Problems · by component

2016 Honda Pilot vehicle speed control problems

39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Pilot cite vehicle speed control, 2% of all 1,725 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
39
2% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the vehicle speed control

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The 3.5L V6 engine in this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to premature connecting rod bearing wear. The engine stalling occurred abruptly while actively driving, which created an immediate safety risk as the vehicle lost propulsion, power steering assistance, and power braking assistance. This forced a dangerous emergency maneuver to navigate through moving traffic to get to the side of the road. Prior to the engine failure, there were no persistent dashboard warning lights or clear messages indicating an imminent mechanical failure. The first distinct symptom was a brief, sudden metallic knocking sound from the engine bay immediately before the vehicle lost all power and stalled. An authorized dealership has since inspected the vehicle and dropped the oil pan, physically confirming a massive accumulation of metal shavings and bearing debris inside the block. The dealership verified that the complete destruction of the engine block is identical in nature, symptom, and cause to the manufacturing defects described in NHTSA Recall Campaign 23V-751. However, this vehicle's specific VIN was excluded from that original recall…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2026Steering, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11747229
“The fuel injector failed which cause safety issues such as reduced speed, failing safety issues, and the car is misfiring and not running safely. When driving the car started to misfire and was not running correctly. It then reduced speed and the safety features were disabled. Yes this issue was confirmed by Ken Vance Honda in Eau Claire WI. There was a flashing check engine light, hill start assist problem, emissions system problem, power steering system problem, trailer stability assist problem, and vehicle stability assistance problem lights that came on. This is a known safety issue with 2016 Honda Pilot as Honda America did an extended warranty to cover the expense to replace the injectors. Unfortunately, our car missed the deadline by a few months to get this covered. Since this was a known defective part from the factory this should have been taken care of by Honda as a full recall. There are many cars like this that are going to have safety issues and not realize what is happening.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11717339
“Engine failure while on highway traffic in construction zone caused engine shut off, losing power steering and odd braking. I was driving on a split 4 lane highway (2 lanes each direction), with a large ditch median between the directional lanes. My direction had construction cones for several miles limiting traffic to 1 lane, still at a 65 MPH speed limit with heavy semi traffic. The right lane was closed for construction, so all traffic was lined in left lane, though maintaining the speed limit. A few hundred yards into the construction my check engine light came on, and then after a minute or so it started blinking but there was no place to pull over safely. I reduced speed and semi traffic was lining up behind me. Then the engine and rest of car shut off, losing power steering. I ended up weaving into the construction part and was finally able to stop but not without danger to myself and others. Motor would restart but sounded terrible and I did not feel safe driving further and did not have faith it would make it far, especially since I'd have to re-enter the highway construction traffic. I had it towed to local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2026Steering, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11714460
“The vehicle has started displaying numerous codes/error messages on the display. Vehicle jerks while attempting to accelerate and loses power. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a camshaft, stating the camshaft, timing belt, camshaft thrust cover, and spark plugs would all need to be replaced. They also said this may have caused damage to the converter, which will not be known until other repairs are made. This is apparently a common and widespread issue with these Hondas despite no recall being issued.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11678821
“In many instances (perhaps 30 in the five years) while driving on the highway I will depress the accelerator to pass a vehicle but instead of accelerating the engine revs drop and the speedometer goes blank. This is very dangerous as you are expecting to accelerate - especially when changing lanes to pass someone - but instead of accelerating the car starts to slow down for a few seconds and then, after the revs drop, they pick up again. I have a video of this but I can't upload it below. Please let me know where to send it. The first time I brought it to a Honda dealer they said they had to remap the "software". The second time they had no idea why it was happening or how to fix it. I would like to get this fixed but am flummoxed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2025Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11668718
“While driving at freeway speeds of 80 mph, and while passing a vehicle, Engine wants to temporarily slow (like it's dropped a cylinder or two), and the car will NOT speed up. Then engine warning light starts to blink, Emissions Problem light starts to blink, then car downshifts several gears and slows dramatically - or will rev at 4500-5000 rpm. ON THE INTERSTATE! DRAMATICALLY UNSAFE. I've reported this to my dealer, Penske Honda in Carmel, IN - and they can't resolve any issue or see a stupid "error code". This has happened three times in past 3 years. IT"S TERBBYLY UNSAFE. Car goes from 80 to 60 and engine and transmission go on the blank.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2023Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11546326

Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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