2016 Honda Pilot · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 165owner reports
- 99,745median miles
- $1,800median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
1295 of the 1,707 complaints on this car are about the engine. 165 of those describe misfire.
Narrower sheets: Engine misfire (33 reports)
Tick what matches of 165 reports
Misfire on other Pilot years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the injectors (37 reports), the sensor (11 reports), the catalytic converter (8 reports) and the ignition coils (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
5 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
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.
All 8 recalls on the 2016 Honda Pilot, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Pilot
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Closed mar 26, 2025.
Ignition interlock failure - rollaway. Closed jan 14, 2013, led to recall 12V-573.
Low beam headlights stop illuminating. Closed sep 17, 2012, led to recall 12V-136.
What owners paid
42 of the 165 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $750 to $7,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 70,000 and 125,000 miles, from the 84 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Honda Pilot that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
Owner Notification Letter - On some 2016-17 Pilot, 2017 Ridgeline, and 2018 Odysey models, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may come on if one of the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored: - P0420 (rear bank catalyst system efficiency ...
The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter. Additionally, debris from the high pressure pump or the fuel injector machining process can cause internal wear or clogging inside one or more injectors.
The MIL comes on with DTC P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 2]). Additionally, one or more of the following DTCs may be stored: - P030X (misfire) - P219A (air-fuel ratio variation of cylinder [bank 1, rear bank]) - P219B ...
6 more on the 2016 Honda Pilot page.
What owners wrote
“Check engine light for fuel emissions and pulled codes. Codes included in known Honda service bulletin 20-100. My car was not included in the VIN search.”
Filed Jun 17, 2026
“Connecting rod bearing failure. Took the car to an independent mechanic to investigate a knocking sound in the engine and mechanic pinpointed which cylinder contained the issue and advised that the car was not safe to drive. He also stated that he has seen this issue in other Hondas and that the estimated necessary repair would be $8000.”
Filed Feb 5, 2025
“Honda service determined there is a failure of the number 5 cylinder connecting rod bearing. This could pose a safety issue if it had continued to be driven. We have also seen through news and online forums that this is a known, systemic issue.”
Filed Dec 30, 2024
“Engine stall out while driving in highway was able to cruse to safety. Check engine light on and was unable to restart. Was told by local mechanic that the engine jump timing and damage the valves. Vehicle is not operational.No warning lights just happened. VIN was not in range with Hondas engine recall.”
Filed Nov 14, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 165 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 413 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 350 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 159 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 147 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 97 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 74 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 54 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 51 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 38 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 37 reports
- Fuel pump failure 34 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 31 reports