2016 Honda Pilot engine problems

“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.”

“Hello, While driving, the engine developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the bottom end. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection, where the mechanic drained the oil and cut open the oil filter. The filter pleats contained significant metallic debris and bearing shavings, confirming internal connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic confirmed the engine has severe bottom-end damage requiring a complete replacement. The damaged oil filter and engine are available for inspection upon request. According to the previous owner, the vehicle was brought to an official Honda dealership in April 2024 for this exact knocking noise. Per the seller, the dealership misdiagnosed the engine knock as a faulty timing belt tensioner and charged approximately $2,000 to replace the timing belt assembly. That repair failed to resolve the noise, but because of the dealer's misdiagnosis, the vehicle continued to be driven with failing rod bearings. This failure poses an immediate safety hazard. Sudden connecting rod bearing failure on the highway can lead to complete engine seizure, abrupt loss of power at high speeds, power steering…”

“Connecting rod spun a bearing/ rod knock Verified le customer's concern regarding an abnormal engine knockır oise. Conducted a diagnostic inspection and confirmed pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the ower engine assembly. Used a mechanic's stethoscope tr isolate the noise to the crankshaft/connecting rod area technician verified a catastrophic lower-end engine failure. Specifically, the diagnostic notes state: "Connecting rod spun a bearing / rod knock Verified" "Pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the lower engine assembly" "Testing indicated that the knocking noise was most prominent at cylinder #2, consistent with excessive connecting rod bearing clearance and a spun connecting rod bearing." Furthermore, the computer scan sheet shows zero codes for low oil pressure, engine overheating, or vehicle neglect. The temporary misfire codes listed occurred solely because the technician intentionally disconnected individual ignition coils to isolate the mechanical knocking sound. This precise diagnosis—a spun connecting rod bearing at cylinder #2 due to improper clearance—is the textbook definition of the inherent manufacturing…”

“While driving our 2016 Honda Pilot on the highway approximately three weeks ago, we experienced a sudden, loud clunk from the engine, followed by catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious safety concern. Following the incident, we learned that the engine had suffered severe internal damage involving the connecting rod/piston assembly, with internal components breaking through the engine block. The vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated by the Honda dealership at approximately $20,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 95,000–105,000 miles and had received regular maintenance at an authorized Honda dealership, including major engine maintenance in November 2025. We are particularly concerned because Honda previously issued Safety Recall 23V-751 for connecting rod bearing failures affecting certain 2016 Honda Pilots. However, our vehicle’s VIN was excluded from that recall despite experiencing an apparently similar catastrophic engine failure. NHTSA also opened Investigation PE25008 to investigate additional connecting rod bearing…”

“The engine has developed a severe internal engine knocking/rattling noise while running. This symptom matches the defective crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failures detailed under NHTSA Campaign 23V751000, presenting a severe risk of sudden stalling and complete engine failure under load.”

“I am writing to report a severe internal engine defect on my 2016 Honda Pilot that poses a sudden stalling and safety hazard, identical to the failures covered under NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 23V-751. My vehicle is currently experiencing a distinct metallic rattling/knocking noise coming from the lower engine block. This noise is highly noticeable under acceleration and high-load conditions right before the transmission shifts gears at higher RPMs. Upon performing an inspection of the engine oil system, the drained engine oil revealed a heavy concentration of microscopic metallic "glitter" and shimmering copper/silver shavings suspended in the fluid. This confirms acute, active connecting rod bearing degradation and crankshaft journal wear. Despite displaying the exact textbook symptoms, failures, and manufacturing characteristics of the defect outlined in Recall 23V-751 (improperly ground crankshaft journals from the factory), my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am submitting this complaint to formally document that my vehicle is a clear positive match for this manufacturing defect. I request that my VIN be added to the active…”