2016 Honda Pilot Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Pilot
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (769 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 769 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (579 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 579 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (200 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 200 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (170 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 170 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (53 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 53 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
155 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
8
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Seat Belts Red flag
If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical System Red flag
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
Structure Red flag
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Red flag
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Pilot–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Pilot. The most serious involve Fuel System, Gasoline (17V219000) and Fuel System, Gasoline (16V417000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Pilot?
The top complaint areas are Engine (769 complaints) and Electrical System (579 complaints), out of 1703 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Pilot?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 769 complaints for this model-year.