general problems of the 2016 Honda Pilot - part 1

On xxx, my 2016 Honda Pilot with a 3. 5-liter v6 engine and approximately 129,000 miles experienced a breakdown while rented to a guest through turo. I was not present during the incident. The renter picked up the vehicle at approximately 11:14 am and reported the breakdown at 12:38 pm. He reported multiple dashboard warnings, including messages concerning oil and the transmission. He later confirmed that the warnings persisted and that the engine was making a knocking noise. These warnings were reported by the renter; they were not a confirmed diagnosis. The vehicle subsequently underwent inspection following the engine failure. I am reporting this incident because of the potential safety risk associated with an unexpected engine failure during vehicle use. The underlying cause has not yet been confirmed to me. Repair cost was more than 11000 dollars for a new engine. No detailled explanation about the cause of failure (see uploaded report) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The manufacturer’s defective fuel delivery system (faulty fuel injectors covered under Honda TSB #19-056) causes severe engine cylinder misfires, dropping the vehicle into an immediate, unpredictable, and sluggish 'limp mode' while driving at highway speeds. This sudden loss of power and acceleration creates a severe traffic hazard, preventing the vehicle from keeping pace with traffic or safely merging. The primary fueling malfunction has also led to cascading damage, sequentially melting and destroying both catalytic converters and prematurely destroying brand-new spark plugs in under 5,300 miles due to raw fuel dumping into the exhaust stream.

Hello, while driving, the engine developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the bottom end. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection, where the mechanic drained the oil and cut open the oil filter. The filter pleats contained significant metallic debris and bearing shavings, confirming internal connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic confirmed the engine has severe bottom-end damage requiring a complete replacement. The damaged oil filter and engine are available for inspection upon request. According to the previous owner, the vehicle was brought to an official Honda dealership in April 2024 for this exact knocking noise. Per the seller, the dealership misdiagnosed the engine knock as a faulty timing belt tensioner and charged approximately $2,000 to replace the timing belt assembly. That repair failed to resolve the noise, but because of the dealer's misdiagnosis, the vehicle continued to be driven with failing rod bearings. This failure poses an immediate safety hazard. Sudden connecting rod bearing failure on the highway can lead to complete engine seizure, abrupt loss of power at high speeds, power steering loss, or a thrown rod causing an engine fire, putting passengers and surrounding traffic at severe risk. Prior to the diagnostic check, there were no low oil pressure warning lights or dashboard indicators. This failure directly aligns with NHTSA campaign 23v-751 (Honda recall xg1) for 3. 5l v6 (j35) engine connecting rod bearing defects. This 2016 Honda Pilot has the exact affected j35 engine type and exhibits the exact failure mechanism described in the recall, yet this specific VIN was excluded. Given that non-recalled vins are experiencing identical catastrophic bearing failures, Honda should expand the recall parameters or cover the replacement engine cost for vehicles with this confirmed defect.

I am writing to report a severe internal engine defect on my 2016 Honda Pilot that poses a sudden stalling and safety hazard, identical to the failures covered under NHTSA recall campaign number 23v-751. My vehicle is currently experiencing a distinct metallic rattling/knocking noise coming from the lower engine block. This noise is highly noticeable under acceleration and high-load conditions right before the transmission shifts gears at higher rpms. Upon performing an inspection of the engine oil system, the drained engine oil revealed a heavy concentration of microscopic metallic "glitter" and shimmering copper/silver shavings suspended in the fluid. This confirms acute, active connecting rod bearing degradation and crankshaft journal wear. Despite displaying the exact textbook symptoms, failures, and manufacturing characteristics of the defect outlined in recall 23v-751 (improperly ground crankshaft journals from the factory), my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am submitting this complaint to formally document that my vehicle is a clear positive match for this manufacturing defect. I request that my VIN be added to the active recall scope or included in the NHTSA’s ongoing investigation regarding Honda’s under-inclusive recall volume, as this failure introduces an immediate risk of catastrophic engine seizure and sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds.

Connecting rod spun a bearing/ rod knock verified le customer's concern regarding an abnormal engine knock?r oise. Conducted a diagnostic inspection and confirmed pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the ower engine assembly. Used a mechanic's stethoscope tr isolate the noise to the crankshaft/connecting rod area technician verified a catastrophic lower-end engine failure. Specifically, the diagnostic notes state: "connecting rod spun a bearing / rod knock verified" "pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the lower engine assembly" "testing indicated that the knocking noise was most prominent at cylinder #2, consistent with excessive connecting rod bearing clearance and a spun connecting rod bearing. " furthermore, the computer scan sheet shows zero codes for low oil pressure, engine overheating, or vehicle neglect. The temporary misfire codes listed occurred solely because the technician intentionally disconnected individual ignition coils to isolate the mechanical knocking sound. This precise diagnosis—a spun connecting rod bearing at cylinder #2 due to improper clearance—is the textbook definition of the inherent manufacturing defect that triggered the major NHTSA action regarding Honda 3. 5l v6 engines. Because my vehicle was manufactured at the Lincoln, alabama plant and has been maintained perfectly by Honda its entire life, this failure is undeniably due to a factory structural defect rather than normal wear and tear or owner oversight.

My 2016 Honda Pilot has suffered catastrophic engine failure due to an apparent connecting rod bearing failure, identical to the defect described in NHTSA recall 23v-751. During driving on the interstate the engine began knocking, made a loud banging sound, abruptly seized while driving which caused a sudden loss of motive power on the roadway, which created an immediate traffic hazard and safety risk. My VIN was checked and is currently excluded from the existing recall when checking through Honda. I am filing a complaint to urge investigation to expand the scope of the recall to cover my vehicle since it seems to exhibit the exact same rod defect currently under this federal investigation.

Driving home late Tuesday night October 13, 2026 the car made a severe noise, pulled to side of the road turned car off. The car would not start, the car was towed the next day to the Honda dealership it was bought from. The car had just been in the Honda shop for routine maintenance. There was no warning lights. The safety concerns being on the side of a busy road. My wife and 2 children had to wake up and come and get me. This Pilot is our primary car the other one is not safe enough and is used for in town driving. According to the dealership it was towed to it was a p0304: cylinder 4 misfire misfire with a brand-new plug and a healthy timing belt, together with a loud engine noise, points to mechanical damage inside the engine. That fits a rod bearing failure.

The engine has developed a severe internal engine knocking/rattling noise while running. This symptom matches the defective crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failures detailed under NHTSA campaign 23v751000, presenting a severe risk of sudden stalling and complete engine failure under load.

My 2016 Honda Pilots has given me trouble lots of people call it the christmas lights effect, all the dashboard lights turn on in the middle of the highway and my truck jerks and turned off , they now about this dangerous trouble and has not put any recalls on this matter, had to spend 3,000 dollars had to replace the fuel pump and the fuel injected , will not recommend this truck, I was so stressed and scared.

While driving our 2016 Honda Pilot on the highway approximately three weeks ago, we experienced a sudden, loud clunk from the engine, followed by catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious safety concern. Following the incident, we learned that the engine had suffered severe internal damage involving the connecting rod/piston assembly, with internal components breaking through the engine block. The vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated by the Honda dealership at approximately $20,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 95,000–105,000 miles and had received regular maintenance at an authorized Honda dealership, including major engine maintenance in November 2025. We are particularly concerned because Honda previously issued safety recall 23v-751 for connecting rod bearing failures affecting certain 2016 Honda Pilots. However, our vehicle’s VIN was excluded from that recall despite experiencing an apparently similar catastrophic engine failure. Nhtsa also opened investigation pe25008 to investigate additional connecting rod bearing failures involving Honda vehicles outside the original recall population. We believe our vehicle’s failure warrants investigation to determine whether it is related to the known connecting rod bearing defect and whether additional vehicles were improperly excluded from the original recall. We have opened a case with american Honda, which is currently reviewing our request for assistance with engine replacement. We request that NHTSA document and investigate this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, given the sudden engine failure at highway speed and the risk of a serious accident.

I was stopped at a traffic light just off a highway exit ramp, with my vehicle in drive. When the light changed and I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not move forward. I immediately shut off the engine. Because I was stopped in an active traffic lane near a highway ramp, I became concerned for my safety and restarted the vehicle in an attempt to move out of traffic. Upon restarting the engine, I heard a knocking noise that had not been present previously. I was able to move the vehicle approximately five feet to a safe position before shutting it off again. I did not attempt to drive the vehicle any further because I was concerned about causing additional damage. The entire incident unfolded within seconds. This was a single, sudden failure rather than a recurring issue. The knocking occurred only during the period leading up to the vehicle becoming inoperable. This was not an ongoing issue that I had been experiencing for months. Car would not accelerate, I began experiencing a knocking noise from the engine. The vehicle subsequently stopped running.

Driving on the highway the engine stopped no warning lights or noises. Private mechanic and Honda themselves have said it was due to a rod breaking off. Which was recalled for the same year make and model but did not include my VIN and I believe my VIN should have been included.

Catastrophic internal engine mechanical failure. My 2016 Honda Pilot (3. 5l v6 engine) has developed a severe connecting rod bearing knock that is highly audible during cold starts and heavily intensifies upon pressing the gas pedal to accelerate. This issue is an exact match to the mechanical defect and symptoms detailed in NHTSA recall campaign number 23v751000 (improperly ground crankshaft pins causing premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure). However, when running my vehicle's 17-digit VIN, the system states that my vehicle is excluded from the recall list. This is a severe, life-threatening safety hazard. The engine is at immediate risk of throwing a rod, throwing metal debris into the oiling system, or completely seizing without warning, which would cause an abrupt loss of motive power at highway speeds or a catastrophic engine fire. Because thousands of owners outside the original production window are experiencing this identical failure, I am filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to mandate that Honda expand recall 23v751000 to include all affected 3. 5l v6 engine blocks.

Engine blew up and forced the hood open while driving, obstructing view, and then started smoking black smoke. The engine is ruined and all of the oil drained from it. Pieces of pistons were laying on the oil tray. The car had been inspected with an oil change within 1k miles.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, an abnormal knocking sound emanated from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where diagnostic testing determined that the connecting rod bearings failed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, the brake pedal became stiff, and the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 98,512.

Very well maintained 2016 Honda Pilot oil changes done on time only 149k miles started it up labor day weekend to a sound of engine knock. It ran for a min or two before I turn it off oil was full. It is not the failed timing the belt tenisoner. . . . I called my local Honda dealership where they said my VIN was not included in the crank/engine bearing recall. I have no warranty and the dealership of course wants me to tow it there to pay their tech their diagnostic fee. I have read so many stories of this happening to the Honda Pilot and ridgeline vehicles. This is a shame. . . . Honda needs to step up & double check their manufacturer dates & add more VIN to this recall ASAP.

Unknown.

I am a [xxx] female driver in northern [xxx], and I am driving a 2016 Honda Pilot that is suffering from severe, documented engine failure symptoms that Honda refuses to address. The vehicle is producing a distinct squeaking and chirping sound from the engine bay, and a recent inspection of my engine oil revealed magnetic metal flakes. This indicates that critical internal engine components — likely the connecting rod bearings or camshaft—are rapidly tearing themselves apart and grinding down into the oil stream. The check engine light continuously comes and goes. When taken to the dealership, instead of diagnosing this severe mechanical hazard, the dealership completely neglected the issue, stated they did not know why it was happening, and simply cleared the light, sending me back out on the road in a ticking time bomb. Although my specific VIN is currently excluded from Honda's active rod bearing recall, my vehicle is exhibiting the exact textbook symptoms of the manufacturing defect currently under NHTSA investigation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2016 Honda Pilot elite has developed a loud, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the engine block that increases in speed with engine rpms. Despite strict regular maintenance and oil changes, the engine noise is getting progressively worse, creating an immediate risk of catastrophic engine failure, stalling, or seizing while driving on the highway. While this vehicle matches the exact failure symptoms of NHTSA recall 23v751 for connecting rod bearing failure, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall scope. I am reporting this as part of the ongoing investigation into underreported v6 engine batches.

A critical failure in the direct fuel injection system caused severe engine misfiring, sudden loss of drive power, and a cascade failure that disabled safety systems during vehicle operation. Diagnostic scan confirmed dtcs p0172 (fuel system rich) and p0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). In response to the misfire, the vehicle's computer automatically disabled the electronic power steering (eps), vehicle stability assist (vsa), and sh-awd systems (diagnostic codes u0401-68, u0416-68). This is a known manufacturing defect involving internal injector wear and high-pressure fuel pump debris (detailed in Honda TSB 20-100). The sudden loss of engine responsiveness paired with the simultaneous disengagement of traction and steering assists while driving creates an immediate crash hazard. Because Honda currently limits this repair to a 10-year warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, vehicles with low mileage are experiencing sudden safety-assist shutdowns on the road without manufacturer remedy.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke inside the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the contact's son noticed an abnormal sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a hole in the rear of the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle received an oil change forty days prior to the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Alternator had been replaced a few days prior. Heard a rattling the same day we picked the car up. Called the dealership to arrange a drop off for inspection. An hour after that call, the car was at a stopped and the engine shut off. The car is currently at the local dealership. We were at risk because the engine cut off with no warning. No lights to indicate an issue. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda certified service department. According to the service department, this issue has been recalled but this specific VIN was not involved in the recall.

I was driving home from a road trip with my family of four, and I noticed that when I accelerated, the engine made a knocking noise. Prior to this, I had driven the car about 300 miles that day with no issues. While I was driving, my wife asked if we could record the noise so we could take it to a mechanic to diagnose the issue. While filming, I revved the engine a few times, and the noise would get really loud. After filming, I drove about 10 more miles, and the engine completely shut off. The check engine and oil lights both came on, and when I pressed the gas pedal, the car made a polite dinging noise. When the incident occurred, we were in the middle lane driving about 70 miles per hour. Knowing that I needed to get off the highway before I ran out of momentum, I carefully changed lanes and coasted off to the nearest exit. Thankfully, we were able to safely get off the highway and into a parking lot. Had we not, we would have been stuck in the middle of 70mph traffic potentially causing a high-speed collision. I was able to get the engine restarted, but it made a horrible squealing noise while running and a knocking noise when I revved the engine. The car also displayed an emissions check error, along with the oil and check engine lights still on. I had the car towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it as catastrophic engine failure due to spun bearings. I did some research and found a recall for the defect, 23v-751, but my car isn't covered in the initial campaign. I understand the NHTSA is continuing an investigation into this defect as more cars, like mine, are reporting the same problem. As a result, I took it to the Honda dealer to get a goodwill repair, and they diagnosed the car with the same issue. Honda is not going to cover the repair, so I am left with a broken car because of their manufacturing defect.

Pilot broke down and when diagnosed, the rod bearing broke causing the engine to seize.

My 2016 Honda Pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3. 5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.

I was driving down car highway 395, at highway speed, when my vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic engine failure with no warning. The engine began to shutter and knock and I lost power. The check engine light then came on. I was able to quickly pull over and the vehicle shuttered to a stop and would not start. I and my family were stranded on the side of the highway in a remote area for hours late at night. Chp a contacted, non emergency, and was able to contact a tow truck. No officer was available to assist due to a wildfire in the area. After being towed, a mechanic was able to start it briefly and stated it seemed like a rod or bearing problem. I've now had a second mechanic say the same thing.

My daughter was driving my 2016 Honda Pilot ex when loud rattling noise came from engine compartment. The vehicle lost power and display warning lights came on. She pulled over and shut off the vehicle since the rattling noise was very loud. Vehicle was towed to an independent shop and the technician from the shop confirmed engine malfunction and found large metal bits in the oil. I had the vehicle towed to Honda of stevens creek, san jose, California. Technician also confirmed metal chunks in my vehicle oil. Brian the service advisor from the dealer told me that my VIN number is not part of the recall. I informed him of Honda's recall number xg1 and ggo, but he said he has to follow the VIN number and cannot include my vehicle's engine as a recall issue. Even though the recall article mentioned 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot in NHTSA recall no. 23v858000.

My engine has developed a severe internal engine/rod knock due to connecting rod bearing failure. My vehicle which is a 2016 Honda Pilot was built at the Lincoln alabama plant but my VIN was excluded from recall 23v751 based on production dates. However my engine is failing from the same exact crankshaft and bearing defect.

While driving a knocking noise was heard which was worse during acceleration. An orange flashing engine light was displayed a mile away from home. Inspection completed by certified master technician was completed showing engine damage from rod beating and crank shaft. Vehicle was out purchased from Honda dealership and all services and oil changes were completed at same dealership. Vehicle is now inoperable. Nhtsa campaign number: 23v751000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was blocking traffic and was pushed to safety. While in a safe location, the battery was diagnosed and was found to be in good working condition. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a seized engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light flashed continuously. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the noise emanated from the middle of the engine. The dealer advised that there might be a loose wrist pin where the piston meets the connecting rod, or a systemic oil delivery problem, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

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.

Vehicle flashing warning signs for multiple system functions including battery and mechanical, forcing driver to pull over, unable to put vehicle in neutral to tow. Took vehicle to Honda dealership in phoenix, az dealership unable to recreate issue. Stated it was cleared as a certified used Honda. Continued to have reoccurring issues, less than 2 months later vehicle engine completely seized. Honda refused to take responsibility for engine failure despite documented recurring issues with this make and model.

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.