Is the 2016 Honda PILOT reliable?

The 2016 Honda PILOT has 2319 complaints filed with NHTSA (6.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Honda PILOT?

Top problems: ENGINE (780 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (577 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (288 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Honda PILOT?

Yes, there are 8 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Honda PILOT?

The 2016 Honda PILOT gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Honda PILOT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Honda PILOT is approximately $1,520/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Honda PILOT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Honda PILOT has 2319 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 6.3x the segment average of 366. The most common issue is engine problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 honda pilot. while driving at 55 mph, the engine shut off and the entire instrument panel illuminated. the contact noticed smoke emitting from the front driver side. after lifting the hood, flames emitted from the passenger side near the engine. the contact was able to ex. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 14 fire reports filed.

14 fire reports 22 crash reports 22 injuries

2319

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

6.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

780 complaints

34%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EX
• ON NOVEMBER 10, 2015, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM, MY WIFE AND I WERE TRAVELING ON NORTH I-75 IN SOUTHWEST OHIO. BESIDES OURSELVES, WE HAD OUR TWO YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE CAR'S COMPUTER STARTED DISPLAYING A CHANGING SERIES OF WARNINGS GENERALLY INDICATING VARIOUS SYSTEM FAILURES. THE CAR BAS
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE VEHICLE TEMPERATURE WARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 8 fire reports💥 4 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EX”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Honda PILOT

Based on 1,024 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 49K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

251

30-60K

387

60-100K

271

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 13K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Reported earliermedian 31K mi · 27 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Reported earliermedian 14K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 21K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Reported earliermedian 30K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Reported earliermedian 10K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (8)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE30/03/2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Honda PILOT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Honda PILOT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda PILOT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2016 PILOT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 2319 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EX
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EX
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN THE TAILGATE WINDOW ON MY EIGHT DAY OLD, 2016 HONDA PILOT FORCEFULLY EXPLODED. IT BLEW SHARDS OF GLASS 15 FEET BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE FORCE BROKE THE REAR WINDOW WIPER AND BENT THE WINDOW WIPER ARM DOWN. ALL THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRAVELLING ABOUT 5 TO 1
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I WRITE TO YOU TO CONVEY MY SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING A NEW HONDA 2016 PILOT. MY ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE MY CONCERNS WITH AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. WERE MET WITH TEPID RELUCTANCE AND A CAVALIER NEGLECTFUL ATTITUDE. 1.AT HIGH SPEEDS (55-75 MPH) THE VEHICLE OVERSTEERS AND DURING EMERGENCY AVOIDAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)