There is a knocking noise coming from the engine bay. You can hear it when the vehile starts up but it gets louder as the vehicle gets up to temp. Mainly at idle and louder at acceleration. The vehicle was taken to germain honda in wooster ohio and they determined that the vehicle has bad rod bearings. We purchased in fall of 2024 with about 64k miles and the engine at this point has about 75k miles on it. It has an excellent service record and has been serviced at honda since it was new and I am the second owner.
2016 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 9 of 29: complaints 221 to 250 of 828, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
When the Auto Idle feature is on, the car will often completely turn off when at a red light or in stop & go traffic. When it is time to move again, I cannot go. Cars are honking at me to move, but the car will not start. I have to put the car in park, completely turn it off, and restart it. This sometimes happens on the interstate in heavy traffic, which can be extremely dangerous. My car’s engine light had been having a warning sign “emissions system problem”. I took it to the dealer, and told them about the auto idle problem & the light, but they could not find anything wrong. A few months later, my engine failed & they said it wasn’t covered under the recent recall so I had to pay $7,000 for a new engine. Now a few months later, the auto idle problem is happening again & the emissions system problem light is back on again. The new engine is only a few months old
I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite and I was driving it in March of 2024 when my engine started making a low ticking sound, after about 2 weeks it gradually got louder and louder. It felt like it didn't want to accelerate, meaning it took more force down on the pedal to get it to drive. On the last drive in it the engine shifted so hard it shook the whole vehicle feeling as if I was hit from behind. Once I got it home I parked it and have not drove it since March of 2024.
I was driving on the interstate and while going up the hill at 70 mph my engine seized up and died on me. I was able to get it to the side of the road and get it towed. This happened in February of 2023. Had it towed to two different service shops. The first one, Roush Honds in Westerville, said the engine was dead and could not get it to turn. The Auto Clinic in Mansfield, Ohio said the same thing saying the engine seized up and it was an internal failure of the engine. They replaced my engine with a used Honda engine. With all these recalls and investigations on Honda engines, I believe that this is what was going on with my pilot engine. Also I am worried I could have the same problem with the used engine that was put in as a replacement.
Our 2016 Honda Pilot had rod bearing failures, which lead to total engine failure. The problems matched EVERYTHING in the November 2023 recall, but our VIN was not included on the list. We ended up having to replace the entire engine. I contacted Honda and convinced them to cover half the cost but we still paid almost $10,000 out of pocket. I read an article stating that there have been 173 complaints of rod bearing failures on vehicles that were not included on the original recall. I would like my vehicle included on that list. We never should have had to pay $10,000 to replace an engine that should have been included on that recall. My husband almost got into an accident on the interstate because the engine began to fail completely.
Engine knocking rod causing it Safety is at risk with engine knocking Took vehicle to independent service center Vehicle or component have been inspected by independent service center There was no warning until I heard the noise and saw the check engine light come on while driving home from work
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing knock and internal engine failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number 23V751000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the water pump and timing chain replacement, and recommended maintenance of the vehicle were previously completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,700.
Driving on [XXX] ) at highway speed in traffic when the engine started making a sudden rattling noise, shaking, and had immediate power loss. Within seconds the engine light started blinking, the oil light illuminated and the information light came on. I was forced to pull over and shut the vehicle off. We were forced to stand on the side of [XXX] on a Friday evening while we waited for a tow truck to come get us. I have had the vehicle towed to the dealership where we purchased it and they have indicated that the engine needs to be replaced due to failed rod bearings. The vehicle is currently at Ralph Honda in Rochester NY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ECM Failure with fuel rail/system pressure code. Safety issue due to no prior issue and all of a sudden engine stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and taking 10 mins to get started and shift gears to get out of the way of oncoming traffic with all dashboard lights illuminated to include check engine light, trailer stability assist problem light, hill assist problem light, LKAS light, and ACC light.
My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they couldn't help with the repair. This is a manufacturing defect and Honda should cover this expense. Although, they sent out a recall notice but they said my VIN is not part of it. Please help!
Auto Start/Stop not working at stop. Vehicle fails to restart when engine has turned off at intersection. On occasion, vehicle fails to start and loses total power. Often, it takes several minutes to regain power. This has occurred in intersections, almost causing accidents. The car was repaired per a TSB, but the issue continues, and has for the last 4 years since purchase.
Rattling noise in engine. Feels unsafe to drive. Honda mechanic confirmed new engine needed due to worn rod bearings.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact research and was made aware of an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,055.
Heard a ticking sound, had a diagnostic test done and was told a bearing had broke and I need a new engine.
Vehicle was fixed for auto start stop under recall. They changed all the parts including capacitors. Within 5000 miles it started happening again. I’ve informed Honda about this from 20k miles. The vehicle now has 165k. I’ve told them on multiple occasions that this is a serious safety issue. They said they have this fixed and they do not. They closed my case even though I asked them to keep it open as they have not proved to me that it is fixed. The only way to fix this is to have Honda program the care to not allow start stop as someone is going to get killed. It’s just a matter of time.
The car has trouble starting. It has been occurring for years. (1) It cycles like it has a bad battery. (2) It cycles like the starter is not getting power or is bad. (3) Sometimes this causes the engine starting cycle to completely fail and restart is not immediately possible. (4) The auto stop/restart feature cannot be used because it requires frequent stopping and starting of engine which is not possible. I’ve had many Honda dealers and Honda mechanics looking at the issue and none have been able to determine the problem.
Pilot has auto start/stop problems. when it stops, if the exact pedal procedure isn't followed the car will lurch forward and stall engine. After that is it difficult to restart. This situation creates a dangerous situation as the vehicle fails to pull out in traffic under power. Very POOR design by Honda and should be permanently disabled for driver/occupant safety
Auto idle restart and transmission is unexpectedly put in Park upon restart. On occasion then car goes into limp mode and powers off.
On January 25, 2025 I took my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring in for a knocking sound at Holman Honda in Colorado. After looking at my car the technician gave the following diagnosis below that found metal shavings when the engine oil had been drained. That diagnosis is pasted below for reference. The repair my car car needed was a new engine and we were advised not to drive the vehicle. The knock had become progressively and no earlier mention at any previous oil changes had mentioned any metal shavings. The car had all scheduled maintenance as recommended at the appropriate milage markers. After investigation online, this seems to be very similar to recall that impacts 2016 Honda pilots although my VIN was not included in that recall. I found it on Honda service bulletin 23-097 from March 8. 2024. There is an ongoing investigation:RQ24013 which looks to expand the vehicle included in that recall. I would like my Pilot to be considered as evidence that the recall goes beyond the vehicles initially included. Service Date 01/25/2025 Miles 88,165 Service Facility HOLMAN HONDA Service A TRAINED TECHNICIAN WILL ANALYZE (DIAGNOSE) YOUR CONCERN. AS A RESULT OF DIAGNOSIS; AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS AS REQUIRED WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU. DIAGNOSIS FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE COST OF PARTS AND/OR LABOR TO COMPLETE REPAIR. Repair Order # [XXX] Job Service Description Part Names Part Numbers B A TRAINED TECHNICIAN WILL ANALYZE (DIAGNOSE) YOUR CONCERN. AS A RESULT OF DIAGNOSIS; AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS AS REQUIRED WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU. DIAGNOSIS FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE COST OF PARTS AND/OR LABOR TO COMPLETE REPAIR. 88165 Check and verify noise. Severe knock from the engine. Drain and inspect engine oil and find severe metal shaving in the oil pan and in the filter. Best course of action to replace long block. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Purchased 2016 Honda Pilot Elite used from a Hyundai dealership in Feb 2024 with ~70,000 miles. At approximately 89,000 miles noticed a ticking sound from engine that corresponded with engine RPM. Brought car in for oil change at 91,000 miles and noticed ticking had progressed to a more concerning knocking sound, however no codes or warnings were thrown and power seemed unaffected. Approximately 6 days later while on freeway felt a large shuddering, check engine light came on and power was significantly reduced, especially at higher RPMs. Limped directly to Honda dealership, who inspected and advised of metal shavings in oil filter. Advised by Honda techs there was evidence of camshaft rod failure and recommended total engine replacement ($11,330 quote). Mileage at failure was ~92,000. VIN check showed no unresolved recalls, despite remarkable similarity of symptoms and failure to Recall #23V‑751. I did not receive a notice in the mail about this recall.
Car fails to restart after idle stop is engaged and will stall out car. Causing significant safety hazard trying to restart car after idle stop.
This vehicle has a good service history but when I was driving on the highway the motor stalled almost causing an accident I heard a popping sound then the motor started to knock like crazy I know there was a recall on these vehicles for the same issue I feel that honda should honor the recall on the pilot elite as well
I have to drive with my idle off because when I drive with it on, there were 4 instances where my car idled & it idled so much that the whole car just turned completely off when I was waiting at an intersection or at a red light or getting off an exit & there were numerous cars behind me waiting. I would have to keep pressing different buttons or drive to park then try to turn the car back on & it would take awhile to turn back on. So to avoid this, I would just drive with my idle off. I did bring it up the the service department at the dealership but they said they didn’t see anything wrong, because it doesn’t happen all the time or maybe because they were just driving around one block, I don’t know. But it happened with me and when my husband drove my car. It’s very dangerous. I finance my car with the dealership and it happened ever since I bought the car. But I bought it as is, so they said they can’t do anything about it.
Around 7 months ago my Honda Pilot began to make a loud "knocking" sound and would not run. I have been waiting on a recall on my specific vin because this is an issue for 2016 Honda Pilots.
Engine needs to be replaced vehicle only has 123,000 miles. Diagnostic states sounds like rod bearing has come apart in cylinder 2 Honda Recall #23V‑751 involves certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles. This recall is due to a manufacturing error that may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. But yet Honda states my vehicle is not eligible for said recall.
2016 Honda Pilot with 77,000 (with additional transmission coolant system added upon purchase new) randomly blew the engine yesterday getting off of the interstate exit ramp. Minimal symptoms ahead of time...starting driving a little rough over last day but then complete engine and electrical failure out of nowhere. Honda dealership made it clear that it's no longer under warranty. Also said its very rare. Another mechanic told me that they've seen a few of these with 2016-2017 Honda Pilots with relatively low mileage and suggested I look online for others. (which led me to report this). This car has had issues since I bought it brand new including air conditioning system, excessive heat in the car from the engine, electrical quirks, etc.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate uphill while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost automotive power, and her daughter was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced along with several other undisclosed repairs. Upon further investigation, the local dealer related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,069.
The engine is making a very loud internal noise and it is available upon request. There is a major fear of the engine seizing while driving. I don't know if the vehicle has been taken to a dealer for this issue before. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking, and the engine made a loud knocking sound. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Brannon Honda (300 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235); who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact 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 contact also related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was under review. The failure mileage was 121,006.
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