Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slow and moderate speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lurched and jerked. The failure was more evident while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and exceeding 40 MPH, the hood was flapping. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the front subframe had a hole caused by corrosion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made clunking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for suspension wear and tear repair, and it was determined that there was a hole in the front suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and stated that the recall repair was only for the rear subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 101,600.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the hood vibration was visible after the recall repair. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the hood needed to be replaced due to a crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,481.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the roof railing trim detached from the vehicle. The contact recovered the trim from the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-040. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
*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. …
I purchased this vehicle a little less than two months ago... this vehicle is babied and I make sure to stay on top of everything possible as it's a primary transportation to bring my toddler to his many appointments. While operating on the highway, everything was smooth sailing as expected, until I heard a noise. I glanced in the rear view mirror to see a part flying off of the car and colliding with the vehicle behind me. I couldn't locate where the item came from. Today, I went to pick my son up from preschool and noticed the entire piece on the roof was hanging outward, right off and over the side of the vehicle. Had I not noticed, it could've caused further danger to others. I hopped up to look at my roof to realize the rear trim is the piece that flew off, and the following straight part is what was now dangling over the side. …
I have a 2016 Honda Pilot, color, Pearl White. The paint started to peel appointmently one month ago. The area is on the roof in front of sunroof behind the front windshield. There is a recall on the same color, make, year and model. Peeling in the same area. I was told by Honda of America that it was only for Honda that were painted at a certain factory that are covered by the recall. I did have the vehicle inspected by Honda and a body shop that they sent me too. Total estimate is around $1200. They both confirmed that it's the same area as the recall. I do have the email with pictures that they took to send to Honda. Honda is only willing to cover 25% and told me to put a complaint into your department. PER Honda they said if there is enough complaints. There would be a recall for the other vin numbers to cover the paint job. …
My vehicle had a recall on my car hood because its loose. When you drive it when its windy it moves. I had recall fixed at a Honda dealership in Hutchinson Ks. Now my hood is loose again. I had to pull off the interstate yesterday to try to get it to latch because it was moving, and it was very windy, and I was afraid it was going to blow open on me. I wanted a whole new hood, and I was told I'd have to pay for that myself. I really think a new hood and latch system should be included in recalls with this type of vehicle. Im honestly afraid to go over 65mph in my cars current condition.
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Pilot (White Diamond Pearl, NH-603P) is peeling and flaking off on the roof and tailgate, exposing the primer. The vehicle has never been repainted or damaged. Honda confirmed my VIN isn't covered, but this is the same factory paint defect affecting other Pilots and Hondas with the same color. The issue keeps spreading and reduces resale value while exposing metal to corrosion. This is a clear manufacturing defect, not wear or neglect. I'm requesting that NHTSA investigate and push Honda to expand coverage for all affected VINs.
Hood - flutters and wobbles significantly at highway speeds. Per recall check, this vehicle is not included. Seat belt - more of a personal thing, but the driver's seat belt cuts into the driver's neck, even when high of shoulder strap is adjusted. When using a device to help control where the shoulder strap lays, it was found that the driver's seat belt is MUCH shorter than all other in the vehicle. Therefore not allowing the driver to use something to adjust the shoulder portion and still safely check blind spots.
Body complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2016 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the body & structure of the 2016 Honda Pilot, 3% of the model year's 1,716 complaints. The component named most often is body (48 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda Pilot body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2016 Honda Pilot, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Pilot body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 52% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.