2016 Honda Pilot: engine overheating

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · FL

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 defect that triggered the major the federal safety agency Action regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engines. Because my vehicle was manufactured at the Lincoln, Alabama plant and has been maintained perfectly by Honda its entire life, this failure is undeniably due to a factory structural defect rather than normal wear and tear or owner oversight.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My 2016 honda pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3.5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Engine · AL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine stalls out and shuts the car down. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving down the road, if the engine shuts off, myself, passengers, and other vehicles could cause a fatal crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have brought this in several times to try and fix this issue. The fuel pump has been replaced and the auto idle recall has been take care of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The check engine light comes on occasionally when it happens; sometimes when it does not. Other details: Several times now my car has randomly shut off especially when driving down the road. I wasn't sure what happened, but I finally figured out a way to replicate it. Basically if you drive it after about an hour of non-stop driving / engine being turned on, the engine overheats causing the car to stall out and eventually turn off. I timed this at 10:15AM to 11:25AM and my suspicions were correct. At 11:25AM, the car stalled and shut off while I was parked in my driveway.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

In May 2026, the Emission Warning Light unexpectedly illuminated on my 2016 Honda Pilot. I immediately sought an inspection, and repairs were completed on 5/9/2026. Failed Component: The fuel injection system failed. Specifically, the injectors for cylinders #4 and #5. The replaced parts [are / are not] available for inspection. Safety Risk: This defect caused the engine to run dangerously rich, dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. This poses two severe safety hazards: 1) Sudden loss of motive power, hesitation, or stalling while driving in traffic, drastically increasing crash risk. 2) Extreme overheating of the catalytic converter, creating a significant under-vehicle fire hazard. Confirmation & Symptoms: The issue was confirmed by a professional service center. They pulled diagnostic code P0430 (Front Bank Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2). Following Honda’s Service Bulletin 20-100, the technician performed a software update and a cylinder A/F test. Cylinders #4 and #5 failed the test (running rich), requiring immediate injector replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. Inspection by Others & Manufacturer Awareness: The vehicle was inspected by the repairing facility. Honda is fully aware of this widespread defect, as evidenced by SB 20-100 and a related warranty extension. However, Honda chose to handle this severe defect via a limited warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall. My extended warranty expired in October 2025. When this known safety hazard manifested in May 2026, I was forced to pay for the repair entirely out of pocket. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this known stalling and fire hazard and compel Honda to issue a formal safety recall so consumers are not left at risk.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

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 Evidence: At the time of service, the vehicle stored the exact diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) specified in the bulletin: Fuel/Misfire Codes: P0302, P0303, P0305, P219A Catalytic Efficiency Codes: P0420, P0430 Repairs & Financial Impact: The fueling imbalance and extreme heat caused by the faulty injectors led to: Replacement of both Catalytic Converters (directly cited as a potential result of injector failure in SB 20-100). Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement & Head Resurfacing (caused by excessive thermal stress and localized overheating from the lean/rich conditions). Fuel Injector Replacement. Dispute Details: Inadequate Reimbursement: After months of persistent hounding, American Honda issued a payment of $736. No explanation was provided, but this amount likely only covers the injectors, ignoring the thousands of dollars in consequential damage. Admission of Defect: By issuing this partial payment, Honda has formally acknowledged that my VIN was affected by the manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. Lack of Transparency: Honda has failed to provide any technical justification for how the catalytic converter and head gasket failures—which occurred simultaneously with the specific codes in the bulletin—could be considered unrelated to the admitted injector defect. Request for Action: I am requesting an investigation into Honda's failure to cover the full scope of damages caused by this known manufacturing defect. The partial payment is an admission of fault regarding the injectors, and the resulting engine and exhaust damage is a direct, documented consequence of that

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Engine · CA

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while being driven at highway speeds in the carpool lane under normal conditions. The engine began knocking and misfiring, followed by a significant loss of power. There were no warning lights, oil pressure alerts, or messages prior to the failure. The loss of power and engine knocking made it difficult to safely cross multiple highway lanes from the carpool lane to reach an exit, creating a serious safety hazard in active traffic. The driver exited the freeway as soon as safely possible, parked the vehicle, turned the engine off, and had it towed to prevent further damage or risk. The vehicle was towed home and then towed the following day to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed the failure was caused by internal engine damage due to a connecting rod bearing failure, resulting in a misfire on cylinder 4. This diagnosis was confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, including routine oil and filter changes. There was no indication of oil starvation, overheating, or neglect prior to the failure. The engine failure occurred suddenly and without warning. There is an existing recall and an active federal investigation related to connecting rod bearing failures in certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles. While this vehicle’s VIN has not been officially included, the failure mode, symptoms, and dealer-confirmed diagnosis in this incident appear consistent with the issues described in those actions. Sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds presents a serious safety risk due to unexpected loss of power in traffic. This complaint is submitted to document a similar internal engine failure with no warning and its associated safety implications.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The ATF Warmer failed. This allowed engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This caused the engine and transmission to overheat. No warning messages appeared up until the transmission overheated. A warning appeared about the transmission, but not about the engine. Honda says that they do not think my VIN was impacted by this known issue. And, yet, my car has a textbook defective ATF warmer with 100% overlap in symptoms with a known service bulletin issue (17-035 from April 7, 2018).

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Engine · LA

Transmission issues with jerking and stalling and vehicle showing transmission overheating and improper shifting of gears

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · Transmission · MA

Honda pilot 2016 -the transmission causes the transmission fluid to overheat. The overheating issue leads to a 'judder' in the transmission. The car accelerates in a very jerky way especially between 30 and 50. This is a big safety issue if you are trying to pass someone. As soon as the vehicle reaches 80,000 miles honda will no longer cover the so-called 'repair' to flush fluid and update software. Honda is aware of this problem.

Filed Feb 25, 2022 · Brakes, Transmission · 33,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80-85 MPH uphill, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the warning message "Transmission Overheating" was illuminated. The contact stated that he continued to drive at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not replicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Moss Bros. Honda (27990 Eucalyptus Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92555) who did not diagnose the vehicle but informed the contact that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission fluid was replaced. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was shaking whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front rotors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he was unable to replace the front rotors himself as there were abnormally small compared to the replacement parts. The contact also stated that the front rotors were abnormally smaller than the rear rotors of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2020 · 19,400 miles · CA

Honda pilot ex-l jerks and engine slows on acceleration, rough shifting between speeds always on incline and sometimes on freeway and around town. Overheats while waiting in traffic, makes loud noise. Many other complaints about this same problem have been found. The honda service dept. Claims no knowledge of the problem on my vehicle model. It is growing worse and happens on the freeway also. I'm concerned for the safety of my family.

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 honda pilot. The contact stated that while driving 20 to 30 MPH, the engine revved up and the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle drove much smoother once the speed exceeded 40 MPH. The contact stated that research showed that due to a coding error, the transmission overheated and caused the transmission fluid to not perform as needed in regulating the transmission temperature. The vehicle was taken to hughes honda (2260 moody rd, warner robins, ga 31088, (478)449-3939) and the transmission fluid was changed however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.