What is the most common problem with the 2016 Honda Pilot?
The most common problem reported by owners of the 2016 Honda Pilot centers on the transmission, particularly rough shifting and shuddering. While many pilots perform reliably, drivetrain reliability issues have repeatedly surfaced in owner reports and reliability databases.
The problem, in detail
Reliability trackers and consumer feedback point to a cluster of issues, with transmission problems at the top. Other frequent concerns touch climate control and electrical systems, reflecting the model’s age and wear from daily use.
Below is a snapshot of the issues most often mentioned by owners and tracked by reliability databases.
Transmission problems: Reports include rough or delayed shifts, hesitation during acceleration, shuddering, and in some cases transmission failure requiring repair or replacement.
A/C and climate control issues: Complaints about the air conditioning system, including compressor/clutch failure or refrigerant leaks that reduce cooling effectiveness.
Electrical system and sensor glitches: Intermittent warning lights, sensor faults, and faults affecting power windows, infotainment, lights, or HVAC controls.
Engine performance concerns: Some owners report sporadic engine performance issues such as misfires or reduced power, and in a subset of cases higher-than-expected oil consumption.
Overall, transmission-related problems stand out as the dominant reliability concern for the 2016 Pilot, with climate control and electrical issues following as other frequently cited items.
What owners can do to mitigate risk
Proactive maintenance and timely diagnosis can help reduce the impact of common problems. The following steps provide practical guidance for owners and prospective buyers seeking to monitor and address issues early.
- Follow Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule, including any transmission service guidelines and routine oil changes, and stay current on recalls or service campaigns.
- If you notice rough shifting, hesitations, or shuddering, schedule a dealer inspection promptly; many cases can be addressed with software updates or targeted maintenance under warranty.
- For A/C problems, have the refrigerant level checked and inspect the compressor and related components for leaks or failure.
- Keep electrical systems in check by testing the battery and charging system, reviewing fault codes, and addressing any infotainment or sensor-related issues with a trained technician.
- Maintain thorough service records and monitor for any new recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that may apply to the 2016 Pilot.
Staying on top of maintenance and addressing issues early can help minimize repairs and preserve resale value for the 2016 Pilot.
Summary
In short, the 2016 Honda Pilot’s most frequent complaint centers on transmission problems, notably rough shifting and shuddering, with climate control and electrical issues also appearing in owner reports. Regular maintenance, prompt diagnosis, and awareness of potential service campaigns are key to managing these concerns as the vehicle ages.
What are bad years for Honda Pilots?
The Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017 due to common issues like transmission failures, airbag problems (especially the 2003 model), electrical glitches, and premature brake/suspension issues. The 2016 model is also frequently cited as one to avoid as it was the first year of a new generation and had many initial problems.
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Honda Pilot: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Model years to avoid
- 2003: Suffered from a significant number of complaints and recalls, including a major airbag defect that led to a "Do Not Drive" advisory in some cases.
- 2004 and 2005: Faced recurring transmission issues, leading to costly repairs.
- 2011: Had a high number of owner complaints and a range of issues, including transmission problems.
- 2016: This model year was the first for the third generation and had numerous problems, including transmission failures and electrical system issues.
- 2017: Continued to have many of the issues from the 2016 model, as Honda was still working to fix them.
Common problems across multiple years
- Transmission: Problems were particularly prevalent in the 2003-2005 and 2016-2017 model years. Older models may have issues with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can be addressed with a disabler device.
- Brakes: Owners of 2003-2017 models reported problems with warped brake rotors, leading to vibrations while braking.
- Electrical: Some models, especially the 2016 and 2019, experienced issues with the infotainment system, including frozen screens and loss of connectivity.
- Airbags: The 2003 model was affected by the Takata airbag defect, leading to safety concerns and recalls.
What year did Honda Pilot have transmission problems?
The main years for Honda Pilot transmission problems are 2003, 2005, and 2016, with the 2003 model being particularly prone to transmission failure. While the 2003 and 2005 years are known for significant issues, the 2016 model also has many owner complaints related to its new transmission, as well as engine and electrical problems. Other models like 2017-2020 have been investigated for issues with the 9-speed transmission and the stop-start system.
This video demonstrates a common Honda Pilot transmission issue and explains what to do: 58sAleksandr UsovichYouTube · Aug 27, 2021
Specific model years with notable transmission issues
- 2003: This year is infamous for transmission failures, which can be very expensive to fix or replace.
- 2005: Also experienced transmission problems, with owners reporting issues.
- 2016: This model year saw a high number of complaints, including a new transmission, engine problems, and electrical system issues.
- 2017-2020: The 6-speed transmission in some of these models, and the 9-speed in others, can have issues, and the stop-start system has also been a source of complaints.
What to keep in mind when buying an older Honda Pilot
- Check maintenance records: Properly maintained transmissions are less likely to have problems.
- Consider the model year: 2003, 2005, and 2016 are known problematic years. Newer models (2017-2020) may have issues with the stop-start system.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle, paying close attention to the transmission, before buying.
- Be aware of recall status: Check if any recalls have been performed, especially for models like 2016, which had several recalls.
Is 2016 a good year for a Honda Pilot?
The 2016 Honda Pilot has strong points like a roomy interior, smooth ride, and powerful V6 engine, but it also has some significant drawbacks, including potential reliability issues like transmission problems, a frustrating infotainment system, and some expensive recalls. It's a decent choice for those who prioritize family-friendly space and comfort, but buyers should be aware of the potential for costly problems.
This video reviews the 2016 Honda Pilot and discusses its features, pros, and cons: 1mKirk KreifelsYouTube · Jul 18, 2018
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable: The interior is roomy and comfortable, with a spacious cargo area and seating for up to eight.
- Smooth ride: It offers a comfortable and quiet ride, with a suspension that handles bumps well and responsive steering.
- Powerful engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 280 horsepower for good acceleration and towing capacity (up to 5,000 lbs for AWD models).
- Family-friendly: It's a practical family vehicle, with features like available rear-seat entertainment systems and ample space for multiple children.
- Good safety features: The 2016 model received high crash-test ratings and is available with many advanced safety features.
Cons
- Transmission problems: Some owners report issues with the transmission, including rough shifting and hesitation.
- Infotainment system: The touch-screen infotainment system can be frustrating and difficult to use.
- Engine recall: A significant recall exists for certain 2016 models due to a potential engine failure from a connecting rod bearing issue, which could be expensive to fix if not addressed.
- Handling: Some reviewers note that while the ride is comfortable, the handling isn't as sporty as some rivals and it can feel clumsy at times.
- Blind-spot monitoring: The blind-spot monitor is only available on the highest trim level, the Elite.
What's wrong with a 2016 Honda Pilot?
Common problems reported for the 2016 Honda Pilot include engine issues like connecting rod bearing failure, fuel system problems (especially faulty fuel injectors), and a malfunctioning auto start/stop system, often linked to a defective push-button. Other complaints involve electrical glitches, such as a freezing infotainment screen and sensor issues, as well as concerns with the 9-speed automatic transmission.
This video discusses common problems with the 2016-2018 Honda Pilot and solutions: 56sBCauto_YouTube · Aug 2, 2022
Engine and fuel system
- Engine knocking: Some models have a knocking sound from the engine, which can be caused by a failure of the connecting rod bearings, potentially leading to engine shutdown.
- Faulty fuel injectors: A high failure rate for fuel injectors has been reported, often triggering a check engine light, misfires, or other engine-related codes. Honda has extended the warranty for this issue in some cases, so check with a dealer.
- Start-stop system: The auto start-stop feature can malfunction, sometimes causing the engine to not restart. This is frequently due to a shorted start-stop button, which can be replaced to fix the issue.
You can watch this video to learn how to fix the keyless start system problem in a 2016 Honda Pilot: 1mKIT'S Auto and Truck RepairYouTube · May 13, 2021
Electrical and infotainment
- Infotainment system: Owners have reported the infotainment screen freezing, blacking out, or experiencing connectivity issues.
- Electrical glitches: Various electrical problems have been reported, including sensors malfunctioning (sometimes causing the collision avoidance system to brake erratically) and battery drain.
Brakes and suspension
- Brake vibration: Vibrations when braking are a common complaint, often caused by warped front brake rotors.
- Suspension noise: Some models have experienced knocking sounds from the suspension and steering instability.
Other potential issues
- 9-speed transmission: For the models equipped with a 9-speed transmission, there have been complaints about shifting and other potential issues.
- Leaking oil: Leaks from the valve cover gaskets have been reported.
- Peeling paint: Some owners have noted that the paint on their vehicle is peeling.
