2016 Honda Pilot Safety Report
2016 Honda Pilot Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Honda Pilot
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Honda Pilot. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1608) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 30 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Honda Pilot with 105 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Honda Pilot before buying across this generation. |
Honda Pilot Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Honda Pilot years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Honda Pilot | 850 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Honda Pilot | 105 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Honda Pilot | 413 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 810 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Honda Pilot | 444 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | 369 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Honda Pilot Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Honda Pilot, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
395 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Honda onlyElectrical System
269 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Honda onlyUnknown Or Other
151 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Honda onlyElectrical System,Engine
112 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Honda onlyPower Train
84 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Honda onlyFuel/Propulsion System
72 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Honda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Honda Pilot
Reliability Score
The 2016 Honda Pilot receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Honda Pilot
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Honda Pilot
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Honda Pilot:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly Honda is recalling certain 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles due to a potential fuel tank assembly issue that could lead to a fuel leak. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical Honda is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, and 2016-2020 Honda Pilot for engine internal mechanical issues. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Structure: Body: Hood Honda is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 MDX for hood issues that could cause the hood to open unexpectedly. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Honda is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured in 2016 for instrument cluster panel issues that could cause the cluster to fail. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Honda Pilot:
Engine issues, including stalling and knocking noises, are a common problem.
Electrical system issues, such as instrument cluster failures, are frequently reported.
Fuel system issues, including fuel pump and tank assembly problems, are a concern.
Structural issues, such as hood problems, are also common.
Recall Details for the 2016 Honda Pilot
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Honda Pilot by NHTSA:
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed ...
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps wil...
Consequence: If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.
Consequence: If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Honda Pilot
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Honda Pilot with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the...
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was knocking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the vehicle was skipping timing, and the timing chain ...
Engine tie rod bearing is worn on cylinder 3, engine is knocking. 119kmi.
My vehicle was recently serviced at the local Honda dealership within the last 6 weeks for an oil leak at the oil filter. We had the work done and everything seemed fine until 3 days ago when the check engine light started flashing and the car couldn’t accelerate properly. I drove the car to the same dealership and after inspection they notified me that the car needed a new engine because a rod be...
The engine is making a noise underneath—I think it's a connecting rod bearing. We replaced the entire timing belt assembly because of that sound, but now I don't know what to do; when driving on narrow streets, it displays a "Collision Brake Warning" every time another car approaches.
On my 2016 Honda pilot The engine started to fail and make a knocking noise when started, took it to Honda, they said i will need a new engine, i pushed for a goodwill repair, and they told me No. the car has been sitting ever since.
Pulled up to intersection and check engine light started flashing. Vehicle was approximately 2miles from home. Drove home and parked in driveway. Turned vehicle off. Restarted to see if problem happened again. Check engine light went off but rattle/knocking could be heard upon startup and pressing gas pedal. Code was pulled P0303. Cylinder 3 misfire. Did some research and this has been an issue wi...
Loud Engine knock when starting and when running under light load around 2000 RPM
Engine failure, left rear cylinder knocking
My vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the exhaust and engine systems directly caused by the defective fuel injection system identified in Service Bulletin 20-100. Despite providing evidence that the failure was initiated by these defective injectors, Honda has only provided a partial, unexplained reimbursement and refuses to acknowledge the extensive "downstream" damages. Diagnostic Eviden...
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a blank or blue image while in reverse(R). In addition, there was an abnormal scrambling sound coming from the radio before the radio failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that other electrical features failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that an abnormal, burning odor wa...
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon leaving a gas station, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine rod bearing might be defective and referred the contact to another independent mechanic for assistance. The vehicl...
Lug studs keep breaking i have had honda and other dealers change the studs over 8 times new studs new lugs and 60-90 days one-two are broken again
When driving vehicle shuts off for no reason. Then I have to put my four-way on and turn my vehicle back on. It has already happened four times, and no one seems to know what the problem is or what is causing the issue.
Our fuel pump went out, causing us to be stranded and having to have our Honda Pilot toward 45 minutes away to the Honda dealer to have it replaced. There were no warning lights on until we were going down the highway and all of a sudden the dash warning codes were flashing like crazy. We turned our car off, then when we turned it back everything kept flashing, many warning lights at once. Honda d...
Three times at a stop light my car goes into the engine idle stop mode and when the light turns green my car won’t get out of the mode. I have to put it into park and restart the car to go. I have almost been hit twice.
On Friday, January 30th, I took my car into Bill Pearce Courtesy Honda in Reno NV, to get a pretty big service done for $3400. Basically the 100k service with new timing belt, spark plugs, etc. I wanted to make sure that this car would last 3-5 more years. A week later, my [XXX] old daughter took my car to the ski mountain for work and on the way, the car started making a loud knocking sound and ...
The engine began sputtering and then shut off. I had it towed in to a third party mechanic we frequently use, and they confirmed that the engine had seized, and they could not ascertain the cause. It didn't seem to have anything to do with low oil. I wondered if it was an issue with the fuel pumps failing again, because they recently failed and we had to have them replaced. I checked our VIN numbe...
Component or system that failed: The engine failed suddenly while driving. The suspected failure is an internal connecting-rod bearing or related bottom-end engine component. The vehicle is currently at a repair facility and the engine is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: The engine lost power suddenly and became inoperable while driving. This created a hazardous ...
Mechanic at Lee Street Garage reported lower end noise issues with engine and told me they don't recommend fixing other issues until I have vehicle looked at by dealership (in case they can address potential engine failure issue linked below). I took vehicle to dealer and they reported $5000 in repairs (to fix other issues) - nothing about a potential recall - [XXX] for this issue. I understand...
Showing 20 of 1608 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Honda Pilot
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2024-11-08 · Closed 2025-08-20
On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature conne...
Component: Engine
Opened 2025-08-20
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013). It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathere...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2022-06-03 · Closed 2025-03-26
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, ...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2025-03-26
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Honda Pilot
Has the 2016 HONDA PILOT been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 HONDA PILOT has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 HONDA PILOT have?
The 2016 HONDA PILOT has 1,608 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 22 involved crashes. 20 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
The 2016 HONDA PILOT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 HONDA PILOT involve engine (395 complaints), electrical system (269 complaints), unknown or other (151 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 HONDA PILOT have?
There are 22 crash reports associated with the 2016 HONDA PILOT out of 1,608 total complaints (1.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 HONDA PILOT have?
There are 8 fire reports for the 2016 HONDA PILOT out of 1,608 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HONDA PILOT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
20 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HONDA PILOT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 HONDA PILOT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 HONDA PILOT is proceed with caution. It has 1,608 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 HONDA PILOT are: 1. ENGINE (395 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (269 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (151 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (112 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (84 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 395 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 HONDA PILOT?
Be aware of recalls for fuel pump, engine cooling, and instrument cluster issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems. The 2016 HONDA PILOT has 1,608 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
The 2016 HONDA PILOT receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,608 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 30 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly and Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical.
What are the known issues with the 2016 HONDA PILOT?
Known issues with the 2016 HONDA PILOT include: Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly, Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical, Structure: Body: Hood, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. These are based on patterns found across 1,608 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Honda Pilot?
Engine and electrical system issues are the most common, with recalls for fuel pump, engine cooling, and instrument cluster problems.
Can structural issues with the 2016 Honda Pilot be dangerous?
Yes, structural issues like hood problems can cause the hood to open unexpectedly, posing a safety risk.
What should I do if I experience engine stalling or knocking noises?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to identify and address the underlying cause.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls for fuel pump, engine cooling, and instrument cluster issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Honda Pilot
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Honda Pilot. The data includes 1608 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 22 reported crashes, 8 fire incidents, 20 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Honda Pilot an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16