NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
This page covers 10 recalls, 1629 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Honda Pilot.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 Honda Pilot draws a notably high complaint volume, with the engine being the most-reported system by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe sudden, catastrophic engine failures, connecting rod failures are a recurring theme, with multiple reports of knocking sounds followed by complete loss of power while driving. Many owners note the vehicles were properly maintained with regular oil changes. The electrical system is the second most-reported area, where owners describe multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, check engine, traction control, stability, and power steering lights appearing together, sometimes accompanied by the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving. Powertrain complaints round out the top three but at lower volume. The engine failure pattern stands out as the clearest signal here: owners consistently describe a knocking or ticking sound that escalates quickly, often ending with the vehicle losing power on the road.
1,629
Total Complaints
22
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Honda Pilot has 10 recalls, the most serious being a hood latch striker that can separate and allow the hood to fly open while driving, blocking the driver's view, and a fuel tank weld defect that can allow fuel to leak and cause a fire.
Two separate recalls cover the hood latch issue, including a prior repair attempt that did not fully resolve the problem on all affected vehicles. The fuel system also has a second concern: fuel pump failure can stall the engine while driving. On the engine side, a connecting rod bearing can wear and seize, causing the engine to run roughly or stall and raising the risk of fire or a crash. Rear suspension components, including the rear control arm, can corrode and fail on vehicles sold in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states, causing loss of handling control. A third-row seatbelt on some early-production vehicles can become trapped between the seat and the side panel, leaving rear passengers without proper restraint in a crash. There is also an instrument cluster concern on certain 2WD and 4WD vehicles where safety warning lights may not alert the driver promptly. A compliance recall covering the brake and electronic stability control systems rounds out the list.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood, potentially causing the hood to open while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the hood latch striker or hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood latch striker can separate from the hood, allowing the hood to open while driving. A loose or vibrating hood may warn that the latch is failing.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the hood latch striker. If needed, a support plate will be installed or the hood will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank may develop a leak in certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles with 2WD or AWD.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost. Contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 (recall KE8).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank has welds that are not strong enough. These welds may separate, causing fuel to leak from the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank with a properly welded tank at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking, or electronic stability control systems malfunction, the instrument panel may not display the warning light immediately. The light will appear after turning the ignition off and back on.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to reprogram warning light responses.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error prevents the Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, and Brake warning lights from illuminating when they should, failing to alert you to potential braking or stability system issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software to restore proper warning light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row seatbelt may become trapped between the rear seat and rear sideliner due to an assembly issue, potentially preventing proper use.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the third row seatbelt at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
