Used 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A) Consumer Reviews
Used Pilot for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2016 Honda Pilot "soft pedal" issue
larry, Murrieta, CA, 06/27/2016
updated 01/10/2025
Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
163 of 169 people found this review helpful
As long-time Honda Accord V-6 owners (3 since 1999) and realizing that we wanted something larger, we began to research the 2016 re-designed Pilot a year ago. After visiting dealerships several times and looking at all facets of the SUV, we purchased an EX-L with Honda Sensing in November 2016. The only options we added were color-matched side trim moldings and rear bumper applique, both of which greatly protect from door dings to sides and suitcase scratches to rear bumper....highly recommend. Incidently, we got the dealership to include both in negotiated purchase price, at no extra cost, including labor to install. We did get wheel locks and etched window security ID number, but declined upgraded security system....a $1000 add-on and dealer money-maker. We presently have 4500 miles on the vehicle, including 2 trips of 800 miles each, mostly interstate both times, with gas mileage on those trips of 28.5 miles both. Recently we had a rock, or object, hit the center of our right front fog light lens in the bumper, shattering it. I thought this would be a relatively easy fix....NOT!! The lens had to be ordered, and second appointment scheduled (18 mile round trip) for replacement. The lens (only...not the actual light assembly) was $70 and $120 for 35 minutes labor to replace...a total of $191....outrageous!!! These are available on-line from various sources quite reasonable, and there are how-to videos online showing how to replace them, which I would do next time. While there for replacement, I mentioned to the service advisor that I had noticed for sometime, but more so the past several weeks, that the brake pedal seemed "soft" when coming to stop signs or lights, and that recently, when stopped at a light in a line of traffic, the car would initially stop OK, but the brake pedal would then slowly depress, nearly to the floor, requiring increasing attention and pressure to prevent the vehicle from "creeping" forward....a safety concern. His response was, "yes, Honda is a aware of this, so far terming it a "soft pedal issue", and they are watching it". I indicated to him my concern this is ultimately a safety concern, and he indicated that "it does not seem to be present or happening with all 2016 Pilots, but likely will require a "fix", ie: a recall or software update". If buying a 2016, you need to be aware of this. Our last feature we dislike the most is the Infotainment Center in this particular model. Everything is touch, slide, and as many reviews have indicated, NOT user friendly or intuitive. The hardcopy owners manual gives you very little specific info on the vehicle. Fortunately, there is a CD for use in your computer that gives you detailed info...how to set or adjust outside temperature reading on dash; how to change bass/treble/balance/front-rear balance on radio/sound system....look at it...well worth the time. Overall, a very nice vehicle with some "hiccups" Honda needs to correct. Update: 12,000 miles on vehicles, with no new glitches. Overall, very happy with vehicle, with the exception of the above noted issues. We still hate the info center and digital technology. The radio is "crap' with lousy sound. The "soft pedal" issue continues, maybe slightly better, but still present. On my most recent service visit to Honda I had the service advisor check their tech bulletins to see if Honda was addressing the issue in any way.......NO....."just watching it". Update: 18400 miles now at 19 months since purchased. Still really like the vehicle overall, with the exception of the Infotainment/audio system, which has been described above. The soft pedal issue remains...maybe somewhat improved, but suspect more likely we have "adjusted" to it. We've taken 2 major trips the past several months....one from southern CA to Denver and back, heavily loaded both ways. The other from southern CA to the north end of Vancouver Island and back. Average 28.6 miles per gallon on both trips. Quite happy with mileage and performance. No problems to date with the vehicle. Update: We've now owned this vehicle 25 months, with 23,000 miles driven. No problems of any type except as noted above. We still think the infotainment system is very poor. The "soft-pedal" issue seems to no longer be a problem, but again, suspect we have just "adjusted" to it. We've had no mechanical issues with the car, and it has required only routine service and tire rotations. I've noted many "consumer reviews" on the vehicle note "sluggish to drive" and "under-powered", neither of which has been an issue for us. The V-6 provides more than adequate power and response. Then vehicle is very comfortable on long trips. I would have NO problem recommending it to prospective buyer. Update: We've owned the vehicle 32 months, with 31,000 miles driven, including several lengthy trips. We've had no mechanical problems with the vehicle, other than routine oil changes and tier rotations. Still hate the infotainment center. Update......I've now owned this vehicle soon-to-be 8 years and just turned 80K miles. Great car. No mechanical issues...replaced tires once with Michelins. It still has original brake pads. Routine maintenance and tire rotations, as recommended. Absolutely love the car....except for infotainment center as noted in prior reviews....and would likely buy another, although the Kia Telluride might give me pause. Update....1/9/2025....I have now owned the vehicle 7+ years with NO problems. Soon to need a new set of tires, as the current ones have 50K+. Just turned over 84K on the car. my biggest issue remains the infotainment center, which I hate!! Otherwise, love the vehicle and highly recommend.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Going strong over 7 years!
Jean Curran, Coeur D Alene, ID, 01/26/2016
updated 08/29/2024
Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
My 2016 Honda Pilot continues to be an enjoyable vehicle to drive. I have approximately 70,500 miles on the vehicle and I have no plans to trade it in. I live in snow country and this vehicle gets me where I need to go. The traction selection is a definite plus. The vehicle still provides a comfortable ride, plenty of storage space and very respectable mileage. Since my last review, the vehicle has had normal maintenance. Honda builds a great product! So happy I chose the Pilot over a Toyota Highlander.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2016 Honda Pilot for sale near you
Showing 3 of 41 listings
- EX-L 4dr SUVMSRP: $21,90191 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,9959 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $22,35493 mi away
See all 41 listings
Down hill from 2005 pilot
Orion Smith, Myrtle Beach, SC, 11/16/2015
Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
19 of 24 people found this review helpful
Former owner 2005 pilot my wife loved 2005 pilot and took better than excellent care of it Honda offered a offensive trade in value of $5000 on a new 2016 pilot, even after bring offended with trade in offer and because my wife liked the pilot we had for over 11 years I went ahead and bought the 2016 pilot and gave the 2005 pilot to my daughter. I knew the 2016 pilot was not equipped as well as most other makes in same price range, what didn't know was how poor the quality and function of included equipment is! Interior so called leather looks like cheap plastics, hands free phone system is a joke you can't understand what callers are saying, Honda put in new microphone (didn't help) would like to disable system so it won't interfere with cell phone,back seat entertainment is so difficult for children to use and requires someone in front to help, the kids use iPad instead, also there is no connection in back seat to recharge iPad has to be connected at front seat, Car is under powered if you use fuel economy feature, the only real complaint I had with 2005 pilot was road noise 2016 pilot is little or no better 11 years later, weather striping around doors is as flimsy and cheep as I have ever seen. I have only had car 31/2 months who knows how lt will go from here?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
awsome supersized super vehicle
shivaji sanap, East Hampton, NY, 09/15/2015
updated 03/23/2017
Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Hello, Extremely happy to own my PILOT 2016 EX-L with honda-sensing. It will complete 2 years in July 2017, as i am one of the early owners . Have about 28k mileage as of today, thoroughly enjoyed every second and minute of the ride with pride. AWD system seems to be one of the best as I could feel and see that the vehicle maintains same speed on uphill roads without changing gas pedal pressure, I could see most of the vehicles falling behind irrespective of the brand and AWD or FWD systems they may have, in summary the AWD system somehow manages the power distribution in efficient way which is treat to experience in real life driving. Not a single incidence of disruptive nature, always dependable. Again be yourself and go for what you like, this review in no way to influence anyone's decisions, just real experience.. with due respect to individual choices and all the brands. Purchased exl with honda sensing on 7/22 , currently have 3800 miles, super powerful, steady, responsive vehicle, no issues whatsoever, I do not care m6ch about finger marks on infitainment tab as indicated by some of the respected owners. This vehicle could be compared with some of the best on road, I would not say it will beat cayene or x5 but I have seen that it responds and keeps going on the highways effortlessly with excellent command and agility. By the way , with all due respect to other brands which I reserched and some test driven, i am m very happy to come across few artcles on pilot 2016 and choosing to visit honda dealership with family for test drive, my family and myself were so impressed with external and internal looks so finalized on pilot. Had to struggle to get color & model for few weeks, no discounts from msrp as of 7/22 but extremely happy to have this big beast, lots of space, power, ease to operate...
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Terrible Radio Reception
S. Flores, Martinsville, VA, 04/15/2016
Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV w/Honda Sensing (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Do not buy a Pilot if you listen to local radio stations. None of the stations are tolerable. They are ALL staticky, volume changing, and fade in and mostly out. I called Honda and they "logged" the issue. The representative did admit that she had heard about this issue before. Another problem is the touch screen being slow to respond. It's frustrating not having a volume knob. The hooks in the cargo area are too high to attach a standard grocery bag. Storage space and compartments are otherwise well thought out. Mileage around town is 22mpg on Eco setting. The ride is smooth and quiet.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value