Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Honda Pilot problems

Owners filed 1,725 complaints about the 2016 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between Jul 2015 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (781).

Complaints
1,725
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
23
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
20
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine781
  2. Electrical system583
  3. Power train201
  4. Fuel/propulsion system174
  5. Structure54
  6. Engine and engine cooling45
  7. Vehicle speed control39
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)37
  9. Service brakes29
  10. Forward collision avoidance25
  11. Fuel system, gasoline19
  12. Steering18
  13. Air bags15
  14. Suspension14

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20159
201661
201745
201871
2019242
2020200
2021138
2022247
2023124
2024197
2025234
2026157

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

781 reports5 crashes8 fires
“I have been having issues with my 2016 Honda Pilot and I looked on Experian and it stated that there is a recall. There are two different recalls, the first one says Fuel Injector/W Software Update the date is 11/24/2020 and recall # W8V. Also recall for Start/Stop Switch that the recall date was 12/9/2020 and recall # Y93. I bought my car in 2024 but I did not get an extended warranty. The car is having same symptoms for the past 2 years, my husband tries to fix what he can. Even though it is not under warranty they never fixed these issues before selling my car. It started acting up after 3 months of having it. So I am thinking they just took of the system problem and tweaked it so the car would be sold.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11774204

Electrical system

583 reports3 crashes5 fires1 related recall
“The auto idle malfunctioned; the vehicle did not restart when the break was released and/or moving steering wheel. It was in the middle of a busy intersection so that is definitely putting my safety as well as my daughter's and others safety at risk. It took at least a minute to restart the vehicle, by putting the gear in park and restarting the vehicle (which took several attempts). Those steps were produced on the dashboard when it didn't restart after being idle. It has happened several times over the last four months. I've taken it to my local car shop, but they are not able to find anything wrong; however, the manager of the car shop did experience the malfunction when driving on 10/10/2026. It was suggested to report the malfunction as an incident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2026Electrical systemODI 11774936

Power train

201 reports5 crashes
“My 2016 honda pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3.5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11768126

Fuel/propulsion system

174 reports2 crashes1 fire
“My 2016 Honda pilots has given me trouble lots of people call it the Christmas lights effect, all the dashboard lights turn on in the middle of the highway and my truck jerks and turned off , they now about this dangerous trouble and has not put any recalls on this matter, had to spend 3,000 dollars had to replace the fuel pump and the fuel injected , will not recommend this truck, I was so stressed and scared”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11772790

Structure

54 reports3 crashes2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the front subframe had a hole caused by corrosion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made clunking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for suspension wear and tear repair, and it was determined that there was a hole in the front suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and stated that the recall repair was only for the rear subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 101,600.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Suspension, StructureODI 11770056

Engine and engine cooling

45 reports1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was blocking traffic and was pushed to safety. While in a safe location, the battery was diagnosed and was found to be in good working condition. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a seized engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11753807
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.