For the past 2 months my car sometimes says key remote problem when I push the button to start it. I have 46000 miles on it.
2016 Honda Pilot powertrain problems
moderate 192 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
192
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
5crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 192 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 21 model years of Honda Pilot we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 192.
Owners have filed 192 powertrain 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.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 two times under warranty, at what time the software for the transmission was updated which rectified issue for 3 months.…
There is no way for the driver of the car to put the transmission into neutral if needed with an electrical/battery failure. According to Honda, there is a special mechanical device that tow truck drivers would have that physically attaches to the engine to shift the car into neutral. In addition, the honda mechanic that I talked to today said even if the average driver had one of these…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Honda pilot. While driving various speeds, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to Honda of aventura (2150 ne 163rd st, north miami beach, fl 33162) numerous times. The battery was replaced and the software was updated several times. The contact was also informed that the failures…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 192 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 105 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.