CarComplaints.com Notes: It's worrying when the top category for 2016 Honda Pilot problems are transmission problems. Owners report jerking when accelerating. Also as the first model year of the redesigned 3rd generation Pilot, it's not a good sign.
Honda released a TSB on October 29 2016 that's possibly related. The TSB deals with a "a judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch ... while driving between 20 and 60 mph" due to deteriorated transmission fluid resulting from "specific driving conditions". In the TSB, Honda states they are developing a software fix to try to keep the transmission fluid temperature within spec.
We are keeping a close eye on this defect trend because if certain driving conditions can affect transmission shifting in the first year of ownership, we'd hate to think what 10+ years will do.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,682 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Keyless start system problem is showing in the instrument panel. I noticed lots of Honda Pilot owner are reporting the same issues. I am able to start the car and drive but I am afraid it may have to do with the engine being disabled so I will park it until there is a solution. This has to be a defect.
Purchased a 2016 Pilot ex-L certified used with 8K. While pressing the brakes, they would go pretty far down before engaging. If I let up on the pedal and press again, they immediately grab like they are supposed. I have taken the vehicle in several times, brakes bled and flushed, still the same. I was informed that Honda says the distance of brake pedal pressing down is 2" is normal. I also had issues with the screen going out, and the driver side vent wouldn't stay up, and the A/C wasn't cooling property. Also the system wont connect to my phone randomly. I now had a problem with the transmission. Makes a rattling noise while driving/coasting at any speed. Have taken it in and was told it was the bumper and hood noise. After paying for that, I still have the noise. The rpms jumps from under 2 to just above two, then down again. When the rpms do this the noise happens and also the econo mode turns off to white, then green again. Now it feels like when this happens the transmission feels as iff it is trying to go into gear, slipping. Now when driving and trying to pass, it seems to slip. It is definitely a safety issue! come on Honda please fix the issues.
After automatic idle engine stop/start engages and shut off vehicle at stop light, vehicle occasionally will not restart automatically. Results in being stopped and stalled out in traffic for several minutes after which it will restart via manual process.
Keyless start system problem error. This error message pops up on the screen for weeks at a time and the disappears for awhile only to reappear. So far I haven't had a problem actually starting the vehicle. The problem is the switch assembly, engine start & stop - Honda (35881-TG7-A03). There are hundreds of complaints on the Honda Pilot problem forums, yet Honda does not recall the vehicles to resolve the problem. Instead the dealers charge ~ $150 to diagnose the problem and $300-400 to replace the unit. I watched a video of a handyman replace the unit in 7 minutes and he paid only $70 for the part. This is criminal behavior NY Honda and its dealers in my opinion. I will just fix it myself, but I shouldn't have to. Youtube video of problem and repair. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=mxfybfr57mc&ab_channel=bryanshattuck
- Albuquerque, NM, USA
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I and several other 2016 Honda Pilot owners have experienced the code about the auto start/stop function having a problem. I took it to the dealer and they blamed the issue on "critters, " as in rodents/squirrels. I assure you this is not the case! the light appeared while I was driving and it also affected my auto lock feature on the vehicle. This malfunction is a design flaw in the 2016 Pilot. The dealer told me they could troubleshoot where the malfunction is but it would cost me, starting at $150. The mechanic reset the code (for $65) and it has not shown up in the past week since I took it in. I am very unhappy with this issue and Honda should make this a recall. This is an electrical issue and could result in an accident or safety issue.
Faulty start/stop switch-basic internet search reflects that this is a recurring issue with 2016 Honda Pilot. The vehicle shuts off when the brake is depressed and may not restart due to faulty switch. We had to replace switch at a cost of $299.13. There should be a recall as this is a recurring issue with these vehicles.
The keyless ignition switch (pn: 35881-TG7-A03) failed causing the vehicle to not start, the dealer (keenan Honda, doylestown, pa) charged us $127.74 for the replacement part (retail is $68.20) and another $149 for labor (should only have taken 10 min per youtube).
Check engine light is illuminated along with AWD, keyless start system, emissions system, uphill start, trailer assistance, etc. Have had two engine coils replaced and a software upgrade. The lights go off for a couple of days and then return. Have spent $250 in diagnostics and nothing is fixed. Replaced batteries in both key fobs. I was told by dealership to replace the start/stop button for $375. Dealership also recommended replacing fuel injectors for $1600.no guarantee that this will fix any of the issues.
After 4 years and 53,000 miles, we're now getting a keyless start system error while shutting off or turning on the vehicle while stopped. Apparently this is a common problem with this generation Pilot and ridgeline vehicles, according to vehicle owners at piloteers.org, the problem usually is a failing push-to-start button. So far, our vehicle starts, but the walk-away locking system no longer works. Others have reported security system alarms, dashboard malfunction, and a failure to start.
The car engine/battery shuts off at stop lights and red lights when you take your foot off the break pedal. This same issue occurred a year ago. Honda initially told us that there was no issue with the vehicle and until we pressed about finding a known issue reported online they said there was nothing wrong. Eventually a regional service rep was involved who said the issue was known and was with the battery. The battery was replaced and for one year had been okay until two weeks ago when same issue began occurring again. This is a major safety issue with the vehicle turning off. I have two young children I have to drive around and do not feel safe in the vehicle while this is happening. I am now waiting on a repeat service visit on October 8, 2020 to address the issue this year.
My Pilot has a message that reads "keyless start system problem." I have changed the battery in the phone and replaced the push button start assembly. Nothing has removed the message. I have searched Honda Pilot forums and found hundreds who have the same problem. I have found that no dealership has fixed the problem. Most have spent $500 + at dealerships with no results.my message stays on all the time. Honda should find out what is wrong and recall on effected cars to correct the problem.
I've been having a warning light issue being engine start key issue. I replaced key fob battery and warning light disappeared for about 4 days and then it reappeared. I see many people are having the same issues
The keyless start system problem light has come on and the dealership finds no codes to resolve the issue. The auto engine shutoff to conserve gas when the bake is depressed will completely shut off the car and I am not able to start the car again. This has happened many time from driving on the highway and stopping in traffic to being in the city stopping at a red light. It can take up to a minute or more to get the car to start again. The only way to disable this from happening is to manually shut off this feature every time I start the vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Rockville, MD, USA