I am writing about my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN [XXX] ). The car broke down in the middle of the road on [XXX], with the engine seizing and not able to start again. The car has only 134k miles and has had all of the recommended maintenances since we bought the vehicle Certified Used from Honda in 2017. There were no lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The car had an oil change the week prior to this incident at a Honda dealership, and the car's inspection came back showing no repair needs or problems. We have all of the service records for this vehicle. The car has been towed to the Honda dealership in Thousand Oaks, CA. The dealership has indicated the engine requires replacement due to the number 2 piston not being able to move likely due to the crankshaft failing. This damage has caused a catastrophic failure to the engine, requiring full engine replacement. This seems to fit with a current recall for other 2016 Honda Pilots resulting from a manufacturing defect in the engine's crankshaft, despite our VIN not being captured in that recall. The safety of my 1.5 year and nanny were put at risk due to the car stopping in the middle of the intersection and not being able to start again. From a reading of others' accounts online, it appears that this problem is happening to other people with the same vehicle and their VIN is falling outside of Honda's current recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 15 of 29: complaints 401 to 430 of 828, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We bought the car online from a Honda dealer located about 450 miles away in Arkansas and on [XXX] we met them in Dallas near the halfway point and they delivered the car It was a one owner with just under 29000 miles, had a clean carfax, title, etc. Over the next 10 days, we put about 300-350 miles on the car, including the 220 miles home from Dallas. On [XXX] we were driving at about 45-50 miles an hour when we heard a sort of "ping" noise, sort of like a tin can dropping, the car began to run rough and a number of message lights flashed on the dash. We had it towed to our local mechanic who drained the oil and cut open the filter and he found metal fragments and diagnosed a thrown rod bearing. We then had it towed to the local Honda dealer who said that was probably correct, but they couldn't diagnose without taking the engine apart. We spent several months talking with the Honda dealer who sold it to us as well as American Honda and in the end they said sometimes things just break, it's not under warranty and repairs were on us. We had the engine replaced with a used engine at the local Honda dealer. Total cost parts and labor $8922. We called American Honda and were told our VIN is not included in the current recall announced in November 2023, but that the recall may be expanded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dealership involved is Lamacchia Honda at 932 Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13204. They have the failed engine and vehicle currently. The engine failed rapidly, and could have caused a unexpected stall and made the vehicle hard to control, had it not happened while the vehicle was parked. The issue was noticed in early March, approximately 116,200 miles on the odometer, with a small knocking noise not noticeable under all conditions. Once the knock noise was discovered, the vehicle was driven approximately 100 miles to return home. The next morning the car was started, in order to identify the noise. The engine was running for 4-5 seconds before the knock became rapidly worse, and a low oil level warning was displayed. I immediately shut down the car, and confirmed that the engine oil level was full. After this, I drained 1 liter of engine oil for analysis (from Blackstone Laboratories), and parked the vehicle until it could be towed to Lamacchia Honda. After the engine was disassembled, the dealership stated that the #1 rod bearing and crankshaft journal were damaged. No repairs have been completed yet. Dealership has suggested a long block or engine replacement will be required. I believe this incident is related to the federal safety agency recall No. [XXX} Attached is the invoice from the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle oil light illuminated. The contact added oil and resumed driving. The contact stated after the vehicle was restarted, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact moved over to the shoulder to have the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure. Cut open oil filter and found bearing material inside. Recommending a used or new engine." This same vehicle / year has a the federal safety agency Recall Number: 23V‑751- 2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall- there is a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. The issue is my vehicles VIN# is NOT included in the recall, event though the failure code and bearing material found in oil filter indicates a high degree of similar root cause as the recall. There are other public forums and social media platforms with owners of 2016 Honda Pilots that are describing exactly same experience- well maintained, engine failure that are NOT included on recall. I've already had around $600 of towing and diagnostic tests. This needs to be further investigated.
Brought my 2016 Honda Pilot (71k miles) to dealer due to loud knocking noise and dealer confirmed rod bearing failure on cylinder 6 caused the issue and ruined the connecting rod and also the crankshaft. Dealer said the VIN wasn't part of the recall however the car's production date is [XXX] which falls under the Production dates listed in here: [XXX] Have to pay for a replacement engine to be put in. Honda should absolutely cover this due to the defect and recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Through diagnostic at Honda Dealership, the #5 bearing failed causing engine damage (crank shaft and connecting rod). This pilot year is included in the current Part 573 Safety Recall Report, however this particular VIN is not currently included.
Our Honda pilot has always had its routine maintenance and been kept in a garage. One day as we started it, the car made a weird noise and before we could get it back home the engine light was flashing red. We immediately shut it off and upon getting it towed to the dealership they took it apart to find the problem, didn’t really give us a conclusive answer and was told it now seized up completely and needs a new motor. I'm wondering if this is a common problem since I've had multiple Hondas in the past and ran them each for over 200,000 miles without anything close to this happening.
Rod bearing and crankshaft failure. Whole engine needs to be replaced. There is a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines but apparently this car with this VIN is not covered. Honda is lying. I only have 70000 miles and obviously, my engine developed the same exact problem as the recalled 2016 pilots.
Connecting rod bearing Failure. stalled in traffic. Waring lights included. emissions system problem VSA Problem Hill Start Assist Problem Trailer Stability Assist Problem Road Departure System Problem Emissions System Problem Power Steering System Problem All Wheel Drive (AWD) System Problem. also getting DTC Coded P0303_Cylinder 3 Misfire U0401-68_ECM Failure F-Can Time Out_ EAT_40F (NG) Loud Knocking coming from engine while running. removed the oil pan and rod bearing. Found Metal Shavings in the oil pan. located the loose connecting rod and removed the bearing.
The Honda stop-start system in this vehicle has a flaw. On this day the engine shut down as normal at a light, but failed to start when the foot was removed from the brake. The engine sputtered and shut back off. This should be a problem if a restart could have been attempted but this failure was so severe that the car had to be put in park and shut off completely. Almost like a reboot of the computer. Once the car was shut off and then powered up again the car could be started and move under it's own power. Even thought I was quick to turn on hazard flashers, cars behind me became angry at the inconvenience, honking and swerving to get around me when the light was green. Honda needs to make a way to attempt to restart after an unsuccessful attempt by the auto start system. The engine has run fine since the event so no issues with the engine can be found. It had to be something minor that prevented the successful firing of the engine.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and it was discovered that the crank bearing lock had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to a staffing shortage. The vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, however informed the contact the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and determined that the engine rod bearings had failed causing severe damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed us of a manufacturer's recall related to the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: [XXX] (Engine, Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 95,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 Honda Pilot EX-L Connecting Rod Bearing Failure. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has around 98,000 miles on it and now has a serious rod knock. My vin is not covered by the current recall, but I believe it should be. It is unacceptable that a manufacturer fault should not be addressed. Since my car is out of warranty I am on the hook for many thousands of dollars, not to mention the diminished value of a poorly built vehicle.
Connecting rod bearing failed and caused engine failure. Car began inoperable on the highway. Honda has issued recalls on this exact failure but has failed to recall my vehicle. Honda needs to be held liable to investigate my vehicle. This is a rare failure that is ONLY caused my manufacturer defects. This is the third inquiry I am sending and no one has done anything to demand that Honda issues recalls for ALL affected vehicle for the manufacturing defect. Please do your part so I don't have to hire an attorney. Thank you
Message is showing in instrumental panel KEYLESS START SYSTEM PROBLEM. I checked on line found Honda have found this problem with 2016 Honda Pilots. When I called Honda Woodbridge, VA dealer about it she (Customer Service agent) took my Vin and said no there is no recall. On line I found Honda Service Bulletin they do have recall. I am including Pic of vehicle and also Service Bulletin about it. Honda Dealers Should have this information.
Car engine started knocking a few days ago and yesterday the engine light came on and the car started loosing power even stalling at one point driving. Looks like a connecting rod bearing on bank 2 can be heard clearly. I understand a service bulletin just came out yesterday for this same issue on my year vehicle but I don't see the vin on the list and it should be added to list having the same exact problem. Thank you
Sudden engine knocking noise. Mechanic said the rod bearing is going out.
The car just stopped while being driven in the freeway around December 2022. It was towed to the dealership and they said that the engine "seized." We wrote a letter to Honda and they said that it was our fault (car has very little miles- it's a family car). The engine light was never resolved even after engine was replaced. Honda then came out with a recall for 2016 Honda Pilot for engine seizing but they said my VIN did not qualify although this was the exact same issue. I tried reaching out with them to no avail. I am afraid to transport my children in this vehicle and I have already spend over 10k fixing it. It also feels unethical to sell the vehicle knowing it's defective. If possible, please look into the VIN's that are part of the recall since I am afraid there are a lot more cars driving in the freeway from the manufacturer that has the same issue which pose a safety concern to the passengers and the cars around it.
hood cracked due to excessive vibration over the years from late 2015 until latch was repaired by Honda in 2021. Due to the number of years prior to the repair, the hood has cracked and could potentially fall apart or fly up and block the driver's vision.
I drive have a 2016 Honda Pilot. On a trip from Overland Park, KS to Denver, CO, I exited the interstate and noticed a ticking sound. Turned the radio down, shifted into neutral and accelerated the engine a little. The sound I was hearing accelerated with the engine. Before getting to my destination, the engine light illuminated and an emission warning. I inspected the engine at my destination and the noise is coming from the front of the engine. I took it to an independent repair shop in the morning. They gave me an estimate to remove & replace engine assembly complete - used $8,733.60 or remove & replace short block - New OEM $13,282.63 I did not feel comfortable pursuing repairs in Denver. With the vehicle being unreliable to drive home, I rented a moving truck, trailer and towed the Pilot home. I found in an online chat group, [XXX] that other Pilot owners have has the same issue and a Recall was being issued from Honda due to improper bearing clearance issue. Honda Service Bulletin [XXX] I took the Pilot into Honda Dealership and they said internal noise coming from the lower part of the engine, main bearing failure. Gave me an estimate for a used engine $8,924.70 or new short block $10,694.24 plus $250. Recall was released after the 1st of the year, the federal safety agency Recall No. : 23V‑751 My Pilot fall out of recall being manufactured in February. Less than 7,000 miles ago. I had to replace a cam in this engine and Honda America assisted with repairs as it was abnormal for a cam to need replacing around 100,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. It put the driver, my [XXX] daughter, in danger as the car shut down on a highway at night without warning. She safely pulled the car over to the side of the highway within a construction zone and waited alone in the dark for me to pick her up while cars were passing at highway speeds. This breakdown could have resulted in an engine fire again without warning. The Honda dealer inspected the engine and took photos of the broken connecting rod. I have sent a customer service request to American Honda with the pictures, maintenance records and diagnosis of the issue given by the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the engine made abnormal clicking sounds and was shaking while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic recommended that the contact wait to see if the vehicle was included in an upcoming recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and it was recommended that the rocket oil pressure switch and an oil change be performed. The vehicle was previously repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the independent mechanic recommending that the contact wait for a recall. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that assist might be provided under a Good Will Program. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owned a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and approaching the red traffic light, she depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. The contact noticed smoke coming out of the cowl of the vehicle. The contact then turned on the AC and smoke came through the A/C vents. The contact opened the windows. The contact stated that the smoke became thicker and brownish while pulling into the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact then noticed that there was a hole in the middle of the hood, and there was a flame coming through the hole. The contact stated that the hood and the windshield became engulfed in fire within 3 minutes even though it was raining. The fire department extinguished the fire, and police officers arrived at the scene, but the contact did not know whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, awaiting to be totaled. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
happening more if we left it on, as default, all the time. We have reported it to our dealer, they "cannot replicate" it and claim "that's unusual" despite knowing there is a massive recall for this exact issue. They claim it needs a tune up, and we fear that your 1% of cars effected estimate is off and not including many more cars being effected by this. This Auto Idle option needs an override that could save lives. Please re-open the investigation, press Honda for information they may not be sharing from their dealerships regarding the extent of this (they're probably not documenting each time someone complains about this, since they can't "replicate it.") Help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approximately 70 kph when the engine seized and all of the warning lights in the dash went out simultaneously. The car would barely accelerate but I was able to pull over and get it towed to a shop. The shop diagnosed total engine failure as a result of tension rod shavings showing in the oil filter. I researched recalls for my model & year and found November 13, 2023 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V751000. Although my specific VIN is not yet included, both the model/ year and symptoms of the issue match exactly with what happened to me. I urge you to include my VIN in this recall.
When going a consistent speed, the engine RPM flutters up and down which jerks the car back-and-forth while going around 40 mph. Independent mechanic said there’s something wrong with the VTEC system and one of the cylinders is not getting enough air
I was driving and the engine was making noises and started losing power. I heard a loud noise and the engine died. There is a recall on these engines. and my car is the year make and model.
Hi Sir/Madam, Wish you are going well. I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD . Recently on [XXX] while i was driving in it with my family to New York airport the engine suddenly started making some noise and before we could pull over the car to the shoulder the engine got fire , fortunately we escaped by jumping out from the car as soon as we were on shoulder. The car was then towed to the service station and after inspection the service station informed that this is a case of engine failure due to crank shaft connecting rod failure. For repair the engine needs to be replaced and the estimated cost would be around $7000. I checked for 2016 Honda pilot recalls and saw this latest recall XG1 and GG0 which describes the same issue . However, my VIN No. does not show any recalls. Request your kind advice as i am not in a condition to afford the repair, the insurance does not cover this and i am stuck as i cannot to go anywhere without car. Is there any way i can get the car repaired free of cost by Honda ? Do i need to file a lawsuit for that? A Recall law suit is possible? Can I include claims for defective vehicle and negligence as I got the vehicle serviced from Honda Service station recently and they didn’t checked/informed for this issue causing fatal safety concern for my entire family. Looking back for your kind advice. Wish you a wonderful day. Thanks & Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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