2016 Honda Pilot Engine

Connecting rod bearing issues

While driving down the road the Engine started making a bearing noise and then started making a metallic rattling noise and then stopped. The car was towed to a Don Wessel Honda dealership in Springfield, MO, where they determined that parts in the engine just came apart. There were multiple holes in the Engine Block. I was told that this was not common and at 79093 miles it was no longer under Warranty. They replaced the engine with a used Engine from 2017. The total cost was $7483.90. I later learned that this was an issue that was recalled on this year and Model of car, but my VIN was not included. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the recall.

Recall ID: 23V-751 (2023) Recall Query RQ24013 On [XXX] my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure while driving. Prior to this, the vehicle had been maintained regularly and showed no signs of major engine issues. The failure occurred without warning, following intermittent misfire symptoms that quickly escalated to the engine shutting down and becoming inoperable. After towing the vehicle to a repair facility, I was informed that the engine suffered internal damage requiring complete replacement. The shop indicated that the failure was related to internal engine components, consistent with known issues involving crankshaft machining and connecting rod bearing wear. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 23V-751, which addresses improper crankshaft machining leading to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure in 2016 Honda Pilots and related models. Additionally, I am aware of NHTSA Recall Query RQ24-013, which was opened in 2024 to investigate whether the scope of 23V-751 should be expanded to include additional VINs due to similar failures. My VIN is currently outside the official recall range, but the symptoms and required repair align with the defect described in the recall and investigation. Given the similarity of my engine failure to the defect under federal investigation, I am requesting reimbursement for the cost of the engine replacement by adding my VIN to the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine rod bearing

In Mid-August (8/13/25), at 61,355 miles, my 2016 Honda Pilot experienced sudden engine failure due to what my dealer diagnosed as a connecting rod bearing/crankshaft failure. Prior to the failure, we had no issues with the car. The engine ultimately seized while the vehicle was in motion, creating a serious safety risk. My vehicle has been regularly maintained, most specifically timely oil changes (the most recent in December (12/11/24), less than 4000 miles prior to failure, yet the engine still failed. I am aware that Honda has issued recalls and is under NHTSA investigation for engine failures caused by defective rod bearings in 2016–2020 Honda Pilots and related models. However, my VIN is not currently included in the recall despite experiencing the same failure described in the recall notices and owner complaints. This is a serious safety issue. An engine seizure or stall at highway speeds could easily result in loss of control or a crash. I request that NHTSA expand its investigation and hold Honda accountable for covering all affected vehicles, including mine.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from underneath the hood, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and was diagnosed it with a blown engine bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was deemed unrepairable due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was parked at the place of employment for several hours. After parking the vehicle at the workplace for several hours, the contact resumed driving at an undisclosed speed, and the abnormal knocking sounds from the engine compartment returned before the vehicle stalled at an intersection. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that connecting rod bearing failure caused engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

While driving, the engine suddenly seized without warning. The vehicle lost power and could not be restarted, creating a hazardous situation. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership service center, which diagnosed a seized engine. They indicated that the next step would be a complete engine teardown to determine the cause, at significant cost. The component (engine) is available for inspection. To my knowledge, this problem has not been previously addressed or repaired, and it appears consistent with rod bearing failures currently under NHTSA investigation for this engine family.

I was driving my 2016 honda pilot home. Started from a red light, heard some grinding and then a loud bang and had no power to move. I coasted to the side of the road and had it towed as I restarted it to hear a loud grinding. Local mechanic said to take to the dealership because I threw a rod and the cylinder seized up. Honda confirmed this and then replaced my engine with a used one. 2 years later I discovered other pilots had this happen after mine did and recalls were put out but my VIN isn't on the list and honda refused to reimburse me for the engine. Im out 8 grand for a problem that they know about with my same year and model vehicle but because I'm not on the list, im out of luck.

Rattling noise in engine. Feels unsafe to drive. Honda mechanic confirmed new engine needed due to worn rod bearings.

My car started having the knocking sound from the engine on 3/26/25. Took it to the dealer on 3/27 for diagnosis and was told that the engine rod block needs replacement and it is not covered under warranty. They quoted $10700 for a new engine with 1 year/12000 warranty. Then, I contacted Honda corporate and after a week of their investigation was told that my car is not under warranty, hence they couldn't help with the repair. This is a manufacturing defect and Honda should cover this expense. Although, they sent out a recall notice but they said my VIN is not part of it. Please help!

Driving on [XXX] ) at highway speed in traffic when the engine started making a sudden rattling noise, shaking, and had immediate power loss. Within seconds the engine light started blinking, the oil light illuminated and the information light came on. I was forced to pull over and shut the vehicle off. We were forced to stand on the side of [XXX] on a Friday evening while we waited for a tow truck to come get us. I have had the vehicle towed to the dealership where we purchased it and they have indicated that the engine needs to be replaced due to failed rod bearings. The vehicle is currently at Ralph Honda in Rochester NY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to shudder and make a loud screeching/banging sound. Once shut off it would not start. Mechanic determined the vehicle had no compression on one cylinder and further observed that while the valves did operate, the piston was not moving in the cylinder. The conclusion was the connecting rod had broken. Engine is still sealed and has not been taken apart for inspection. Engine has been replaced at customer expense.

While driving approximately 65 mph on the [XXX], near Terre Haute, Indiana, the engine very suddenly started making a very loud noise without any warning and immediately thereafter every system failed. The check engine light and several other warning lights appeared on the dashboard; the car steering became very stiff, making it very difficult (and dangerous) to control the car and get it safely to the shoulder; and the engine noise became louder (like spoons in a blender). The car unexpectedly lost forward motion causing cars and semi-trucks around us to take evasive action to avoid hitting us. All of this happened without warning and in a matter of a few seconds and we were very lucky to avoid a very severe accident. We had the car towed by Hawks Towing (in Glenview, IL) to Loyola Service (our preferred, trusted automotive service provider). The technicians at Loyola Service diagnosed the car with a complete engine failure and in need of a complete engine replacement. The estimated cost of the repairs is $21,254. 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 starting the vehicle, the engine made knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and that the connecting rods had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled but was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Engine Rod defective .. car completely stopped working on highway . Had towed to dealer for $300 and dealer said 8.9k to replace engine. Lots of Honda owners complaints about the same issue We were forced to sell car to Cox auto at a loss as we did not have the money to fix Check car fax. As we had perfect maintenance all done at dealership

Driving regular highway speed and lost power with a number 6 engine misfire. Towed vehicle to house and eventually to dealer to investigate.

Complete engine failure. Connecting rod bearing completely broke while driving.

2016 Honda Pilot EX-L (80k miles) that has been always serviced at Honda dealership for all regular oil changes and all regularly needed service. Very well maintained and low miles. We heard a knocking sound from the front and brought it to Honda for diagnosis and repair. They informed us it’s a “connecting rod bearing” issue with “no signs of external abuse.” This car has been unsafe to drive for 2 months while we worked with Honda to repair this issue and cover the cost of this. They declined to cover the cost of anything since this VIN hasn’t been recalled, while other 2016 Honda Pilots have had the exact same issue and were in the recall list.

Engine started knocking going down highway then shut off imeediatly. Dealer said engine needs replaced due to rod bearings. Dealer also said there was a recall for this exact issue but only certain VIN numbers were included. How can an engine type have the same issue but not be included in the recall?

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the contact attempted to drive forward, and the vehicle lurched forward and then hesitated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. The VIN was not available.

While merging onto the highway at about 45 mph the vehicle started to shake, stall, fail to respond and make a horrific noise. This caused a traffic situation as the car would not correctly get up to speed thereby affecting my merge and those behind me. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and upon completing an engine teardown I was advised that the connecting rod bearing had failed. When I asked how this could have happened I was told that I was "unlucky and got a defective part." The dealer quoted me about $18k for a replacement engine and actually discouraged me from proceeding with the repair. The vehicle body, interior and all components are in very satisfactory state and earlier in the year I ran a KBB report to value it. Those reports ranged from $12k - $16k. Ultimately, due to this situation not only were my daughter and I in danger but I lost any value.

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.

We purchased our 2106 Honda Pilot Elite new in 2016. In 2022, I was driving the car and heard a rattling noise after accelerating at a stop light. I took it to Honda and they determined the engine failed and we need a new one. Our engine went out at only 80,000 miles. I experienced other issues with the Pilot; getting stalled at stop lights due to the auto idle engine stop and the start was by far the worst. Honda repaired the start button, but it did not fix the issue. The next time they said my battery was bad, they were wrong because I purchased a new battery a few months prior. The auto tailgate and sunroof worked about 60%. The next thing we did was file a claim with Honda Corporate. Case number ending in 7316 We provided every receipt requested and hand-delivered them to the service manager at Honda Schaumburg. Ultimately our claim was denied.