2016 Honda Pilot MPG
21–23 mpg combined across 4 EPA-rated versions. Best: Pilot 2WD (FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined; lowest: Pilot 4WD (3.5L 6-cyl, A6) at 21.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A9 | FWD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pilot 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pilot 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A9 | AWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pilot 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | AWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
How it compares
- 2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD: class average 24.9 mpg over 84 versions; best Pilot −1.9 (#54).
- 2015: 20 mpg best (+3 for 2016).
- 2017: 23 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,900–$3,200 a year ($300 difference).
- Available as FWD, AWD.
- 2026 model: 22 mpg best (−1).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 16.4% risk |
| Honda Pilot SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 17.5% risk |
1,712 owner complaints: Engine 771, Electrical System 579, Unknown Or Other 291, Power Train 201. Crashes 23, fires 10, injuries 20.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 771 | 45% |
| Electrical System | 579 | 34% |
| Unknown Or Other | 291 | 17% |
| Power Train | 201 | 12% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 171 | 10% |
| Structure | 54 | 3% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 45 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 39 | 2% |
Recent owner reports: Engine
“Catastrophic internal engine mechanical failure. My 2016 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6 engine) has developed a severe connecting rod bearing knock that is highly audible during cold starts and heavily intensifies upon pressing the gas pedal to accelerate.”
“My 2016 honda pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3.5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.”
“Engine blew up and forced the hood open while driving, obstructing view, and then started smoking black smoke. The engine is ruined and all of the oil drained from it. Pieces of pistons were laying on the oil tray. The car had been inspected with an oil change within 1k miles.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 4, 2026 | Structure › frame And Members | 26V365000 |
| Dec 18, 2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline › delivery › fuel Pump | 23V858000 |
| Nov 13, 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling › engine › hard Parts Internal/Mechanical | 23V751000 |
| Nov 29, 2021 | Structure › body › hood | 21V932000 |
| Mar 30, 2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage | 17V219000 |
| Jun 9, 2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage › tank Assembly | 16V417000 |
| Oct 16, 2015 | Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel | 15V668000 |
| Jul 6, 2015 | Seat Belts › rear/Other | 15V424000 |