2016 Honda Pilot Engine

The engine failed/died while being driven on the highway by my son, nearly causing a life threatening accident. I brought the car to our trusted Honda mechanic (certified mechanics specializing in Hondas/Acuras) and was told the problem was a rod bearing issue, there was a recall (23V-751) and to take the vehicle to a dealership. I paid to have the car towed to Honda of Annapolis and was told the engine failed because of rod bearing issue and that my VIN was not included in the recall. I requested the dealer provide a goodwill repair as the engine failed to the same reason listed in the recall and was denied. I filed a complaint with corporate (claim 15247280) which was denied because my VIN was not included in the original recall of only 249k vehicles. I then paid for it to be towed back to my home. It remains unsafe and inoperable.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3 and replaced all the spark plugs and coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the connecting rod bearing had failed. The contact was advised that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The engine short block was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.

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.

the engine had a rod fail while driving and destroyed the engine with no warning. This happened November 2023, about 2 weeks after the recall from Honda for some 249,000 vehicles for this exact issue. they told me it was not included in the recall. My son was driving home from a school activity when this happened. It just stopped working and slowing down. It was a dangerous situation for him. My mechanic inspected it confirming the rod failed. There were no warnings lamps or messages that ever appeared before it happened. I ended up selling the vehicle for scraps but want to hold Honda accountable now that I have seen what happened. I want them to make me whole for the FMV of my vehicle which i lost when this happened. Please help!

No precursors and vehicle always followed recommended maintenance. Started vehicle and began making knocking and screeching sound which grew increasingly louder, followed by the engine light flashing. Immediately pulled over and had vehicle towed. Gunn Honda ran diagnostics and determined engine failure originating in the lower engine.

My friend drove my car and on the freeway the oil started leaking and the engine caught on fire and the car came to a complete halt. It has to be towed to the nearest Honda dealer and upon inspection found the following: DURING VISUAL INSPECTION FOUND HOLE ON THE BACK SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK DUE TO CONNECTING ROD FAILURE CAN NOT DETERMINE CAUSE TILL FULL ENGINE TEAR DOWN UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND COMPLETE INTERNAL DAMAGE AND METAL CIRCULATION OF OIL SYSTEM REC TO REPLACE COMPLETE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY Diamond Honda I looked online and saw the 2016 Honda Pilot had recalls on thai specific issue and called the headquarters. They said they don’t have any recalls test on this vehicle becuase not enough people reported a problem. It was very serious that the engine stopped in the middle of e freeway and caught on fire. I asked the rep how many incidences needed to be reported before they will open investigation and she didn’t say. I asked how many people. We’re indie before they will recall and she had no answer except to give me a case number and told me her manager will call me in the next two days but it’s been 3 and no one has called. Headquarter rep also mentioned that it’s 5000 passed warranty so too bad on my part. Dealer also said I didn’t do all oil changes at the dealer so it’s my fault. I feel like I got a lemon. I’m waiting to hear what the headquarters have to say and what they find out w the dealer. But I thought I should report this since it’s very serious.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle regained power, and the contact drove to the residence. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The emission warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact researched the failure and determined that it was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

On Jan. 11, 2022 my engine was replaced at Schlossmann's Honda due to connecting rod failure as stated in the dealer's service receipt. Yet my VIN is NOT included in the recall for this issue for reimbursement. How do I get Honda to reimburse me for this failure?

I have a 2016 Honda pilot it has about 104,000 miles And has had all its maintenance. One day, three weeks ago, the engine started making a banging sound, and the oil light turned on. We brought the car to a mechanics who diagnosed engine failure and said that there were tiny metal shards seen in the oil. I have been meticulous about oil changes throughout the life of the vehicle. I brought my car to the service center at the Honda dealership and was told that my car had the exact same problem with the engine that the 2016 engines were being recalled for, but that my VIN number was not included in the recall and that I would have to pay for a new engine. Personnel at the service center said that there were three other Honda Pilot vehicles of the same and similar year with similar mileages currently being serviced for the same engine problem as the recall and that they were also not in the group of VIN numbers included in the recall.

The vehicle has had so many problems since it was new. We are the only owners this vehicle has always been unsafe. Auto idle has always turned car off and left me stuck in traffic. The engine just failed. Multiple malfunction indicators lights came on flashing D (drive) light, engine light, emissions light. Vehicle was shuddering under acceleration. Vehicle stopped as unsafe and had it towed.

The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. The engine shut down while driving down the highway with no warning. We thought it was just a dead battery but found out from the dealer that the connecting rod in the engine shattered without explanation. The check engine light NEVER came on and there were no other sensory warnings that there was an engine issue. The car has only 81,000 miles and has a solid, documented service record with the dealer so this engine failure was a total surprise. It put the driver, my [XXX] daughter, in danger as the car shut down on a highway at night without warning. She safely pulled the car over to the side of the highway within a construction zone and waited alone in the dark for me to pick her up while cars were passing at highway speeds. This breakdown could have resulted in an engine fire again without warning. The Honda dealer inspected the engine and took photos of the broken connecting rod. I have sent a customer service request to American Honda with the pictures, maintenance records and diagnosis of the issue given by the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Connecting rod bearings failed in cylinders 1 and 4 with 133000 miles on the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an unclosed speed, the lower part of the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle and while driving 20 MPH. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with thrown rod bearing failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, or while the vehicle was cold started, the engine was running rough and making an abnormal clanking sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod bearings were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,383.

Had a knocking noise coming from the engine of our 2016 Honda Pilot. My fear of "rod knock" was a reality. Piazza Honda of Pottstown, PA confirmed that it was likely a failed rod bearing(s). Honda of America (corporate) is supposedly giving some good will money to help offset the cost. The dealership initially said that it would cost around $9000.00 to repair it (that's without "good will"). They have had our Pilot for over 2 weeks now and the new estimate today is $17,280.00. It's all over the internet that these Honda/Acura J-Series V6 engines are having premature rod bearing issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The connecting rod bearing seized up. Connecting rod broke and puncture through the engine housing. No recall notice was received from manufacturer about the issue. I was driving on the highway when my car made a sudden stop and smoke came from the hood along with a slight metal sound. There have been no professional inspector yet. My brother in law is a car mechanic and found the problem for us. When the car came to a stop there was no indicating of any signs. I did try to start the car again and that is when all the lights came one.

2016 Honda Pilot AWD EX-L Vin: [XXX] Mileage: 72,475 Connecting Rod Bearings failing on 3.5 liter, V-6 engines, leading to complete engine failure. Affected Model Years: 2016 through 2020 The engine in my vehicle is the Honda J35, V-6 which was the subject of a NHTSA mandated recall of approximately 250,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in 2023. I have observed a pronounced engine knock when the vehicle is at idle, that intensifies when the car is driven. I brought the car to a Honda dealership (DCH Honda of Nanuet) where it was confirmed that the connecting rod bearing problem was the cause. The dealership advised that a bearing replacement would not be feasible, and that an engine replacement would be necessary (see attached). I contacted American Honda and advised them of the same and a case was opened for me. (Case # [XXX]) But I was advised that there was no recall on my vehicle and no current, applicable warranty. I am presently awaiting a call from a Honda Case Manager on my request for financial assistance to defray the quoted cost of $8,057, plus applicable sales tax for the dealership to replace the defective engine. Based on the documented history of this problem and the associated potential for an accident that this is a considerable safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact made inquiries of the independent mechanic and was informed that there was a known issue with the engines of similar vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the contact was not offered any assistance in repairing the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who detected an engine knocking sound and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

My Auntie was on her way to a sports game driving about 70 MPH when she heard a loud bang then sounded like metal in a blender and chirping. After that the engine had no power what so ever luckily she was going down hill carrying enough speed to safely move to the shoulder cause before hand she was going over an under pass and there’s nothing but the barrier so she couldn’t move over till the top of the hill. If that engine had locked up completely she could have been killed at worst. The thing is that we took the vehicle to Honda 2 weeks prior to see if the vehicle was affected by the bearing recall and they said no the best they could do is give me honda corporate phone number to make a complaint which we did. I’ve also read online about fellow honda owners having these engines failing and not being covered which is a $6000 dollar job that’s half the vehicle's price which is insane that is what the mechanic quoted us to replace the engine. She still has the vehicle parked cause the repair is expensive. So these v6 engine have to be looked into cause so many families could get hurt.

the car had developed a light ticking sound intermittently for the last three that seemed to go away randomly then the engine stalled and won't start due to seized engine

While driving a 2016 Honda Pilot, the vehicle began to lurch, and engine failed by what appears to be rod(s) failing within the engine, penetrating the engine casing leaving a large hole in the casing. The RPMs went fully to the right before the engine seized. The hood smoked significantly, likely due to oil through the hole in engine. Luckily the driver was in the right lane of a 3-lane interstate, and was able to pull over to the shoulder and exited the vehicle on foot as the cabin began to fill with smoke. The Pilot was towed to a Honda dealership that night and repairs were assessed in the morning. The technician took photos and a video of his findings. He noticed oil leaking from the engine block and ran a scope up and he observed and documented a very large hole in the engine casing with metal appearing to fold outward, an indication of impact from inside the engine, likely from a rod failure. The engine was seized and could not be cranked by hand. The repair would require using a used engine block and rebuilding the engine. The cost of the repair was significant and so we sold the Honda Pilot to the Honda acquisition team. The fair market value for this Honda Pilot was noted as $16,916 via KBB.com as run by Honda based on the VIN# and mileage. Due to the damage, the price of the vehicle offered to us was only $2,500 (a $14,416 loss in value). We assumed this was a very rare incident, however the very next week we saw an article that NHTSA was investigating Honda for this exact issue. A recall was issued for model another model year, but the recall did not include the 2016 model year. The particular investigation is NHTSA RQ24013. In our instance, there were no warning lamps and our oil changes were current. There was an ongoing vibration issue we first observed at around 6000 miles that we correlated with specific RPMs and documented. To our frustration, Honda service never was able to find and fix the issue and we lived with this issue until the failure.

My Honda Pilot started having a jerky-hesitation-lack of power at certain RPMs and make a loud clicking noise during acceleration. I had my mechanic look at it when I took it in for inspection. He said that the rod bearings were causing the noise and that the engine needs to be replaced. He advised me to check for any Honda Pilot recalls that might apply because he said rod bearings should not be an issue. Although there is a recall from some 2016 Honda Pilots for rod bearings, but my VIN number is not within the recall numbers. I called Honda and they said that the recall only applied to cars on the assembly line at a certain time. They recommended getting a diagnoses from a certified Honda service center, and maybe I could get what they call a "good faith" repair. The Honda service center would only say they hear "lower engine noise," and that to say it was rod bearings they would have to charge me $600 to drop the oil pan. I didn't because I can't afford it. However, at the bottom of the invoice, they gave a quote for replacing the rod bearings. I was able to find out about the rod bearings before something dangerous happened, but I am also unable to afford a new engine in my Pilot right now. So, I am barely driving it (only when I have no other choice-we have 3 children and are primarily using one car right now). The Honda dealership told me that because I bought my Pilot used and don't have the service records, that I wouldn't qualify for the the "good faith" repair anyway. I just saw a news article that you were opening an investigation into 2016 pilots for problems with rod bearings, so I wanted to file this report, even though I have been lucky enough not to have an accident because of it. I am attaching both my regular mechanics' invoice, as well as the one from Honda.

Was driving on the highway when I heard a loud, banging, crashing noise coming from the engine, followed by clunking repeating noise. I managed to safely pull off and get the car towed to the repair shop. The repair shop said that the engine was completely damaged and not repairable as per the invoice. There is already a recall for this issue for the same year make and model of the car but honda said it does not include my particular VIN number in the recall. The mechanic said that in their opinion, it is the same issue. I am kindly requesting that you review this and extend the recall to include other Vin numbers that are currently not included for this make model and year of car.