general problems of the 2016 Honda Pilot - part 1

We are being denied a repair that is exactly like the service recall service bulletin 24-001 safety recall: 2016 (&2018-19) Pilot connecting rod bearing. They found metal shavings in the oil that are identical to vehicles that are covered. The dealership said they received 4 other 2016 Honda Pilots this week where the VIN wasn't in the range but the same issue. Honda is trying to avoid a recall when it is clear that all 2016 Honda Pilots are affected.

Most recently my engine started to have a clicking/knocking sound that was progressively getting worse. This happened within 1000 miles of replacing the timing belt. I now have a cylinder 2 failure and the dealer is recommending a $6000 plus complete used engine replacement with a warranty of only 12,000 miles. The knocking goes away if cylinder 2 plug is pulled. Car has had multiple problems, 9-speed transmission defect rough/delayed shifting, loud noises, harsh acceleration/deceleration, and sudden power loss, creating a safety risk. It has stopped at stoplights and failed to restart for 10-15 seconds. Auto idle stop (ais) system: claims that the engine doesn't always restart when the driver lifts their foot off the brake, a defect that has led to a class-action settlement.

According to my mechanic there is the low end bearing noise and bearing chirp that indicates it lost oil pressure due to internal components and a damaged engine. Recommends replacing the engine. He said because of the recall there are no remanufactured engines available. Computer diagnostics showed code p0303 #3 cylinder misfire. He believes this has to do with recall 23v-751or rq24-013. No repairs have been done.

My engine has failed at ~104k miles after regular and consistent maintenance. The failure (rod bearing) matches recall 23v751 but my VIN was excluded.

I was driving and went through an intersection when all of a sudden the car automatically shifted into neutral and lights started flashing and stalled. The engine ceased up. I checked to see if I had oil. I did. Prior to this event on multiple occasions while driving on the hwy and trying to accelerate the engine had problems getting into gear. This vehicle has made me feel unsafe multiple times while driving and shifting out of gear and now just stalling while driving. Honda has a huge problem with the engines.

Driving the car the engine bearing went out and wrecked the engine which has caused the engine to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when he had parked the vehicle at work, he had heard an abnormal clicking sound from the engine compartment, and the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that as he drove the vehicle back to his residence at approximately 60 mph, the check engine warning started flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact drove the vehicle to an auto parts store, and the store employee used a handheld scanner and drew voltage and engine communication codes. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer did not perform a detailed diagnosis, but when the contact picked the vehicle up, he was still hearing the abnormal clicking sound. The dealer had a mechanic try to evaluate the abnormal noise by listening and thought it sounded like a failing timing belt tensioner. The contact then drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rod bearings had failed and the crankshaft was scored. The mechanic recommended replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to a dealer to run a diagnostic check to see if the contact qualified for a "goodwill assistance program. The contact stated that the manufacturer advised that the program was not guaranteed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that there was an abnormal engine knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were recurring oil leaks and a misfire coming from the engine. The engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, the esc, hill start assist, vsa, eps, and steering low warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the codes. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling). The local dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

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.

Honda Pilot 2016 and 83k miles and original owner. The car was traveling at I-95 going to vermont when the engine light come on the dashboard showing low pressure oil. The car was stopped in a safe place and called aaa and towed to nearest mechanic in massachusetts. The mechanic diagnosed and said the engine is shut and needed to be replaced. I called american Honda and was being told to tow it to a Honda service dealership nearby and we did. Confirmed by them that the engine was shut and they found a metal inside the engine which is caused by the rod bearing. The american Honda did nothing at all to address it. So frustrating. The car is still sitting on the Honda service lot in massachusetts. The cost to replace the engine with a used one is $7500. 00.

The car has 83k miles and the Honda service said the engine needs to be replaced due to internal engine problem.

Rod bearing knocking noise.

Failing rod bearing.

Purchased my 2016 Honda Pilot with 3. 5 v6 engine at baierl Honda in November 2024. In December 2025 my engine failed. Towed to dealer I purchased from . Mechanic said there is metal in the oil the motor is done and needs replaced. Many of these motors were recalled , but for some reason mine is not on the list. I still owe 12,000 on loan on this car. I contacted Honda said nothing they can do because it hasn't been recalled "yet". There were other recalls from Honda in the same motor. Why wasn't mine recalled?.

While driving home the car started making loud noises and lost power. I pulled over as quickly as possible and had the vehicle towed to a Honda dealer where they they reported: "new engine assembly (long block with heads) due to internal engine failure. Found metal shavings in engine oil when strained through filter and magnet ran across bottom of pan. Includes engine replacement, gaskets and fluids" when researching my repair options I found that there were known issues with the 2016 Honda Pilot, but my vehicle was on included in the initial VIN list.

Was at a complete stop and my car turned off and all my dash lights came on. On the freeway.

We had road issues recently and the care stalled on thanksgiving. We ended up having it towed to 2 mechanics, the final mechanic determined that this issue is a recall for other Hondas. Ours is not listed. I called the recall hotline and they will not fix the car under the recall because they did not add our VIN number to the recall. They informed us we could pay for the repair and keep our receipt for reimbursement if/when the VIN number is added. I was not happy with this outcome as if it's a problem with other vehicles why are we not being added. The recall is "a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearing that could cause the engine to seize and fail, leading to stalling while driving. ".

When driving on highway, heard loud engine cranking sound, followed by sudden jolts of the car. Stopped the car in the road median and then noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. Passengers got out of the car and noticed fire under the engine; called 911 immediately, then police and fire engine arrived to extinguish fire. Towed the car to local Honda service center. Diagnosis from the service center mentions: "a connecting rod broke and exited through the engine block/oil pan area on back of engine. . . . . And engine assembly need to be replaced along with other fire damaged and water damaged parts/sections. . . . " this looks to be related 2016 Honda Pilot connecting rod recall ( NHTSA recall# 23v-751 ). Car maintenance has always been done on-time at the Honda service center (records available for inspection). There were no warning lights before the incidence. Insurance company has inspected the car for claim purpose.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine failed in a matter of seconds on the interstate to where the vehicle was inoperable making a loud knocking sound and every system light on the dashboard turned on. We were able to take it to a local oil shop that was within a few miles and had them check on the car. The mechanic stated the oil looked brand new even though we just had it changed 2 months ago and he couldn't service the inside of the vehicles engine. We had to have it towed over 100 miles to chicago. To a Honda dealership that stated the engine looked like it was starved of oil. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? vehicle violent started shaking while myself, my wife, and our three kids were in the vehicle. All systems had failed by the time we got it to a dealership 5 miles away. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes the Honda dealership stated we need a new engine costing us well over $15,000. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no we have only had a mechanic at a Honda dealer confirm what was said initially that the engine seems to be malfunctioning. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there was zero issues until all systems lights came on within a matter of 5 minutes.

My check engine light come on and started flashing on 11/24/25 and came along with a knocking sound. Got it to the shop, and they confirmed that the vehicle has a rod bearing knocking in the engine. I see that this has been a frequent known issue with this specific car and believe my car should be apart of this recall.

Following all repair/recall/warranty work recommended by Honda, the auto stop/start feature is again failing. This results in the vehicle not restarting after the auto idle engine stop is engaged while in traffic, stop lights, stop signs etc. This is a random occurrence, but results in a significant safety hazard as a stopped vehicle in a lane of travel. This is a recurring issue, no specific date of incident.

Incident happened on November/22/2025 was driving on a major highway with 2 other persons in the vehicle the check engine light began to flash and all the power form the engine was lost immediately pulled over. Called the Honda dealer when they opened took it to them to look at engine was knocking was told at the dealer there was metal in the oil and the knock is coming from the bottom of the engine. The engine is in non repairable shape and needs an engine replacement.

Vehicle has approximately 145k miles and regularly maintained at the dealership. With no prior warnings, the low fuel pressure light came on, started jerking, and making noises, and was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to the nearest mechanic where they said the engine has failed. The car was driven up to that point with no warning signs.

Car engine developed a knock in the lower end we took it to the dealerships service department and they accessed it to have connecting rod bearing failure it is not safe drive with this issue as major engine failure is very possible we have owned this car for 8 years and done all recommended maintenance and repairs.

Yes available for inspection. Was driving on highway when my engine lost power. Almost crashed and almost got rear ended on the highway. Mechanic said something about piston rod bearings? very loud knocking noise when car is started now . Not able to use. Only 100k miles. Fully maintained. Has to be part of recall soon? recall is for piston rod bearings. Same issue my Pilot has.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and waited for towing assistance. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

The v6 3. 5l engine in the 2016 Honda Pilot ex-l sounds horrible when shifting. It sounds like it is sticking, and in a way lurches. It is especially noticeable around 40mph, but you can audibly hear it shift at all gears. I am concerned that this vehicle should have been part of the previous 2023 recall, or should be looked at for the current 2025 investigation of the connecting rod bearing failures. I am almost afraid to drive the vehicle. The engine sounds awful.

Engine light came on when driving and started running bad. Engine now making a knocking noise. Connecting rod knocking sound. Had to tow the vehicle home on a trailer.

The start/stop function caused the engine to shut off. At times we have to shake the battery to get the engine to go back on. We have replaced the battery and that didnt fix the issue. The dealership said they couldn't recreate the problem. The issue hasn't been inspected by anyone but the dealership and there were no warning messages or lights.

Started hearing rattling sound on acceleration yesterday. Today heard it again. Engine light came on and a lot of other safety lights came on and noted less power with hitting accelerator. Took it to dealer. They are investigating but say it is the connecting rod bearing failure that so many Hondas have. My car currently is not in the recall list by Honda. It is a 2016 Pilot, 105,000 miles.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, my friend was driving my 2016 Honda Pilot on interstate 10 in new orleans when all the dashboard warning lights came on and the engine started clicking/ticking. He was on a bridge and had to pull to the side of the bridge during rush hour traffic. He said it was very unsafe and was afraid to stay with the car due to the high volume of traffic. The car was towed to the nearest Honda dealership. The dealership ran diagnostics on it and told me that it needs a new engine. The dealership checked to see if the vehicle was part of the connecting rod recall and confirmed the vehicle is not. Prior to this event, the car was running great. My brothers, who are retired mechanics, towed the car back home. They said a connecting rod is knocking and the car does not need to be driven until the issue has been fixed. I am sure if I continue driving the vehicle that the engine would eventually seize. The car is available for inspection.

Engine failure while on highway traffic in construction zone caused engine shut off, losing power steering and odd braking. I was driving on a split 4 lane highway (2 lanes each direction), with a large ditch median between the directional lanes. My direction had construction cones for several miles limiting traffic to 1 lane, still at a 65 mph speed limit with heavy semi traffic. The right lane was closed for construction, so all traffic was lined in left lane, though maintaining the speed limit. A few hundred yards into the construction my check engine light came on, and then after a minute or so it started blinking but there was no place to pull over safely. I reduced speed and semi traffic was lining up behind me. Then the engine and rest of car shut off, losing power steering. I ended up weaving into the construction part and was finally able to stop but not without danger to myself and others. Motor would restart but sounded terrible and I did not feel safe driving further and did not have faith it would make it far, especially since I'd have to re-enter the highway construction traffic. I had it towed to local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as a piston rod bearing spin/stuck, or in other words a spun/slipped rod/crank bearing.

This car was purchased new from gustman Honda in appleton WI. It was well maintained and never driven off road. On oct. 22, 2025, my 16 yr old daughter was driving it to school. She was on wis hwy 151 when the engine had a severe failure and several rods punctured the engine block. There were no warnings, no engine lights, etc. Prior to this complete engine failure. Luckily she was going to school for an early morning class and there were few cars on the highway. She was able to get the car somewhat off the road and call called me for help. I had it towed to jiggers auto in chilton WI where they determined the complete engine failure.

I took my car in for a safety recall and was not provided a loaner vehicle. Both the dealer and Honda have refused to provide me a rental and now I will be picking my vehicle up and driving it while it’s unsafe with children in the car.

Hi, I have a hoda piot 2016 ex awd v6, with odometer around 90000 miles. Last weekend my son who's 17 with his friends tok the car to go camping on the coast. The car has no problem at all, and I have folllowed the all Honda recommended maintenance. In fact it just have the break job and inspection done by the dealer a month ago. Well, my son parked the car in fred meyer and couldn't start the car. I took it to the dealer and notice that there's a recall 23v-751 and the dealer said that my car is not part of the recall based on the VIN number. The dealer quote me to replace the engine with a used engine for $11,000 plus, they do not know what caused the engine to seize, and they can tear apart into the engine to know exacty what caused the issue for $616. How can I check if this is related to th erecall without paying $616 just to tear aprt the seized engine, and I also complain because I thought the car is the safest car my son can drive to his first camping trip.