2016 Honda Pilot complaints

I drive my vehicle with the auto stop on. When I get to a stop light or traffic light and stop the vehicle, the engine shuts off as it should. When I let off of the brake and go to accelerate, the engine appears to start, then shuts all the way off. This happens multiple times during the ride and each time requires engine to be started manually.

This vehicle has had an excessive amount of problems. The electrical system seems to be failing after much maintenance. Determining if there is an electrical short. The car alarm randomly goes when not triggered. The entertainment panel randomly adjusts volume settings and turns on and off on its own. The sunroof has opened and not closed back due to electrical issue. The gas gauge does not add the available fuel correctly after refueling. Sometimes, the gauge remains at zero or the same number. There is a horrible, annoying squealing sound that is coming from the front lower portion of the vehicle when driving. No one, including the dealership, have been able to identify where this loud squealing sound is coming from. Currently, the AC has failed in 120 degree weather. It has been a horrible experience for our family and we regret purchasing this vehicle!

I have a 2016 Pilot touring (69k miles on it now) and have now had this problem 5 times in the past 4 months where, I stop at a signal, the idle stop will engage and shut off the engine, but then it won't start for almost 20 seconds when i keep pressing the start button. Once the engine gets to start, it wont happen all the time but when it happens it creates a safety risk. I tried to get inspected and there is no issue with battery or the remote key fob. Considering the panic it creates for the passengers on the road, appreciate some action is taken to prioritize the fix or recall the parts that might contribute to this shut off.

Speakers static when on audio but hands free are clear through the speaker

Car left us stranded at busy intersection. Auto start system failed to restart vehicle. Car would not restart even after placing car back into park.

Car alarm randomly goes off, then the car alarm goes off, dash board lights up then car won’t start. I bought the car 2/28 and this has been happening not stop since July. Honda said it was the keyless access system and quoted 800 dollar to replace

The rear view camera doesn’t always work on the display on the dash. When we put it in reverse the screen shows black instead of what is behind our vehicle. This issue is intermittent.

Problem started after fuel injectors were replaced under Recall. Since December 2022/January 2023 alarm Goes off randomly with headlights coming on, honking draining the battery. Many visits to local dealership nothing worked. In March 2023 they order Starter for replacement in this vehicle. I have to open the hood wide open with hook in place every night to avoid honking. The part arrived June 01st, 2023 with charge of CAD $1007.63. All reserved parts were used up as so many Honda Pilots needed this part.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The auto stop idle feature in my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring failed to operate correctly. This feature automatically turns off the engine while keeping the electrical systems on. I can make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction of the auto stop idle feature jeopardized my safety and the safety of others. When I stopped at a red light, the engine turned off as expected, but when I pressed the gas pedal to resume driving, all the vehicle's systems shut down. I attempted to start the car by holding the key fob to the Start/Stop button, but it would briefly start and then turn back off. The sudden loss of power and inability to restart the engine left me in a precarious situation. As a result, I was unable to activate the hazard lights, putting me at risk of being involved in a collision or not being visible to other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At the time of filing this complaint, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. However, I strongly recommend conducting a thorough investigation by a certified technician to replicate the issue and address it appropriately. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicl

The Keyless Access Control Unit (Smart Unit) is defective. After the car is shut off and locked, the dash lights, interior lights, head lights will flicker on and off. The car alarm will also be activated. All this causes the battery to be drained. The work around is to disconnect the battery when parked or not lock the car.

The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged.

Transmission has continued to have ongoing kickback issues from 1st to second gear and 2nd to 3rd gear. As well as multiple hesitating accelerations from a stop to go. Safety is at risk due to intersection turns which require acceleration that the pilot transmission at times can’t produce.. no warning lamps to show there are issues with the transmission. Have taken it into a shop only to hear “ 2016 honda pilots have transmission issues, kink wasn’t worked out until 2018” which is never a good answer.

Unintended Acceleration While at a standstill , on a hill, holding a foot on the break pedal , I lifted my foot from the break pedal to drift forward down the hill, (without ever getting near the gas pedal ) The car accelerated at a very high RPM. I pressed down on the break pedal to stop the car, but it was at such a high RPM rate that I was unable to stop the vehicle from hitting another vehicle in front of me, caroming off of it and my vehicle landed atop a hugh shrub suspending it several feet in the air. My vehicle was totaled and the vehicle it hit was severely damaged. There were no serious bodily injuries to any passengers in either vehicle. There are two issues here. The unintented acceleration, and the inability of the breaks to stop the vehicle.

2016 HONDA PILOT ELITE- Consumer is writing to about the exceptional service provided at the motor company after a software update. After the motor company installed TSB 23-0087, PGM-FI Idle Stop Software Update on the consumers vehicle, the vehicle had problems with idle stopping and no auto or cold restart. Consumer lodged a complaint with the motor company. Motor company reached out to the consumer in reference to the issue. Consumer states the motor company went "above & beyond" to fix and assist & fix the issue. Consumer greatly appreciates everything and thinks highly of the motor company "Top Notch" and thank you.

*The roof molding that runs along the top flat part of the roof from front to back, one on both sides right & left of the car. It is in place to connect and/or cover where the roof & body/ sides come together & were welded. *The safety issue is that it falls off while the car is moving. Mine flew off on a major highway, while driving, which creates a risk to others on the road driving behind the vehicle. *Honda and my vin search is stating it is not recalled. However, there was a 2018 Honda Service Bulletin stating the front end caps are loose & that this was a known issue. My vehicle falls under the: 2016 Pilot, All Trim models & all vin ranges was included. But Honda is not honoring this because the vin# is not pulling up a recall. The updated notice from Honda is stating some vin#s but mine flew off due to the issues with the clips & the other side that’s still intact is actually loose in the front & I have to be mindful & remember to keep Che king to press it down & back in place or possibly tape it down. * dealership looked at the vehicle and confirmed that they were simple clipped on and known (2016-2017) to be an issue of them falling off. Advised me to cover until I can repair it, to prevent moisture, rust & possible future internal water damage.

1. My moonroof/sunroof will not close. when trying to close it, it comes close to closing then opens up again. Tried to close multiple times and the same result. Then I tried to hold down the wind deflector as it closes and hope not to pinch my finger. after trying that multiple times, I was able to close my moonroof/sunroof. 2. with a moonroof unable to close, weather could come in and compromise the safety of everyone in the car. Further, holding down the wind deflector while trying to close could injure someone if the timing is not right. 3. Have not taken it to dealer yet. 4. Has not been inspected yet. 5. No warning lamps or messages prior to failure of closing moonroof.

1. When Engine Idle Stop is engaged vehicle cuts off or stalls when you let up off of brakes. - Honda could not tell me why it was doing it. - no warning -car cut off completely in the middle of traffic at a stop light during rush hour. I was able to get it to cut back on after 2 minutes. - I fear for the safety of my family while in this vehicle. 2. Malfunction of stereo system cause a continuous screeching static sound through speakers. GPS and all other voice function stop working at this time.

Keyless control module, alarm Goes off randomly with headlights coming on, draining the battery.

Rear glass window exploded outward. It was parked in the parking lot and was not forcefully shut or anything. Luckily, I was not driving when this happened and no one was hurt but it was very odd. No extreme temperatures. No extreme pressure from inside the vehicle. It is very unusual what happened.

When car is locked alarm sporadically goes off on its own also when the headlights are set to auto and the car is turned off the headlights will come on sporadically and drain the battery. Having electrical components come on on their own is obviously a safety concern. The dashboard lights and warning icons will also flicker. There have been numerous complaints of this kind on the Honda Pilot forum Piloteers.Org

When coming to a stop and the engine idle stop is activated the car will sometimes die. The car will then need to be shifted into park after a complete reset of the system in order to start. Very dangerous.

The keyless start systems problem light has been on for about a month and sometimes I have issues starting the vehicle.

Torque converter on transmission failed at 86,643 miles. This is a common problem on most Honda Pilots

2016 HONDA PILOT ELITE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO IDLE STOP RESTART PROBLEM.

Unless I remember to disable "Auto engine idle stop" my car will die at a light or any place I'm stopped. A bunch of random lights or warnings flash across the dashboard , brake won't push in, and I am unable to put it in neutral for my vehicle to be moved off the road or interstate. I have had cops park behind my completely dead vehicle stating "I just want to make sure the other cars on the road stay off your back so you don't get hit" all while we figure out why we can't even put it in neutral just to move it. We then have to jump-start it to get it moving again with no promises it will either start or stay on once started. Because this has happened multiple times, my vehicle has now been having issues starting at random, once happening the afternoon of 4/16/2023 after it wasn't driven the day before. My battery and alternator have both been checked and are excellent condition.

When car is off and locked, alarm will go off unexpectedly. There is a repeated clicking noise and the lights on the dash will flicker and it sounds and appears like the car is trying to start itself. Very disconcerting to have an electrical issue, particularly where the car seems to want to start itself. Also can’t lock it overnight as alarm will continuously go off. Problem is all over owner forums for 2016 Pilots. Honda needs to investigate. Dealer tried to fix but doesn’t seem able to identify issue.

The cars emergency horn will go on for no reason and the dashboard lights will flicker on and off. Honda dealer has my car and the part is back ordered now for 2 weeks and they don’t know when it is coming in. I have been reading several issues with this. This needs to be recalled with so many having issues and it being about $800.00 to repair

While traveling from northern Illinois to Sarasota, FL, vehicle transmission stopped functioning along I-75 near Tifton, GA. It had been raining the entire trip. No one was injured. We were passing a vehicle in the left lane, and without any warning the transmission just stopped. We couldn’t accelerate. We coasted to the shoulder. We couldn’t put the vehicle into park. 2 warning lights/messages came up: emissions system failure and AWD system failure. We turned off the car, waited 10 minutes, then drove to the nearest exit and turned off the car for an additional 45 minutes. The Honda Dealership in Sarasota said it needed a software upgrade. After paying for the upgrade we learned from a previous Honda engineer that it’s a known problem.

My sunroof glass spontaneously exploded. It was not hit by an object nor were temperatures extreme. Had my inside sunroof visor not been closed, the broken glass would’ve fallen on the vehicle occupants causing injury. I received a minor glass cut will taping the glass so that the vehicle could be driven home. The issue has been reported to insurance but no inspections have yet been made nor were police reports filed. There were no warning signs prior to the glass explosion, just a loud pop as the glass began popping up and cracking. I watched it happen from outside the car. Little pieces popped up onto the roof, then a wave went through the glass, portions fell into the sunroof, and then cracks ran though the entire pane. After researching, I learned this is a known glass defect issue with certain makes and models. I am fortunate that I had just parked; if I had been driving, the glass could’ve fallen into the car inurying occupants or could’ve flown off the car and hit other cars or pedestrians.

Auto idle stop randomly fails to restart engine when attempting to accelerate from stop. After coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not restart. While in heavy traffic on interstates the failure to restart creates panic. Car stalls to neutral. Car must be turned off and restarted and then shifted to drive in order to accelerate. Same at traffic lights, or turn lanes, on hills, a sudden shut down requiring a complete restart. There are several steps required to get the vehicle to restart. This takes several seconds (enough time that traffic lights cycle). This results in following vehicles attempting to pass if a lane is available, angry motorists, and panicked driver. Car has been inspected by dealer but there is no fix for the problem. There are no warning lights or indicators that the system will or is about to fail. The problem apparently does not create any kind of “code” in the system. The only solution is to turn the system off each and every time you start the vehicle. The system cannot be legally disabled and by default it is always on when vehicle is started. This problem began approximately 18 months ago when the vehicle had @ 90k miles. Honda recently announced a software update and a warranty extension regarding the problem. The software update has been completed on the vehicle. However the problem continues. Honda’s apparent solution is to extend the warranty on the parts involved - the starter, or starter relays, or adjust the valv

Auto-Idle Stop Feature malfunctioned at intersection. Engine failed to restart which required towing. None of the systems of the vehicle were able to be reactivated, including hazard lights. This created a major safety hazard, as incident occurred at busy intersection. Honda dealer informed me that this issue was just recalled. I received documentation from Honda that my vehicle was eligible for repairs, but this arrived after the car died and failed to restart. The Honda dealer was able to replace several gaskets, starter relays and assays which Honda claims fixes the issue. There is no way to permanently disable the auto-idle stop feature, it must be manually disabled each time the car is started. I have not, and likely will not, test the functionality of the auto-idle stop feature again given the numerous reports I have read regarding the issue.

Engine repeatedly fails to restart after automatic engine idle stop. Failure is unpredictable but seems to occur more frequently when the ambient temperature is high (summer) and the engine has been running for a while. Failure to restart disables the vehicle in a vulnerable position, particularly to rear end collision from another vehicle in the same travel lane. The dealer has not confirmed nor reproduced the results despite five or more visits for the problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. There is no warning prior to failure. Multiple warning indicators appear after the engine fails to restart.

Electrical system makes a glitching noise as if it wants to start something. Lights go on, then about 5 minutes later the alarm goes off. My alarm has been going off now for the last 18 months and cant seem to find the issue. All over the Honda pilot boards they say it is the "OEM Anti-theft Locking Smart Control Module Honda Pilot 2016-18 / 38320-TG7-A420 part that needs replacing. It is a faulty part and costly and a know problem. Please look into this as it is expensive to replace.

I see couple of safety concerns with 2016 Honda Pilot touring. 1) There is no option to disable 'tailgate opening & closing by FOB' in 2016 Honda Pilot touring. Even with an unintentional small press of fob key tailgate button, the tailgate can open & hit anybody (may be the car next in school lane) or anything in the back (may be garage door) 2) There is no option to adjust height of tailgate in 2016 Honda Pilot touring. It can hit top of garage of any house & cause safety issue Honda should take action to recall & rectify those part for human & property safety.

Idle-stop feature. When the idle-stop feature activates as the vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle fails to restart when the brake is released and accelerator pedal pressed. I turn on the emergency flashers. The vehicle usually restarts within 3 minutes. I am afraid I will be rear-ended at high speed as I am stopped at a green traffic signal. This also causes others drivers to swerve around my vehicle causing unnecesary danger. This happens weekly.

Honda has a known issue with its emissions. A warranty extension Service Bulletin 22-002 has been issued to replace fuel injectors up to 10 yrs 150,000 miles but they do not identify other malfunctioning components that also need replacement. My vehicle has the MIL with codes P0420 and P2096 for the past year. I had the fuel injectors replaced and O2 sensor replaced in August of 2022 but the MIL continues to report the same codes. Next I am being told to replace the catalytic convertor which should also be covered under warranty but is not. I have a Honda Pilot 2016 Elite 101,000 miles.

Front windshield wiper washer jet hood nozzle sprayer fell off and is lost. Called Honda dealer. They checked with Honda corporation and are advised that there are 1,100 of these on back order. Lead time is approximately 4 months! Without this part, windshield cannot be cleaned by the windshield washer should it be urgently needed while traveling down highway. This puts safety at risk.

Sun visor part number 83230-TG7-A11ZA has failed twice now (6/24/2019 and again 9/29/2021). What happens is that the tension spring internal to the sun visor fails causing the sun visor to flop down impeding the driver's vision directly forward. We had to purchase new replacement sun visors twice. This is likely to happen again, so I'm keeping a close watch for it. This puts the safety of driver, passengers, other vehicles and pedestrians as risk as it happens suddenly. Honda has made no attempt that I am aware of to remedy the problem.

This problem is the auto stop/start mechanism. This has been going on for at least 3-4 years. The car will automatically stop when we are at a red light or a stop sign, but then will not start when you press the gas. The vehicle is completely dead. It is completely cut off. It has powered down. You are in the Drive gear, so you must have the presence of mind to switch the vehicle to Park, put your foot on the brake and press start. It's very frightening if you are at a big intersection. This happens every time you drive for any distance. It doesn't happen at every intersection; it's an intermittent problem making it worse. We try to remember to disable the auto stop/start when we start but sometimes we forget. There is NO WAY to permanently disable the feature or we would. It's a scary pain.

The instrument panel is flashing all alerts when the car is off. I am able to drive the car. It is unknown which component has malfunctioned. Several Honda owners on Google say to check the fuel injectors. I am hoping you all can assist me with that. My safety was put at risk as the alarm goes off randomly when the car is off. It is bothersome at my workplace. I am afraid to drive the vehicle. One of the alerts that flashes is the Antilock Brake System. I am afraid the brakes will go out during driving. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I hope to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. All warning lamps and messages were blinking after the car was turned off. There were no signs of issues prior to turning the car off. Since the first initial flashing of alerts, the alerts now stay on during driving however not all lights are flashing. Could it simply need a software update? I do feel this needs investigating and a recall issued.

My car has suddenly started showing "Keyless Start System Problem" when i start the car. While the car starts okay when i press the ignition, i am scared that the car may not suddenly start as usual and i can get stuck if it does not. - Also when the "Keyless Start System Problem" is shown on the dashboard in orange, it prevents us from seeing any other information on the dashboard (including speed etc) - I thought looking at some videos that it may be a battery issue with my remote. However even after I changed the battery (an original replacement for the battery of the remote start / Driver 2 Key), the issue shown on my dash board does not go away. - After researching it online, it seems it is a pretty common problem with 2016 to 2018 Honda Pilots (esp Honda Pilot 2016 for which there are umpteen number of cases shown on Youtube). However I do not see Honda doing any recall on such an important part of the car. This is a big safety issue not only because of the car start issue but also because the error while being shown on the screen, does not allow me to see any other information on dash board.

The auto-stop idle feature activated at a red light. When the light turned green, the automobile would not restart but became entirely dead with not even being able to turn on the headlights or hazards (this was during the night as well). As a result, my family had to hang out the window to try and flag cars approaching the intersection to keep from being hit. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership the next day at which time the incident could not be replicated as either a code was not thrown or the code was not saved. The dealership did state that there was a recall that required a software update which they performed but when researching this only addresses the tolerances for which when the auto-idle stop will be initiated and not to mitigate the "black-out" that can occur. Escalated to Honda and found it curious that various Honda/Acura models have been impacted and that our particular vehicle's warranty for this functionality was extended to ten years past the vehicle's purchase date. When asked if they would replace with a new module, was told no due to the dealership not being able to replicate. FYI - no warning lamps or any other indication was displayed ahead of said event. So now the family is left with a vehicle that could potentially have this occur again.

After 30 - 40 minutes of driving the audio is overcome by extreme static and popping and affects all componets ( radio, DVD, XM, CD, etc) would seem something is getting hot after 30 minutes so a possible fire or melting situation . Honda dealer does not seem to know an answer and this issue is being discussed on Honda Pilot owners blog and it quite widespread

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while making a turn out a parking spot, the vehicle would not auto start, and the collision mitigation warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the vehicle into park and restarted the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationed at her employment parking lot, after starting the vehicle with the auto start, she was unable to shift into reverse. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and had to restart the vehicle four times before being able to shift into reverse. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the Drive (D), transmission fault, and sensor failure warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that she continued driving to her residence while experiencing the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Keyless entry problem error continues to pop up. Car will not always shut off. At times when I’m stopped at traffic light it tells me to put car in park

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The liftgate malfunctioned. it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I opened the liftgate for my wife and it closed while she was trying to take something from the back. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It has not been confirmed by a dealer or anyone else. it happens sporatically. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The car makes a loud beeping noise when closing. It first happened on December 4, 2022. and it has happened a few times since then including yesterday.

My car (2016 Honda Pilot Touring) SHUTS DOWN due to the auto shut off feature at least once a month and I am very nervous to hand it over to my daughter in a next year when she is old enough to drive. I have been stalled out at intersections...it is irresponsible of Honda to not issue a recall. People are going to get into accidents if they can't start their car in the middle of intersections! Why is this not being recalled. I understand it will cost Honda a substantial amount of money to correct, but it has to happen. What if you have an older battery that is losing its charge. Does this mean that WE are to blame for getting into an accident because the battery is not brand new and can't handle this auto shut off feature? It's totally unacceptable! I realize we can turn the feature off...but what happens if my daughter (new driver) forgets to push that button EVERY time she gets in the car. I'm sorry...I know some will say it's the driver's fault for forgetting but the potential of that mistake is real and the possibilities could be devastating.

The stop/start system will fail to restart the engine and stall the vehicle. This is the system that is designed to shut the engine off when at stop lights in order to save fuel. There are times when the engine will stall when it attempts to start the engine again. This does not happen all the time but has happened frequently enough that my wife and I have both stalled at the same intersection. You can turn off the stop/start feature each time you get in the car but we do not always remember. When it does stall all the lights on the dash flash and it's normally a frantic moment of trying to restart the car while cars behind you are honking. So far we have been able to restart it each time but I'm concerned this won't always be the case. We've taken this in to Honda and they don't have a solution or even really seem to acknowledge it. This is also a safety issue since my wife is working at various hospitals and some are in higher crime areas. I do not want her to stall there. I also don't want someone to hit us if they try to go when the light is green and we are stuck in front of them. There should at least be a permanent override of the system so we don't have to remember to turn it off each time we are in the car. That could completely solve the issue.

The car consistently stalls out when we stop and the auto idle begins. When we remove foot from break the car doesn’t restart and takes a few minutes of turning it on/off before vehicle resumes functioning. Honda says nothing is wrong but it has been an issue since purchase. It is more likely to occur when ac is running. I have to manually turn off auto idle every time I turn on vehicle to prevent stalling.