We have always taken great care of our Pilot, regular oil changes, tire rotations, checking the fluid levels. Just before we went on vacation, our Pilot's check engine light came on and started blinking under normal driving conditions. When we hooked up the code reader, it was for a misfire in the second cylinder. Having changed the spark plugs about 30-40k before this incident, we tested the plugs and assumed it was the coil. We changed the coil. After returning from vacation, we drove the car minimally yet after about 40-50 miles, the code returned with knocking sound. We had the car towed to our residence...to find the same code. We inspected the plug and coil, no issues were present and the code was cleared. The next day, the code came back on and the engine was knocking very loud and had definite performance issues. I checked the Honda recall page and our car had no open recalls. I noticed that other Pilots with the V6 engine in our model year range were included an investigation by the federal safety agency. Our mechanic drove our pilot for 30 feet and immediately called me to tell me that he would not suggest even spending money on diagnosing the problem....as he believes the engine is a total loss. It seems unfair that Honda would not address this issue as it seems a wide spread problem after a simple google search.
2016 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 11 of 29: complaints 281 to 310 of 828, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We were just told that the engine rod bearing on our 2016 Honda Pilot is going out. I see that the 2018 and other years have had recalls on this issue. I have read on different forums that owners of the 2016 are also having this problem. Can the 2016 please be included in the recall? Thank you, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wife was driving kids to school on the highway when the vehicle bucked repeatedly and started making a loud ticking noise. When checked using a scan tool, it showed that a backfire had occurred on cylinder 5. Vehicle only has 120,850 miles on it and has always been serviced as required at a Honda dealership. There were no previous warnings or indicator lamps to foreshadow the engine problems with the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the Honda dealership and they stated that it needed a new engine. When asked as to why, they stated they just knew it did. After researching the problem online, the connecting rod bearing recall for 2016 Honda Pilots was found. The symptoms were exactly the same as what others had when having that same failure. Vehicle taken to another repair shop who came to the same conclusion that the vehicle needed a new engine. Honda of America was contacted about the issue and they stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall as it is outside the stated manufacturing window even though the engine is having exactly the same connecting rod failure as is stated in the recall. Honda refused to provide any assistance or help in resolving the problem. The dealership wants over $10,000 to install a USED replacement engine. Honda is obviously misrepresenting the problem to limit their liability even though they are fully aware there is a bigger problem with these engines. Quite a few other people online in groups/boards are stating they have the same engine failure and Honda is refusing to take accountability for it. Fortunately, it did not fully throw a rod at highway speeds with my wife and children in the vehicle as a much more life threatening situation may have occurred. We have little confidence if they replace the engine with a used, lower mileage engine that this situation that this issue will not reoccur.
I was driving down the highway when I started to hear a knocking sound at certain RPM. No check engine light and I was unable to safely pull over. As I continued driving looking for a safe place to park the vehicle, within a few minutes the noise in the engine got worse and then suddenly the vehicle completely lost power and would only drive in limp mode. Luckily I was able to pull off to an offramp and get the vehicle into a gas station parking lot. I called for a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. At the dealership they inspected the vehicle and found that it was damaged similar to the Safety recall related to the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ24013 and advised me to have it towed Calgary Honda. I called the Honda Dealership and they informed me that it did not qualify for the recall at the time but the issue sounded familiar. I had them and the current dealership quote me the pricing and decided that I would proceed with the repair from Honda directly. It took awhile to get a replacement engine in and I had to wait several weeks but I was finally able to have it replaced at Calgary Honda in November of 2024. It cost me $10,000 to replace the engine as well as have the work done to repair the alignment after the power failure and replace the battery due to the vehicle sitting for weeks in the cold. I believe my vehicle is part of the same issues as: the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ24013 and wanted to submit my report to hopefully get reimbursed by Honda for the engine and all other costs associated with the Recall
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the connecting rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
We were driving south on [XXX] near Ashland, Oh. We heard a knocking that got very loud and bad quickly. There was a loud metal on metal BANG. The entire dash lit up for a few seconds, I braked quickly pulling off the interstate as safely as I could. Shut the car off and called for a tow. We had it towed to Mikes Auto in Barberton, Oh. Thats where still is. The mechanic diagnosed the issue as GRENADING. The lower end of the engine blew up. It EXPLODED!!! No warning lites whatsoever before the explosion. How does that happen? Do you realize how bad that could've been? $300 tow and a $6700 bill for a new engine. I will have put $15000.00 In this PC O [XXX] in less than one year. We have been Honda owners since 1992. Now I know how a F O R D owner feels like. My bought our first Mazda yesterday. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Unknown, I was driving on the Highway when all of a sudden my car came to a stop with the engine smoking up. I had it tow to my house and had my brother in law who is a car mechanic come check and he states that it is the rod bearing. We see recalls on it for other same car model and year, but not for my VIN.
Crankshaft froze. Engine totaled.
Engine failure consistent with recall 23V‑751, and would like this included in the federal safety agency investigation RQ24013. Lost acceleration and check engine light came on. Pulled off of Interstate, turned off vehicle and restarted. Check engine light was off and vehicle accelerated normally for about 5 minutes. Then problem repeated with increased engine noise. Was able to limp the vehicle at no faster than 40mph to Honda dealer in Napleton, IL. River Oaks Honda of Napleton is able to verify the problem. Safety of occupants was put at risk due to large volume of traffic on [XXX] during holiday season and inability of the vehicle to maintain required minimum speed. Symptoms of this problem did appear in May 2024 and was diagnosed as P0369. Front bank camshaft was replaced by Hendrick Honda of Sarasota. Symptoms appeared again in October 2024 and vehicle was brought to John Hinderer Honda of Newark, OH. They diagnosed that the intake and exhaust valve lash was out of spec and they performed an intake and exhaust valvestand adjustment. This vehicle was well maintained and serviced by Honda dealers whenever problems appeared. I don't understand why previous diagnosis & repairs, which were costly, did not correctly identify the root cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sudden Engine Failure. Possibly connecting rod related
There is a current recall for the engine rods, my vin is not included in this recall but I have an engine that needs to be replaced due to this @126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3 and replaced all the spark plugs and coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the connecting rod bearing had failed. The contact was advised that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The engine short block was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Honda service determined there is a failure of the number 5 cylinder connecting rod bearing. This could pose a safety issue if it had continued to be driven. We have also seen through news and online forums that this is a known, systemic issue.
Our 2016 Honda Pilot suddenly lost power on [XXX] and simultaneously developed a loud knocking sound coming from the engine on Monday ([XXX]) evening sometime between 7 and 8 PM. My son who was driving the vehicle was lucky to avoid an accident because it was difficult to pull to the right side of the road as there were fast-moving cars merging onto [XXX] from the westbound lanes of [XXX] . He pulled onto the right shoulder of [XXX] at just about [XXX], [XXX] . My other son and I drove to him. I was able to start the car but the knocking sound was still there and the engine struggled to stay on. I drove 0.5 miles safely and slowly (20-25 mph) to Midas at 1410 S. Nevada Ave. Midas diagnosed the vehicle with "a bad engine rod knock and main bearing squeak" that they could not fix. We had the vehicle towed to Corwin Honda in Colorado Springs on [XXX]. Honda technicians diagnosed the problem as connecting rod bearing failure. They recommended an engine replacement. There were recalls for the exact problem of our vehicle but our VIN was not part of the recall. We contacted Corporate Honda but they would not assist with any repairs and denied manufacturer responsibility for the connecting rod bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
the engine had a rod fail while driving and destroyed the engine with no warning. This happened November 2023, about 2 weeks after the recall from Honda for some 249,000 vehicles for this exact issue. they told me it was not included in the recall. My son was driving home from a school activity when this happened. It just stopped working and slowing down. It was a dangerous situation for him. My mechanic inspected it confirming the rod failed. There were no warnings lamps or messages that ever appeared before it happened. I ended up selling the vehicle for scraps but want to hold Honda accountable now that I have seen what happened. I want them to make me whole for the FMV of my vehicle which i lost when this happened. Please help!
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off in the middle of the highway. The contact stated that all the warning lights had been illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the dealer found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
We have had consistent, non-stop, unknown and unresolved engine issues from the day we purchased this vehicle. The dealership has not been able to identify or resolve these issues, which include the Rocker Arm, Cam Shaft and Cam Shaft sensors, numerous electrical, fuse and sensor failures and more. The symptoms appear to be the same as those cited with the connecting rod bearing issues but for some reason our vehicle has not fallen under the recalls.
No precursors and vehicle always followed recommended maintenance. Started vehicle and began making knocking and screeching sound which grew increasingly louder, followed by the engine light flashing. Immediately pulled over and had vehicle towed. Gunn Honda ran diagnostics and determined engine failure originating in the lower engine.
Engine failure only at 80k miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while test driving the vehicle after the repair, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was then towed to a transmission specialist. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The component that failed was the connector rod bearing in cylinder 4. It is not available for inspection. Our safety was put at risk because the connector rod bearing failed while my family and I were driving at 80mph (legal freeway speed) on the freeway. We lost power and the engine shuddered and the car shook while we navigated to the shoulder. The vehicle was inspected by the independent service center. There were no symptoms that I noticed prior to the failure. It was sudden, and occurred on my Pilot on just 112,546 miles. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center.
Driving at highway speeds when I notice a light rattling noise from front of car. Soon, light rattling turns to loud rattling and the check engine light comes on blinking. Slowed down and exited freeway as soon as possible and stopped at nearest gas station (right off freeway). Had vehicle towed to nearest Honda dealership for investigation of the problem. Upon investigation, service tech reported connecting rod damage to the crankshaft - recommend replacement engine.
Connecting rod failure, needs complete engine rebuild. 102,0000 miles. I was able to exit the highway and get to the dealership so there wasn’t a safety issue for me. I saw that this issue was a recall but my vehicle was not on the list so I thought I would submit. Dealership said I need a new engine. I bought it in 2020 at a dealership as a certified used Honda. I have service history with the dealership. No explanation was given as to what caused this. Check engine light started flashing and lost some power on the highway.
Been having engine issues for a while. All the way back to around 32,000 miles. The display says something about rods locker arms or something like that. I've also had an issue with throttle position sensor which was repaired however technician didn't tighten up a boat and I lost the oil pressure. The car was repaired at the end of 2017 in the beginning of 2018 but I've had the issue ever since so I typically don't drive the car too far since that incident. Some of the repairs should be in the Carfax however issue shows up from time to time on my display. I've also had to have some steering control module replaced in 2021. And I just got a transmission service to have the torque converter flush and reprogrammed because of constant jerking when accelerating.
Connecting rod bearings failed in cylinders 1 and 4 with 133000 miles on the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an unclosed speed, the lower part of the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle and while driving 20 MPH. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with thrown rod bearing failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
The connecting rod bearing seized up. Connecting rod broke and puncture through the engine housing. No recall notice was received from manufacturer about the issue. I was driving on the highway when my car made a sudden stop and smoke came from the hood along with a slight metal sound. There have been no professional inspector yet. My brother in law is a car mechanic and found the problem for us. When the car came to a stop there was no indicating of any signs. I did try to start the car again and that is when all the lights came one.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, or while the vehicle was cold started, the engine was running rough and making an abnormal clanking sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod bearings were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,383.
Had a knocking noise coming from the engine of our 2016 Honda Pilot. My fear of "rod knock" was a reality. Piazza Honda of Pottstown, PA confirmed that it was likely a failed rod bearing(s). Honda of America (corporate) is supposedly giving some good will money to help offset the cost. The dealership initially said that it would cost around $9000.00 to repair it (that's without "good will"). They have had our Pilot for over 2 weeks now and the new estimate today is $17,280.00. It's all over the internet that these Honda/Acura J-Series V6 engines are having premature rod bearing issues.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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