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    Honda Pilot

    EPA MPG: 21 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2016 Pilot is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2016 Honda Pilot has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Honda Pilot owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "When A/C is on, the second seat A/C is heat, not A/C!! Honda would not recall even thought a known issue, probably since this is not interfering with running vehicle. But we can't turn on A/C when people in 2nd seat! This started a few years ago and determined, then to be $1500 fix; could be more $s now."

    Anonymous, MA (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "Cooling stopped. Then started again later. Dealer said could not service unless not working. Info screen and steering wheel screen also went blank. Later came on. Dealer attributed to satellite issue"

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "A/C stopped working last August, 3 trips to the dealer, more than $2000 cost, 2-3 weeks downtime for the car"

    Anonymous A., CA (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)
    Automatic climate control

    ""Climate control panel froze at one setting. The dealer played with it, got to work to a certain extent, but could not control the rear seat functions, in fact we were warned if we tried to use the rear seat functions, it would cause the unit to freeze again. Eventually it did freeze again and we needed to replace the entire unit.""

    Anonymous, ID (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "Fan failed - no air output to driver."

    Anonymous A., MO (2016 Honda Pilot Unsure 3.5-L V6)
    Condenser

    "Part of the entire A/C system needing to be replaced"

    Anonymous A., CA (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)
    Controls not available on infotainment screen

    "Both screens went blank. Later returned. Dealer attributed to satellite issue"

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "Recall on failed injectors"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Fuel injection system

    "Had to replace the fuel injectors."

    Anonymous, OK (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "Car broke down on 200 mile trip. No previous warning. Half way home started loosing power progressively and black exhaust. Was able to crawl home with max speed of 25 miles/hour"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    "The car drove sluggishly. It also went through fuel quickly. It has been an ongoing issue and there was a recall but I experienced issues before the recall. Currently, a class action lawsuit is pending."

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Fuel pump

    "Failure of high pressure fuel pump"

    Anonymous, NC (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Lost power and than would not start again. Had to tow it to the mechanic. Broken sensor (very cheap fix) but according to mechanic this particular sensor usually never breaks"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "Problem has not been resolved as of yet. Static overcomes music after few minutes"

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Hardware replacement

    "the whole device screen for music and maps had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, PA (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Unable to upgrade to the latest Garmin software due to system error. Dealer unable to assist."

    Anonymous A., AB (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Radio

    "xm radio antenna quit working"

    Anonymous, MO (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    "XM radio connection is in and out. AM & FM are ok. XM no more than a few minutes of play and it goes off and says no signal."

    Anonymous, AL (2016 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "High beam switch doesn't work. High beams are not available."

    Anonymous A., MO (2016 Honda Pilot Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    "LED running light on the drivers side headlight died. Entire headlamp assembly needs to be replaced after 8 years of ownership"

    Anonymous, (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Keyless entry

    "The door is supposed to unlock when you put your hand on the door handle. Occasionally it will not unlock. I have to click on the button on the fob to get it to open."

    Anonymous, AR (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "Pushbutton to start sent alarm. Honda knew about it but would not fix it for me free."

    Anonymous, VA (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The idle/self start feature has been wonky and has left us stranded at intersections on several occasions. The engine dies at a stop light, the light turns green and the engine attempts to restart and then dies. You have to put the transmission in 'park' press the brake pedal and try the start button again. This can be dangerous in a busy intersection if you know what to do. The first few times it was very nerve wracking as we didn't fully understand what was happening or how to respond to it"

    Anonymous, GA (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    "Bushing in control arm separated requiring new suspension arm and wearing tire"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    "replaced at 90000 miles"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    "Had to replace front wheel bearings."

    Anonymous, SC (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    ""While vehicle was undergoing repair to replace propeller shaft, right rear wheel bearing was identified as making noise and was also replaced.""

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Softball size paint chip on front top in the center"

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Rust

    "Purchased car used in 2019 and it had a small rust spot on rear tailgate near license plate that has now expanded to a large rust spot. Unexceptable especially since car is kept in a garage. It's not a spot rust should develop."

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Rust in tailgate. Honda Dealer asking $1500 to repair with no guarantee for their work"

    Anonymous A., AB (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    ""While driving, I received a message that there was a problem with my emissions system. Took it to the dealer and they indicated that one of my catalytic convertors went out""

    Anonymous, GA (2016 Honda Pilot LX 3.5-L V6)

    "started to have problems with emissioin light told it was my catalytic converted had to by a new on 2,000"

    Anonymous, OK (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "Auto start portion of the idle stop feature randomly stalls the vehicle when stopped at intersections."

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Rattles on the driver side door column or the molding at the bottom of the door"

    Anonymous, KS (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "Rattles on the driver side door column"

    Anonymous, KS (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Vehicle experienced noticeable and consistent vibration 12/24. Dealer diagnosed problem as a seized propeller shaft. Dealer replaced prop shaft which addressed vibration issue."

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    ""The vehicle developed a vibration. After much investigation, the dealership finally determined it was the drive shaft. The drive shaft was replaced, and the problem was resolved.""

    Anonymous, VA (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "For about 3 years we've had a slight shudder (I think the dealership calls it jitter) at about 60 mph. They are not able to make it repeat when they drive it. I think it's because they are located on a roadway that has traffic lights less than 1/2 mile apart and they are not able to recreate the problem I experience on the open highway. I paid for a fluid replacement and for some kind of additive but the condition hasn't improved."

    Anonymous, NC (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Rough shifting

    "Extremely hard shifting"

    Anonymous, BC (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Auto stop/start malfunction

    ""Car would sometimes stall and turn off when sitting in traffic. We took it to Honda to fix it. Since then, we manually disengage the system. Auto start/stop is ridiculous and should be abolished.""

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    "Although we had the auto start/stop function replaced and software updated per the service bulletins, we continue to have the function stall the car when it tries to wake up"

    Anonymous, (2016 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    "Car stall and the dealership can not find the problem"

    Anonymous, NC (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    ""10 months ago, engine started surging, then cutting out, then dying while driving. Had to have entire cam shaft replaced. Supposedly a known but uncommon problem because the place where the end of the cam shaft sits was machined out of tolerance, which wore down the end of the cam shaft and caused it to wobble. Received same diagnosis from Honda dealer and reliable independent mechanic, so had the cam shaft replaced. Not covered under warranty.""

    Anonymous, OH (2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    2016 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 18, 2023
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V858000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2490460
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Nov 13, 2023
    A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V751000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 248999
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE
    Nov 29, 2021
    A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V932000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 724826
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Mar 30, 2017
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V219000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 136
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Jun 09, 2016
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V417000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 39
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Oct 16, 2015
    If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems".
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V668000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 35406
    SEAT BELTS
    Jul 06, 2015
    If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V424000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1358
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