general problems of the 2016 Honda Pilot - part 1

The 3. 5l v6 engine in this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to premature connecting rod bearing wear. The engine stalling occurred abruptly while actively driving, which created an immediate safety risk as the vehicle lost propulsion, power steering assistance, and power braking assistance. This forced a dangerous emergency maneuver to navigate through moving traffic to get to the side of the road. Prior to the engine failure, there were no persistent dashboard warning lights or clear messages indicating an imminent mechanical failure. The first distinct symptom was a brief, sudden metallic knocking sound from the engine bay immediately before the vehicle lost all power and stalled. An authorized dealership has since inspected the vehicle and dropped the oil pan, physically confirming a massive accumulation of metal shavings and bearing debris inside the block. The dealership verified that the complete destruction of the engine block is identical in nature, symptom, and cause to the manufacturing defects described in NHTSA recall campaign 23v-751. However, this vehicle's specific VIN was excluded from that original recall parameter. This catastrophic failure directly corresponds to the ongoing office of defects investigation probe pe25008 regarding extensive v6 engine rod bearing failures. The failed engine block remains fully intact at the service center and is available for regulatory inspection upon request.

While driving at night, the 2016 Pilot, it started making a loud rattling noise then just died in the middle of the road and failed to start. There were no service or check engine lights on at the time of failure or at any point prior to the failure. We were stranded in the middle of the road at risk of getting hit by other cars. The electronic transmission would not go into neutral and we had no way of even pushing the car to the safety of shoulder. We had to tow the vehicle. The tow driver also had a very difficult time of getting the car into neutral, necessary to tow it. Having the vehicle towed to a local mechanic, they reported it being very difficult to start and when it did, it had a sever engine skip with a loud rattling noise which is indicative of a connecting rod/bearing failure. The car has 140000 miles at time of failure. We had all required maintenance performed as they were scheduled. Approximately 95% was performed by Honda dealers. In fact we had a Honda dealer perform an oil change and inspection a week before the engine failure. We have had some local shops perform several required oil changes and the timing belt / plug service. We have all receipts. We contacted Honda dealership who quoted $18,225 for an engine replacement. We contacted Honda customer support who refused to offer any assistance, goodwill or other forms of reimbursement.

While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [xxx], approximately 125k miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, the engine seized and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The check engine light began flashing, the oil pressure light came on, and the vehicle began making loud grinding noises. After pulling over safely, the vehicle was no longer drivable and required towing. Upon inspection by northampton car care (6115 root road, spring, TX), it was determined that the engine failure is consistent with the connecting rod bearing failure and crankshaft defect described in NHTSA recall 23v-751. My VIN does not currently appear in the recall database; however, given that my vehicle experienced the exact failure mode described in the recall, I am requesting this complaint be considered under both recall 23v-751 and NHTSA investigation rq24-013. 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 that while driving approximately 35-40 mph, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure, with unknown messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot and manually pushed into a parking space. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda dealer for further inspection. The dealer disassembled the engine and informed the contact that the engine had thrown a connecting rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would do a follow-up with the dealer; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,800.

Was driving vehicle and experienced complete loss of engine power. No warning signs until after the failure. Vehicle was immediately pulled over and limped into a parking lot where it was shut off and then towed to mechanics shop. Upon further inspection, mechanic stated a complete engine failure as it "threw a rod". He stated engine had a complete failure and needs to be replaced.

Summary of issue the vehicle developed an engine/emission warning light and failed mechanically without any crash or impact. The car drove fine until about one week ago. I have driven the vehicle normally and performed regular maintenance. Events and observations a warning light appeared indicating engine and emission problems. I took the vehicle to two separate mechanics: mechanic a diagnosed engine damage and catalytic converter issues. Mechanic b diagnosed engine damage and a possible fuel pump problem. I am not a mechanic and cannot independently interpret technical findings, but both inspections indicate serious engine-related failures. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles and was purchased for more than $20,000 less than two years ago. No collisions, impacts, or abuse occurred that could explain the failure. I believe this is a potential manufacturing defect. I contacted a Honda dealer about the problem; they stated it is not a manufacturing defect and declined to accept responsibility for repair. I believe the dealer is avoiding responsibility. Requested action I request NHTSA open an investigation (or add my report to any existing investigation) into this vehicle’s engine and related components to determine whether a safety defect or noncompliance exists. I request guidance on next steps and that this complaint be considered in any recall evaluation.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine stalls out and shuts the car down. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while driving down the road, if the engine shuts off, myself, passengers, and other vehicles could cause a fatal crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have brought this in several times to try and fix this issue. The fuel pump has been replaced and the auto idle recall has been take care of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the check engine light comes on occasionally when it happens; sometimes when it does not. Other details: several times now my car has randomly shut off especially when driving down the road. I wasn't sure what happened, but I finally figured out a way to replicate it. Basically if you drive it after about an hour of non-stop driving / engine being turned on, the engine overheats causing the car to stall out and eventually turn off. I timed this at 10:15am to 11:25am and my suspicions were correct. At 11:25am, the car stalled and shut off while I was parked in my driveway.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while driving at an undisclosed speed, a knocking noise was heard coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power with multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, emissions system, and power steering warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle could typically be restarted after approximately one hour; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that on several occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,563.

The engine seized up and car will not start. Luckily, I was trying to start the car in my driveway when this happened, but it would have been dangerous had it happened while I was driving. All of the warning lamps and messages started when the issue begin. The vehicle was inspected and the problem has been reproduced by a service center and a Honda dealer. I have attached the invoice from the service center. After their diagnosis, I had the car towed to ourisman Honda in bethesda, MD because I was hoping to start the recall process with them, however they will not do it because, stangely, my VIN # is not included. There is a known recall for this issue (#23v-751) and the recall lists my exact car (2016 Honda Pilot) however, for some reason my VIN # is not showing as being included in the recall. The car is experiencing the exact issue that this recall covers, but the Honda dealer will not cover it because my specific VIN # isn't listed. This would be a significant expense that I am not able to cover out of pocket, and I have now been without my car for over a week. I am not sure why only certain VIN #'s are eligible when there are obviously many other 2016 Honda Pilots experiencing the issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after attempting to use the push-to-start to start the vehicle, an abnormal clicking sound was heard and the engine failed to turn over. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a seized engine that was possibly related to NHTSA campaign: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed at the consumer's expense as having a seized engine; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the VIN not being included in NHTSA campaign:23v751000(engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,962.

I set out to make a quick trip to the store after work and the car was hesitating and I looked at the dash and noticed the check engine light was on. I stopped was in the store about 10 minutes when I came out I restarted it and it sounded fine and then engine light was not on. I was about 2 miles in towards home when the braking system failure message came on, steering failure message came on and many other messages. The engine started sounding very loud and knocking. I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck. I had no previous messages come up and the vehicle was running fine before this incident. The auto repair shop that I had it towed to listened to the engine and thinks it sounds like a crank shaft failure.

My car has a knocking noise coming from the engine. It happened suddenly when I was driving. I took it to Honda dealer shop to check it out and they told me I need to replace the motor.

The connecting rod is failing. Loud knocking is happening just as outlined in the recall on other 2016 Pilots. Poses a great safety risk as failure will result in total engine destruction.

The vehicle engine catastrophically failed on the road due a rod bearing failure on cylinder #3. This was verified after getting towed to a dealership during a bottom engine inspection. This model year of this vehicle has an active safety recall as published on Honda sb 23-097 which is for rod bearing failures. Honda is stating that even though my vehicle has experienced the exact same failure as what is covered in the safety recall, it is not their fault because the vehicle does not fall in their determined VIN range.

In may 2026, the emission warning light unexpectedly illuminated on my 2016 Honda Pilot. I immediately sought an inspection, and repairs were completed on 5/9/2026. Failed component: the fuel injection system failed. Specifically, the injectors for cylinders #4 and #5. The replaced parts [are / are not] available for inspection. Safety risk: this defect caused the engine to run dangerously rich, dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. This poses two severe safety hazards: 1) sudden loss of motive power, hesitation, or stalling while driving in traffic, drastically increasing crash risk. 2) extreme overheating of the catalytic converter, creating a significant under-vehicle fire hazard. Confirmation & symptoms: the issue was confirmed by a professional service center. They pulled diagnostic code p0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 2). Following Honda’s service bulletin 20-100, the technician performed a software update and a cylinder a/f test. Cylinders #4 and #5 failed the test (running rich), requiring immediate injector replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. Inspection by others & manufacturer awareness: the vehicle was inspected by the repairing facility. Honda is fully aware of this widespread defect, as evidenced by sb 20-100 and a related warranty extension. However, Honda chose to handle this severe defect via a limited warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall. My extended warranty expired in October 2025. When this known safety hazard manifested in may 2026, I was forced to pay for the repair entirely out of pocket. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this known stalling and fire hazard and compel Honda to issue a formal safety recall so consumers are not left at risk.

Driving home on [xxx] , coming back from [xxx] the car started to tick, then a loss of motive power happened then knocking really bad. The rest of the trip home was in the slow lane with hazards, tops 35 miles an hour. I also have videos sent by Honda. That confirms rod, knock and the sound of the engine information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car has shut off while driving. Check engine light, traction control light, hill assist light, power steering light, and vehicle stability light have all come on causing me to have to pull over on the side of the road.

Rod bearing failure.

My engine of the 2016 Honda Pilot can suffer a thrown rod (catastrophic engine failure) due to a defect in the connecting rods, I was driving when I heard a noise—sort of a growl—and the engine shut off. I keep up with all the maintenance, including regular oil changes. It sounds like a thrown rod.

My vehicle has about 92000 miles on it. Recently I am hearing engine knocking noises. I hear the sound mostly when I start the car and drive. When the vehicle warms it the sounds goes away. I also noticed my torque converter is not shifting well. You heard grinding noises when shifting .

My 2016 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure caused by an issue known as "rod knock" by hudson automotive in toledo, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred outside the warranty window and there were no relevant symptoms or warning lights before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as the NHTSA website, it seems a substantial number of similar complaints have been reported, and a recall had been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23v-751. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA recall number 23v-751, Honda recall number xg1, gg0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA investigation pe25008 which I understand is a current investigation into many reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3. 5l v6 engine used in numerous Honda vehicles, including the 2016 Honda Pilot. If needed, I can provide an estimate of the work that needs to be completed on my vehicle from hudson automotive. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your work to protect the american consumer.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an internal engine failure due to connecting rod bearing failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA campaign: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

Engine has rod bearing knock noise. Transmission has a torque converter issue, acts up once in a while when shifting from park to drive or reverse.

My wife was driving our 2016 Honda Pilot and making a right turn when she lost most of the power on the vehicle. She noticed an immediate rattling/knocking sound and drove home with reduced power. We took it to the Honda dealership on the week of March 30 to have it evaluated and they said it was a timing belt issue. We were charged the diagnostic fee and had it towed from the dealership to a repair shop. They repaired the timing belt, but said that the issue was the engine and it needed replaced. We took it back to the dealership to confirm that the issue was not the timing belt and they asked that we pay another diagnostic fee as they did not repair the timing belt and then said that the issue was indeed then engine and it needed replacing. My vehicle only has 145k miles on it and we have maintained it well. I know there was a recall for 2016 Honda Pilot's, but for those produced a few months after mine. I believe that my SUV may have suffered severe engine damage by not being included. I would be glad to submit any and all evidence to support this as this could have been very dangerous for my wife and children had she been driving on the highway and lost power suddenly. I have not replaced the engine yet, but will be doing so soon as I need a way to get to/from work.

Based on everything we've documented, here's a tight, factual account written in the style NHTSA expects — first person, chronological, no fluff: "I own a 2016 Honda Pilot touring awd, VIN [xxx] , with 89,962 miles. The vehicle began producing a clunking noise from the engine. I brought it to Honda of tomball [xxx] ), where the dealer diagnosed all main rod bearings as damaged and recommended full engine replacement. This failure is identical to the defect described in NHTSA safety recall 23v-751 (Honda recall xg1/gg0): premature connecting rod bearing wear and seizure caused by improperly ground crankshaft crank pins. My vehicle is a 2016 Honda Pilot, a model year explicitly covered under the recall. However, my VIN was not included in the identified recall population, and Honda of tomball has not offered to cover the repair under the recall. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether my vehicle's crankshaft contains the same manufacturing defect, and that Honda be required to extend recall coverage to my VIN. The repair cost for a full engine replacement is substantial, and the failure mode is mechanically indistinguishable from the acknowledged recall defect 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 that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 121,632.

Drive to work suddenly engine show emergency issues many symbols appearing in front of screen and break is not controlled and car is stop running.

My vehicle was recently serviced at the local Honda dealership within the last 6 weeks for an oil leak at the oil filter. We had the work done and everything seemed fine until 3 days ago when the check engine light started flashing and the car couldn’t accelerate properly. I drove the car to the same dealership and after inspection they notified me that the car needed a new engine because a rod bearing had failed and was causing the engine to seize. We were quoted a price of approximately $10,000 to fix. Upon researching online for a cheaper engine/option I found that Honda had issued a recall for the same issue, but when I checked my VIN it said 0 recalls for my vehicle. Is there anything that I can do to have them honor the recall on my vehicle?.

Vehicle caught fire and completely burned up. It had no problems, had been serviced and recently inspected for emissions and safety in virginia.

Driving down the road with no previous issues and the dashboard flashed a ton of warning lights. Then the engine started knocking. Towed it to vern eide Honda and arrowhead automotive to be told by both that the rod bearing caused the engine issue and needed to be replaced.

I noticed the vehicle was making a noise while driving which was diagnosed by an independent Honda service center. They said this noise was because of a rod bearing breaking. This issue creates a situation where the vehicle could break down anytime, and is therefore not drivable. The Honda diagnosis confirmed this as well, and they said the vehicle needs a new engine. No warning lights or messages occurred at all to indicate there were any problems. This is the same make and model and year of vehicles that have been recalled, but Honda is saying that they have not extended the recall to include our VIN number.

Pulled up to intersection and check engine light started flashing. Vehicle was approximately 2miles from home. Drove home and parked in driveway. Turned vehicle off. Restarted to see if problem happened again. Check engine light went off but rattle/knocking could be heard upon startup and pressing gas pedal. Code was pulled p0303. Cylinder 3 misfire. Did some research and this has been an issue with 2016 Honda Pilots. We have owned the vehicle for 10yrs4months. Purchased new. 160k miles. Self inspected with experienced mechanic present and diagnosed with a rod bearing issue.

Engine failure, left rear cylinder knocking.

Loud engine knock when starting and when running under light load around 2000 rpm.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was knocking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the vehicle was skipping timing, and the timing chain or belt had slipped from correct alignment, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 148,850.