10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,307 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #488

Aug 052024

Pilot

  • miles
Was driving on the highway when I heard a loud, banging, crashing noise coming from the engine, followed by clunking repeating noise. I managed to safely pull off and get the car towed to the repair shop. The repair shop said that the engine was completely damaged and not repairable as per the invoice. There is already a recall for this issue for the same year make and model of the car but honda said it does not include my particular VIN number in the recall. The mechanic said that in their opinion, it is the same issue. I am kindly requesting that you review this and extend the recall to include other Vin numbers that are currently not included for this make model and year of car.

- Puslinch, CA, USA

problem #487

Sep 092024

Pilot

  • miles
Engine started to make noise at around 130,000- difficult to get diagnosed- engine noise went away - engine started to run rough at around 147,000: changed plugs and coils along with air filter- engine power returned momentarily but then the engine started to get noisy - diagnosis was engine failure due to possible rod bearing letting go. Vehicle ran so rough- it was parked. 151,000 miles - regular maintenance and oil changes.

- Buckfield , ME, USA

problem #486

Nov 152024

Pilot

  • miles
Car keeps hesitating to accelerate, stalled a few times & is burning through gas extremely quickly. Error code "engine emissions problem" came up, believe this is part of the recall

- Alhambra, CA, USA

problem #485

Oct 012024

Pilot

  • miles
Around October 1, 2024 we were driving home and our entire dashboard lit up. The car still drove but lost all power. Concerned we would cause an accident as we were in a busy section of town, we immediately turned around and limped it to our independent mechanic. Upon inspection by the mechanic the following day, we were sent a list of codes. The mechanic also sent a video of the engine, explaining it sounded like a blown engine. He advised replacing the engine. The mechanic, who was previously a Honda technician, said he had rarely seen a Honda engine blow with so few miles. Given his experience and expertise, we moved forward with replacing the engine on October 9, 2024.

- Morristown , TN, USA

problem #484

Nov 112024

Pilot

  • miles
When I am at a complete stop all the sudden when I want to accelerate my engine shuts off and all the warnings come up, this is very dangerous as it has happened to me a few times when I have cars behind me and my cars slows down and does not accelerate. I have to turn off the car and restart like 2 or 3 times to go back to normal. Could be the auto restart, I have tried turning it off when I get in the car but since this can only be done once you turn it on not permanently if you forget then this could happen. Is unknown when it happens but definitely a safety issue.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #483

Apr 242024

Pilot

  • miles
My engine failed at 133,000 miles and had to be replaced. I have owned Hondas for many years and found them to be very reliable vehicles. No accident was involved but I was very surprised that the engine failed so early with no apparent causes. I understand that there have been many issues with engines with 2016 Pilots so I wanted to report my problem in case there is a manufacturing issue that needs to be corrected for safety issues.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #482

Sep 292024

Pilot

  • miles
On Sept 29, my vehicle-??s engine light came on while driving on a hwy. I have kept the vehicle serviced, and have all maintenance records. Due to minimal shoulder space, I continued to the nearest turnoff, and before approaching the turnoff the engine shut off entirely, creating a dangerous situation (no power, no power steering or power brakes), and I was forced to cross the highway by coasting. My vehicle was undriveable and towed to a Honda dealership, where I was told the engine was finished. I found a recall linked to engine failure, but Honda claims my VIN isn-??t included, though it likely came off the assembly line during the affected period (May-June 2016) and the symptoms are indicative of the recall. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2024/INOA-RQ24013-27484.pdf

- Ottawa, MT, USA

problem #481

Jun 062024

Pilot

  • miles
Engine stall out while driving in highway was able to cruse to safety. Check engine light on and was unable to restart. Was told by local mechanic that the engine jump timing and damage the valves. Vehicle is not operational.No warning lights just happened. VIN was not in range with Hondas engine recall.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #480

Nov 162023

Pilot

  • miles
Engine suddenly seized. Had to spend $3800 to have another engine installed

- N Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #479

Feb 082024

Pilot

  • miles
While driving vehicle on freeway heard a loud knocking sound from engine, took vehicle to Honda dealership. Dealership said it was a rod bearing-??

- Sylmar , CA, USA

problem #478

Sep 202024

Pilot

  • miles
I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2016 Honda Pilot. After taking it to 3 mechanics, the vehicle has been diagnosed with premature rod bearing failure, which I believe could be a safety concern for other owners as well. Despite regular maintenance and care, the rod bearings failed unexpectedly, causing significant engine damage and posing a potential safety risk. I am concerned that this may be a widespread issue affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to determine if there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed. Ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road is crucial, and I believe this issue warrants attention. Thank you for your time and consideration.

- Schertz, TX, USA

problem #477

Oct 252023

Pilot

  • miles
driving on highway engine made a large bang and lunged froward and started to rattle and driver panel lite up with codes and check engine lights. towed to repair shop.. quoted need a new engine. known failure rod issue.... had the vehicle towed to nearest dealership and was told the engine needed to be replaced and contacted Honda America for assistance and said since I did not do all of the repairs at a dealership my product loyalty was not good enough for repair.. this is my third honda. had the engine replaced at 175k total cost of repair was $6,200

- Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #476

Nov 132024

Pilot

  • 78,500 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. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided to the contact. 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 approximate failure mileage was 78,500.

- Huntington, WV, USA

problem #475

Nov 072024

Pilot

  • miles
The vehicle was not functioning properly and was running badly on Friday 10/25/2024. The SUV was dropped off at Reeves Honda on 10/26/2024. Vehicle was picked up from the Honda dealership on 10/28/2024. The dealership service department reported a transmission code and the transmission and, torque converter would need to be replaced. Additionally, a failing AC compressor was noted and spark plugs needed to be changed at 100,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 87,100 miles. On 11/3/2024 the spark plugs were replaced by myself. The car was test, drove and appeared to be running fine. However, the engine continues to have a mild knocking sound. They did not appear to be any issue with the Transmission/gear-shifting and appeared to be smooth. On 11/7/2024 while my son was driving to school suddenly stopped at the intersection of Davis and precinct line. A tow truck was required to tow the vehicle back to our home. After close inspection of starter alternator, battery, and virtually all fuses and relays without indication of problem. Code reader was applied to the ODB port and no codes were seen. An attempt to rotate engine was unsuccessful, indicating a seized or locked engine. On 11/13/2024 call to dealership for advice. The dealership denies any engine issues or any complaints of engine issues however, in their paperwork it specifically states that customer indicated a check engine light during the event on 10/25/2024 and that the engine was not idling and had a knocking sound. When the vehicle was driven to the Honda dealership on 10/26/24. To be running extremely with the very mild knocking sound again noted from the engine.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #474

Oct 112024

Pilot

  • miles
While driving a knocking sound started progressively getting worse. I took it into the Honda dealership. They said I had the same engine rod problem as covered by the recall, but my VIN wasn't covered. I was told driving it was dangerous and it could lose power at anytime.

- Delmar, NY, USA

problem #473

Oct 222024

Pilot

  • miles
My 2016 Honda Pilot started making a terrible clacking sound when I was driving it a few weeks ago. I brought it into my local auto mechanic and he told me the sound was coming from the engine and that it would probably have to be replaced but that he did not do that work. He told me it would be dangerous to drive, and that I should have it towed to another repair shop that does engine work to confirm his opinion. I did, and they did confirm that it would need a new engine. I then had it towed to a Honda dealership for a final opinion, in hopes that they could give me a break on putting in a new engine since my car was out of warranty but only had less than 75,000 miles on it, relatively low for engine problems. They did confirm that I would need a new engine and stated that it may be a rod. I have always gotten regular oil changes, and have not had many other problems with the car. They had been giving me the run around regarding paying for anything, and the other day refused outright to pay for anything. I have been without a car for 3 weeks now.

- Marblehead, MA, USA

problem #472

Mar 132024

Pilot

  • 138,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that valve timing needed to be completed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the engine had since started making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings were failing and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #471

Nov 072024

Pilot

  • miles
My friend drove my car and on the freeway the oil started leaking and the engine caught on fire and the car came to a complete halt. It has to be towed to the nearest Honda dealer and upon inspection found the following: DURING VISUAL INSPECTION FOUND HOLE ON THE BACK SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK DUE TO CONNECTING ROD FAILURE CAN NOT DETERMINE CAUSE TILL FULL ENGINE TEAR DOWN UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND COMPLETE INTERNAL DAMAGE AND METAL CIRCULATION OF OIL SYSTEM REC TO REPLACE COMPLETE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY Diamond Honda I looked online and saw the 2016 Honda Pilot had recalls on thai specific issue and called the headquarters. They said they don-??t have any recalls test on this vehicle becuase not enough people reported a problem. It was very serious that the engine stopped in the middle of e freeway and caught on fire. I asked the rep how many incidences needed to be reported before they will open investigation and she didn-??t say. I asked how many people. We-??re indie before they will recall and she had no answer except to give me a case number and told me her manager will call me in the next two days but it-??s been 3 and no one has called. Headquarter rep also mentioned that it-??s 5000 passed warranty so too bad on my part. Dealer also said I didn-??t do all oil changes at the dealer so it-??s my fault. I feel like I got a lemon. I-??m waiting to hear what the headquarters have to say and what they find out w the dealer. But I thought I should report this since it-??s very serious.

- Walnut , CA, USA

problem #470

Oct 302024

Pilot

  • miles
I have a 2016 Honda pilot it has about 104,000 miles And has had all its maintenance. One day, three weeks ago, the engine started making a banging sound, and the oil light turned on. We brought the car to a mechanics who diagnosed engine failure and said that there were tiny metal shards seen in the oil. I have been meticulous about oil changes throughout the life of the vehicle. I brought my car to the service center at the Honda dealership and was told that my car had the exact same problem with the engine that the 2016 engines were being recalled for, but that my VIN number was not included in the recall and that I would have to pay for a new engine. Personnel at the service center said that there were three other Honda Pilot vehicles of the same and similar year with similar mileages currently being serviced for the same engine problem as the recall and that they were also not in the group of VIN numbers included in the recall.

- Glenview, IL, USA

problem #469

Oct 182024

Pilot

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle regained power, and the contact drove to the residence. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The emission warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact researched the failure and determined that it was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Herriman, UT, USA

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