Engine seized

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the rod bearing (22 reports) and the engine (8 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 8 recalls on the 2016 Honda Pilot, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Pilot

What owners paid

13 of the 51 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,500 to $10,725.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 90,983 and 130,000 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Engine seized up and died. Towed to shop and needs to be replaced. There has been a recall on this model year due to an issue with rods in the engine, but I am being told my particular car does not qualify. Researching showed me that if any kind of claim was denied, to file a complaint with NHTSA.gov.”

Filed Dec 10, 2025

“The engine seized as I was driving. This posed a safety risk because it was in the middle of traffic. After having the vehicle towed to a service shop it was confirmed that the engine had seized. The check engine light had appeared 2 days prior but then went off and reappeared right before the engine shut off.”

Filed Oct 2, 2025

“Engineer appears to have seized while driving in the mountains. I was able to pull off to the side but the steering and braking was very hard and we were going 55mph with a car full on our way back from camping. I had my family in the car and I’m thankful there wasn’t a disaster that happened due to the failure.”

Filed Aug 16, 2025

“Engine seized, mechanic mentioned potential connecting rod bearing failure. Was on freeway when car started to malfunction. Car was immediately taken to trusted mechanic and issue was found. Towed to additional mechanic following that. Honda dealership/service center was called regarding recalls on other 2016 Honda pilots engine seizures and no response yet, want to have car inspected by them if possible.”

Filed Jul 23, 2025

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 413 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 165 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