2016 Honda Pilot transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11768126 · source
2. Filed Sep 8, 202698,512 miWABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11762859 · source
3. Filed Sep 7, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The 6-speed automatic transmission on my 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L (103,200 miles) has experienced a severe mechanical failure casing dangerously hard, violent gear shifts during both acceleration and deceleration. Critically, no dashboard warning lights or malfunction indicator lamps illuminated while this dangerous driving condition persisted, leaving me with no advance warning of a safety hazard. A subsequent diagnostic scan at an Authorized Honda dealership revealed hidden…

   NHTSA complaint #11762631 · source
4. Filed Aug 6, 202660,000 miNYDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had been driven for two to three hours. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The transmission fluids were…

   NHTSA complaint #11755322 · source
5. Filed Jun 23, 202640,000 miLATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle was abnormally jolting and sputtering. The contact stated that the engine warning light was activating and deactivating. The contact stated that failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and a transmission flush was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11745912 · source
6. Filed Jun 5, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I heard knocking as I was leaving gas station. I was scared about what was going wrong and if it was safe to drive home. I was alone and it was after dark. I took the next day off and took the car to my mechanic. He said it sounded like rod knock but didn’t want to do the engine replacement so he sent me to another mechanic who also said it sounded like the engine needed to be replaced. I didn’t have the money or the time to deal with it so it has been parked for the last…

   NHTSA complaint #11742409 · source
7. Filed May 21, 2026180,000 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled roughly and an abnormal noise was coming from the rear of the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnosis was provided. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11739379 · source
8. Filed Apr 11, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11730602 · source
9. Filed Feb 7, 2026HIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing engine and emissions system problems with my 2016 Honda Pilot that raise serious safety concerns and may be related to a broader defect currently under investigation. I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in April of 2024 and the issues began shortly afterward at approximately 67,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 74,600 miles and has received regular oil changes and routine…

   NHTSA complaint #11716412 · source
10. Filed Nov 7, 2025VAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Honda is aware of thousands of 9 speed transmission failures. but worst of all they tell you that you failed to change trans fluid as scheduled, but there is no schedule printed in their owner's manual, nor in their vehicle service maintenance manual. the service manual only speaks to the quality of fluid required, and that it not be mixed with other brands of trans fluids. it then goes on to say "HAVE A DEALER CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL AND REPLACE IF NEEDED." I have owned cars…

    NHTSA complaint #11698236 · source
11. Filed Oct 6, 2025TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

    The front facing camera on my pilot failed over a year ago. We took the vehicle to honda its over 2,000 to fix it. When the camera gets hot all adas lights will go off and it effects the transmission my car went into limp while reversing I also have to pull over in unsafe areas to turn off my vehicle bc the camera heats up and the car freaks out

    NHTSA complaint #11691530 · source
12. Filed Sep 22, 2025NYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I own a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD with approximately 160,000 miles. Within a week of purchase, the engine suffered a crankshaft/rod bearing failure. While driving, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled in traffic. I had to quickly turn onto a side street to get out of traffic, and smoke started coming from the engine bay. The vehicle is now not driveable. I already went to a Honda dealer, and when they checked my VIN, their system only showed warranty…

    NHTSA complaint #11688922 · source

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