2016 Honda Pilot Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Honda Pilot, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Honda Pilot a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Pilot. Owners have filed 1,712 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 Pilot model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
1,712 complaints 8 recalls, 3 fire risk 1st worst of 18 Pilot years
Top 2016 Honda Pilot problems
Engine problems
814 complaints (48%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor and radiator assembly.
Electrical problems
579 complaints (34%) name the electrical system, most often the starter assembly and software.
Transmission problems
201 complaints (12%) name the transmission.
Fuel system problems
190 complaints (11%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and injectors.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (719 of 1,712). The amber line is the middle value, about 50,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Honda Pilot recalls
Rear, Frame and members
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure. Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT.
Recall 26V365000 · Jun 2026Fuel pump
Can stallThe fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.
Recall 23V858000 · Dec 2023Hard parts internal / mechanical
Fire riskDue to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine. A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Recall 23V751000 · Nov 2023Hood can open while driving
Crash riskThe hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood. If that happens, the hood can fly open while you drive and block your view, raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will repair the hood latch striker or replace the hood if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V932000 · Nov 2021Fuel tank may leak, creating fire risk
Fire riskThe fuel tanks in these vehicles may develop leaks. Fuel escaping near an ignition source can lead to a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge, and Honda will notify owners by mail.
Recall 17V219000 · Mar 2017Tank assembly
Fire riskThe affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Recall 16V417000 · Jun 2016Warning lights may not show safety system faults
Crash riskIf a safety system such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, or tire pressure monitoring fails, the dashboard may not light its warning lamp until the ignition is turned off and back on. Without that immediate warning, you may not know to take care, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will update the instrument cluster software at no charge.
Recall 15V668000 · Oct 2015Rear / other
Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner. If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge.
Recall 15V424000 · Jul 2015Get an email when your 2016 Honda Pilot gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Honda Pilot, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Pilot years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Honda Pilot problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Honda Pilot a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Pilot. Owners have filed 1,712 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 Pilot model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
What are the most common 2016 Honda Pilot problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and fuel system. 814 complaints (48%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor and radiator assembly.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Pilot engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 41,000–105,000 miles, with a middle value near 72,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda Pilot have?
8. Rear, Frame and members (26V365000); Fuel pump (23V858000); Hard parts internal / mechanical (23V751000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Honda Pilot?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2015, 2010 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.