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What to Know About Lawsuits Involving the 2016 Honda Pilot

The 2016 Honda Pilot is not covered by a single, nationwide lawsuit; rather, owners have been involved in various legal actions over specific issues—most notably complaints about the nine-speed automatic transmission used on Touring and Elite trims. Outcomes vary by case and jurisdiction, and some settlements to date have focused on other model years or different Honda models, so owners should verify current status and eligibility.

What owners mean when they ask about “the lawsuit”

When people refer to “the lawsuit” on the 2016 Pilot, they are usually talking about consumer class actions or consolidated cases alleging defects that affect drivability or safety. Because litigation is filed in different courts and often targets particular trims or components, the landscape can be confusing. Here are the most common themes that have prompted lawsuits or legal claims by owners of 2016 Pilots.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission behavior (Touring/Elite trims): Allegations include hesitation, harsh or delayed shifts, lurching, and shuddering linked to the ZF 9-speed gearbox used in higher trims of the 2016 Pilot.
  • Advanced driver-assistance (Honda Sensing/CMBS): Some suits against Honda over false emergency braking have focused on other models (e.g., Accord, CR‑V), while a smaller number of owner complaints involve the Pilot. Whether the 2016 Pilot is included depends on how a given lawsuit defines its class.
  • Infotainment glitches: Separate class actions and a settlement addressed freezing/black screens and audio/camera malfunctions on select 2018–2020 Hondas (including the 2019 Pilot). The 2016 Pilot generally is not covered by those infotainment settlements.

Not every 2016 Pilot is implicated. For example, lower trims with the six-speed automatic are typically not included in nine-speed transmission cases, and many legal actions target different model years entirely.

Where litigation stands as of now

Publicly reported legal outcomes involving the 2016 Pilot are mixed and vary by issue. The key point: there is no widely publicized, nationwide class-action settlement that applies to all 2016 Pilots. Here is a snapshot of what has been reported across issues tied to Pilots of this generation.

  • Nine-speed transmission complaints have led to lawsuits against multiple automakers using the ZF 9-speed; Honda Pilot Touring/Elite owners have at times been named in suits. Some matters ended in dismissals or individual resolutions; no broad, nationwide settlement specific to all 2016 Pilots has been announced.
  • Honda Sensing/CMBS false-braking litigation has primarily centered on other models/years. Some filings reference Pilots, but class definitions often exclude the 2016 Pilot or are narrower than owners expect.
  • Infotainment settlements cover certain 2018–2020 vehicles and the 2019 Pilot; the 2016 Pilot is usually not included in those agreements.

Because class definitions and court rulings can change, the only way to know if your specific vehicle qualifies is to check current notices, dockets, or settlement websites and confirm by VIN.

Recalls and service actions are separate from lawsuits

Many drivability and safety complaints are handled through recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) rather than lawsuits. Recalls are government-reported and VIN-specific, and dealers implement recall repairs at no cost. While this is not a legal determination of liability, it often resolves the underlying issue for owners.

  • Honda issues recall notices to registered owners and reports them to NHTSA; these can address safety defects unrelated to litigation.
  • TSBs provide dealers with updated diagnostics or software/calibration changes for known concerns, including shifting refinements on transmissions.
  • Warranty extensions sometimes accompany recurring problems even without a lawsuit or recall.

If your concern matches a recall or a TSB, the dealer can typically perform the fix regardless of any separate lawsuit activity.

How to check whether your 2016 Pilot is covered by a lawsuit or recall

Because eligibility hinges on trim, build date, and the precise language of a class definition, owners need to verify using official tools and notices. The steps below help you determine where you stand.

  1. Identify your trim and transmission: Confirm whether you have the 6-speed (lower trims) or the 9-speed (Touring/Elite) automatic.
  2. Run a VIN search on NHTSA’s recall site: Check for open recalls and service campaigns tied to your exact vehicle.
  3. Search for active class actions: Look up “Honda Pilot 2016 class action” on reputable class-action notice portals or through PACER via an attorney to see current filings and settlements.
  4. Ask a dealer about TSBs and software updates: Dealers can see TSBs related to shifting behavior, infotainment, or driver-assistance calibrations.
  5. Keep documentation: Maintain service records, videos of symptoms, invoices, and dealer notes; these are critical if you join a claim or seek goodwill repairs.
  6. Consult consumer remedies: Depending on your state, lemon-law timelines, BBB AUTO LINE, or attorney general mediation may offer relief outside of class actions.

Taking these steps ensures you don’t miss a recall remedy or a claims deadline and helps you build a clear record if you pursue legal options.

If you believe your 2016 Pilot qualifies for a claim

Owners who experience qualifying symptoms should act promptly to protect potential rights and avoid missing deadlines that can apply in class actions or state lemon laws.

  • Document the issue and seek prompt diagnosis at an authorized Honda dealer.
  • Ask the dealer to reference applicable TSBs or software updates and to note findings on the repair order.
  • If symptoms persist, escalate to Honda customer care and request a case number.
  • Review any active settlement site for claim submission windows and required proof.
  • Consider a consultation with a consumer-law attorney, especially if safety is implicated or repairs fail to resolve the problem.

Following a structured approach improves the likelihood of relief—whether through a recall repair, goodwill assistance, or, where applicable, a legal claim.

Summary

There is no single, universal lawsuit covering all 2016 Honda Pilots. The most cited legal actions involve alleged defects in the nine-speed automatic used on Touring and Elite trims; other lawsuits focus on different models or years. Some settlements address infotainment issues but generally do not include the 2016 Pilot. Check your VIN for recalls, consult a dealer for TSBs and updates, and review current class-action notices to see if your vehicle and symptoms are covered.

What is the recall on the 2016 Honda Pilot?

The 2016 Honda Pilot has been the subject of several recalls, most notably for a potential issue with the hood latch striker that could cause the hood to open unexpectedly while driving. Other recalls involved possible engine bearing failures leading to stalling or fires, and issues with the instrument panel warning lights not illuminating for safety systems. There was also a very limited recall for a potential fuel tank leak in 2016-model year vehicles.
 
Here are some of the key recalls for the 2016 Honda Pilot:

  • Hood Latch Striker: . Opens in new tabThis significant recall affects 2016-2019 Pilot models due to a potential gap between the hood and grill that can cause vibration and damage the hood latch striker over time. If the striker fails, the hood could open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view. 
  • Engine Connecting Rod Bearings: . Opens in new tabA recall in late 2023 addressed a manufacturing error in the connecting rod bearings of certain 2016 (and other model year) Pilots, which could lead to improper engine operation, stalling, or a fire risk. 
  • Instrument Panel Warning Lights: . Opens in new tabIn 2015, a recall was issued for vehicles, including some 2016 Pilots, where the instrument panel might not properly display warning lights for systems like the tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking, or electronic stability control. 
  • Fuel Tank Leaks: . Opens in new tabA small number of 2016 Honda Pilots were recalled due to a potential fuel leak from the fuel tank, which could present a fire hazard if an ignition source was present. 

How to Check for Recalls on Your Specific Vehicle
To check if your specific 2016 Honda Pilot is affected by any of these recalls, you should:

  1. Visit the Honda Owners Site: Honda website or a similar site like RepairPal. 
  2. Enter Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This will show you all open recalls for your vehicle. 
  3. Contact Your Local Honda Dealer: They can provide information and schedule any necessary repairs. 

How to join the Honda class action lawsuit?

HOW CAN I HELP? If you purchased or leased a 2016-2022 Honda Pilot; 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey; 2019-present Honda Passport; or 2020-present Honda Ridgeline vehicle as described and would like to learn more about the case, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 888.246. 9528.

Can I still join the class action lawsuit?

You can still join a class action lawsuit, but not necessarily as the lead plaintiff. If you have suffered similar injuries as the lead plaintiff, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit against the defendant. In this case, you’ll be referred to as a class member.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Honda for the pilot?

Yes, multiple class action lawsuits have targeted Honda regarding defects in the Honda Pilot, including one concerning the 9-speed automatic transmission (affecting models from 2016–2022) for issues like violent shaking and failure, and another for issues with the infotainment system in newer models (2020-2022) involving freezing, flickering screens, and other malfunctions. There is also a lawsuit related to a defective auto idle-stop feature that can cause the engine to stall. 
Transmission Defect 

  • Affected Models: 2016–2022 Honda Pilot, along with certain Odyssey, Passport, and Ridgeline models.
  • Alleged Problem: A defect in the 9-speed automatic transmission causes violent shaking, problems with acceleration, rough gear shifting, and potential transmission failure.
  • Current Status: Lawsuits like Moore v. Honda are ongoing, litigating these transmission issues.

Infotainment System Defect 

  • Affected Models: Newer models such as the 2020–2022 Honda Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey.
  • Alleged Problem: Issues with the infotainment system including loud popping, screen freezing or flickering, failure to connect devices, and unresponsive systems.
  • Current Status: Investigations and lawsuits are active for these infotainment defects, seeking reimbursement for repairs and compensation.

Auto Idle-Stop Feature Defect 

  • Affected Models: Includes Honda Pilot models from 2015–2023, and other Honda and Acura vehicles.
  • Alleged Problem: The auto idle-stop feature is designed to improve fuel efficiency but can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, making it difficult to restart and posing a risk to drivers.
  • Current Status: This defect has led to class action lawsuits and numerous consumer complaints to the NHTSA.

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