2016 Honda Pilot body & structure problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
27 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2016 Honda Pilot, 2% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 98,000 mi.
- Body & Structure complaints
- 27
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 98,000 mi
Specific components reported
Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | 22 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch | 1 |
| Structure:body:hood | 1 |
Body & Structure complaints across Honda Pilot years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · SUSPENSION:REAR
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH · STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
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.
Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
What owners say
- Filed Jun 2, 2026MABody & Structure
Taligate is rusting through near the handle as well as around the right taillight. Another recall for this exact issue is in place for the same year/make/model, yet my vehicle is not included in the recall. Faulty seals allow water to get into the tailgate and rust from the inside-out. Honda has told me they won't help even though it is a known issue (recall).
NHTSA complaint #11741661 · source - Filed May 4, 2026NVBody & StructureFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
no incident : recall that was done on hood. gas cap/lid doesn't close tightly Hood looks like it going to open , left side front end lifts when driving on freeway, Honda of the Desert replaced latch but it did not solve the problem
NHTSA complaint #11735564 · source - Filed Feb 4, 2026100,000 miCABody & Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slow and moderate speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lurched and jerked. The failure was more evident while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and exceeding 40 MPH, the…
NHTSA complaint #11715620 · source - Filed Oct 16, 2025MIBody & Structure
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Pilot (White Diamond Pearl, NH-603P) is peeling and flaking off on the roof and tailgate, exposing the primer. The vehicle has never been repainted or damaged. Honda confirmed my VIN isn’t covered, but this is the same factory paint defect affecting other Pilots and Hondas with the same color. The issue keeps spreading and reduces resale value while exposing metal to corrosion. This is a clear manufacturing defect, not wear or neglect. I’m…
NHTSA complaint #11693820 · source - Filed Aug 27, 2025158,819 miOHBody & Structure
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood was vibrating excessively. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood latch was inoperable and failed to properly secure the hood. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,819.
NHTSA complaint #11683466 · source - Filed Jul 15, 2025CABody & Structure
The tailgate paint started to peel. I took the vehicle into the Honda Collision shop. They said I missed the extended warranty by a few months. I called America Honda and they said there is nothing they can do about even though they are aware of the issue with the white paint. This was about a year ago. Now the roof of the vehicle is peeling. This is a hazard because of the potential of rust and weakening the structure of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11673743 · source - Filed Aug 1, 2024VABody & Structure
When I reach interstate speeds the hood starts to rattle and makes a very loud noise. It shakes as if it is going to come open. It also does then when I am behind a large tractor-trailer where the wind coming off whips the front of my care. I have checked to see if the hood needed a height adjustment but that isn't the issue. It is up as far as it can go and if I lower it any it gets even worse.
NHTSA complaint #11605900 · source - Filed Jun 19, 2024NVBody & Structure
At highway speeds, especially in wind or drafts from trucks, the hood vibrates/flexes by inches. At higher wind levels it creates a tremendous roar and vibrates the whole car. The latch seems loose. A recurring problem which first occurred in 2017 just after we bought the car. I have taken it in to the dealer several times but the problem remains. When the car was recalled I hoped it would fix the problem but it did not.
NHTSA complaint #11595322 · source - Filed May 29, 202498,000 miPABody & Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the roof railing trim detached from the vehicle. The contact recovered the trim from the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-040. The manufacturer was…
NHTSA complaint #11591196 · source - Filed May 2, 2024CTBody & StructureOther / Unknown
I purchased this vehicle a little less than two months ago… this vehicle is babied and I make sure to stay on top of everything possible as it’s a primary transportation to bring my toddler to his many appointments. While operating on the highway, everything was smooth sailing as expected, until I heard a noise. I glanced in the rear view mirror to see a part flying off of the car and colliding with the vehicle behind me. I couldn’t locate where the item came from. Today, I…
NHTSA complaint #11586610 · source - Filed Feb 28, 2024NVBody & StructureEngine
hood cracked due to excessive vibration over the years from late 2015 until latch was repaired by Honda in 2021. Due to the number of years prior to the repair, the hood has cracked and could potentially fall apart or fly up and block the driver's vision.
NHTSA complaint #11574531 · source - Filed Dec 29, 2023108,481 miCOBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the hood vibration was visible after the recall repair. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the hood needed to be replaced due to a crack. The vehicle was not…
NHTSA complaint #11562668 · source
Other 2016 Honda Pilot problem areas
- Engine (729)
- Electrical System (403)
- Other / Unknown (189)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (151)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (125)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (47)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (19)
- Brakes (16)
- Steering (11)
- Suspension (9)
- Lighting (8)
- Airbags (7)
- Visibility & Wipers (7)
- Seats & Seat Belts (5)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology