report their VINs are excluded. Engine replacement costs $7,150 to $15,000; Honda offers inconsistent goodwill assistance or partial reimbursement. The auto idle-stop system (eco mode at traffic lights) fails to restart engines without warning, leaving drivers stranded in intersections with no power—a serious safety hazard with no reliable fix from dealers. Transmission issues include rough shifting, whining noise, and complete failure requiring $9,000+ repairs; some mechanics refuse to service the 2016 model citing known transmission problems. Fuel injectors have caused misfire and extreme engine heat, damaging catalytic converters and head gaskets. NHTSA investigation RQ24013 is ongoing to determine if recall scope should expand.
Same Honda Pilot engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure / Internal Engine Damage
Connecting rod bearings wear, seize, or fail internally, causing metal-on-metal contact, crankshaft damage, and catastrophic engine failure. Damage ranges from bearing wear detected in oil analysis to complete engine seizure with holes punched through the engine block. Owners report failures at 65K–145K miles. The defect appears linked to improper crankshaft machining or bearing clearance issues and is the subject of NHTSA Recall 23V-751 and ongoing investigation RQ24013, though many VINs fall outside the official recall range.
When: 65,000 to 145,000 miles; some failures occur unexpectedly with no prior symptoms; others develop knocking noise weeks or months before catastrophic failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, ticking, clanking, or rod knock noise from engine, especially at idle or during acceleration; Engine knocking intensifies with RPM increases; Engine seizure or complete failure to crank; Sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes at highway speeds; Check engine light (may appear at failure or not at all); Rough idling; Misfiring, hesitation, or jerking during acceleration; Engine smoking or oil leaking from holes in engine block; Metal shavings in oil pan and oil filter
Codes mentioned: P0302, P0303, P0305, P0420, P0430, P219A
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; costs quoted range from $7,150 to $15,000+ depending on labor and whether used or new short block is installed. Some owners report Honda has provided partial goodwill payments or 50% discounts on repairs, but coverage is inconsistent. Honda initially offered $736 partial reimbursement in one case; another owner received 50% goodwill discount on a $7,600 repair (paying $3,800 out of pocket). Many repairs proceed at owner expense when VIN is outside recall range.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-751 (issued March 8, 2024) covers certain 2016 Honda Pilot VINs; Honda Service Bulletin 23-097 (November 2023) addresses the issue. Many affected owners' VINs are not included in the official recall. Honda has denied coverage citing VIN exclusion from recall parameters; inconsistent goodwill assistance offered on case-by-case basis. NHTSA investigation RQ24013 ongoing to determine whether recall scope should be expanded.
Auto Idle Stop-Start System Malfunction
The auto idle stop feature (eco mode that shuts engine off at traffic lights/stops) unexpectedly fails to restart the engine when the driver lifts off the brake. Vehicle stalls in traffic with no warning. Multiple restart attempts (up to 6 attempts) are sometimes required over several minutes while stranded in busy intersections or lanes. Owners report this issue is known to dealers but no effective manufacturer fix has been implemented.
When: Intermittently from 6,280 miles onward; occurs at stop signs, red lights, parking lots, and highway stops; sometimes triggered or worsened by air conditioning use in summer months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down unexpectedly when auto idle stop engages at a traffic light or stop; Engine fails to restart automatically when brake is released and accelerator pressed; No warning light or message before stall; Multiple restart cycles required; can take up to 6 attempts or several minutes; Vehicle becomes stranded with all lights and systems on dashboard flickering or illuminated; All electrical systems shut down in some cases (hazard lights, power windows inoperable); Problem recurs intermittently; dealership unable to reproduce consistently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements attempted: battery replacement (temporary or ineffective), ignition switch replacement ($cost not consistently cited), starter replacement. No permanent fix confirmed; owners report attempted repairs at their own expense with no warranty guarantee. One owner paid $200 for diagnostics and $500 for fluid flush and software update with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealers acknowledge the issue is known but state no standard effective fix has been communicated by Honda to service centers. Warranty on repair attempts is not guaranteed. No recall issued. Issue remains unresolved with no manufacturer solution offered.
Fuel Injector Malfunction / Fuel Imbalance
Defective fuel injectors cause fuel imbalance, lean/rich conditions, and extreme localized heat. This leads to misfire, catalytic converter damage, cylinder head gasket failure, and thermal stress on the engine. Covered under Honda Service Bulletin 20-100. One owner documented the exact diagnostic codes specified in the bulletin and suffered consequential damage (catalytic converter replacement, head gasket replacement, head resurfacing) requiring thousands of dollars in repairs.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one owner experienced at approximately 62K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough running or hesitation during acceleration; Check engine light with misfire/fuel codes; One or more cylinders running rich or lean; Extreme heat and thermal stress in engine bay; Catalytic converter damage; Excessive emissions
Codes mentioned: P0302, P0303, P0305, P219A, P0420, P0430
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement; catalytic converter replacement (both converters in one case); cylinder head gasket replacement and resurfacing. One owner documented costs: fuel injectors, catalytic converters, head gasket work. Honda issued partial reimbursement of $736 with no explanation; owner disputes this as inadequate given the scope of thermal damage caused by the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 20-100 identifies the defect. Honda issued partial reimbursement ($736) in one documented case but refused to acknowledge the extensive downstream damages (catalytic converter, head gasket failure). Owner received no technical justification for the limitation.
Transmission Failure / Shifting Issues
Transmission fluid leaks, loss of proper gear shifting, delayed or rough shifts, hesitation during acceleration, unusual whining or grinding noises, and complete transmission failure requiring rebuilt transmission or replacement. One complaint names the 6-cylinder V6 3.5L engine Pilot as a problematic model year; multiple mechanics refuse to service it citing known transmission issues. Error codes P0776 and P0777 were documented in one case.
When: At 68,000–87,100 miles (in one case, 6 months after purchase with 68K miles); rough shifting started 2/21/2025 with transmission failure diagnosed 2/24/2025
Symptoms owners cite: Rough or delayed shifting during gear changes; Hesitation during acceleration; Unusual whining noise from transmission; Check engine, emissions, and transmission system warning lights; Transmission fluid leak; Transmission grinding or slipping; Vehicle unable to shift smoothly or hold gears
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush and software update ($700 total in one case) ineffective. Rebuilt transmission installation quoted at $9,222 at dealership; independent mechanics refuse to work on 2016 Pilot transmissions citing complexity and known issues. One owner obtained a second and third opinion from experienced transmission specialists who declined the job due to the model's problematic reputation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls cited for transmission. Dealer goodwill program inquiry by one owner resulted in no resolution. 2016 Pilot V6 3.5L is reportedly known in the repair community as problematic, yet no manufacturer recall or bulletin addressing transmission failure has been published in these complaints.
Synthesized from 495 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 plugs and coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the…
Honda service determined there is a failure of the number 5 cylinder connecting rod bearing. This could pose a safety issue if it had continued to be driven. We have also seen through news and online forums that this is a known, systemic issue.
My vehicle stalled and had a horrible noise while stalling. Dealership took it back to their shop as we thought if was due to yhe work they just finished and after inspecting they determined a rod bearing had spun. The safety issue is we stalled out on the highway in the middle of traffic, almost got into several wrecks with my child in the vehicle. Only light that came on while stalling was the…
No prior indications of a pending issue. Stopped at an intersection for a Red Light, Auto Start/Stop feature turned the engine off as designed. When took foot off of the brake pedal and depressed gas pedal to start moving for the green light, which should have re-engaged the Auto Start feature and started the engine, multiple dash warning and caution lights turned on and the car itself never…
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while being driven at highway speeds in the carpool lane under normal conditions. The engine began knocking and misfiring, followed by a significant loss of power. There were no warning lights, oil pressure alerts, or messages prior to the failure. The loss of power and engine knocking made it difficult to safely cross multiple highway lanes…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 495 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 112 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 62,500 and 128,000 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 62,500; a quarter make it past 128,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.