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Reasons not to buy a 2016 Honda Pilot

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85K views 244 replies 75 participants last post by  TommyBoy  
#1 · (Edited)
Please share things you didn't like about the 2016 Third Generation Honda Pilot.

1. No 8-seat option for US Elite (and Canadian Touring)

2. No LED headlights for non Elite models in US (or non Touring in Canada). Mediocre stock halogens are installed. Many were installing alternatives - http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114...ird-generation-pilot/77642-aftermarket-led-hid-headlights-2016-honda-pilot.html

3. No USB power in the 2nd/3rd model except US Elite or Cdn Touring.

4. Top part of the windshield was not tinted, all models.

I don't hate my Pilot. In fact, I love it. But it doesn't mean there aren't thing I dislike about it.

Let's see if the mods wil move this thread to the wasteland too.

[Updated on Mar 27 to include points raised by others]

5. Poor reception to FM radio stations, the sound constantly fades in and out during driving. See the buried 50+ page thread - http://www.piloteers.org/forums/19-audio-electronics/83922-fm-radio-sound-quality-problem.html

6. The factory subwoofer is so weak that is almost non-existent. Modification to after-market sub is complicated as it will conflict with the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system. See this thread - http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114-2016-third-generation-pilot/101977-anc.html

7. The Idle Engine Stop (for US Elite and Canadian Touring) turned "on" by default every time you turn on the car. If you don't want it, you have to turn it off manually each time you turn of the car. See - http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114.../forums/114-2016-third-generation-pilot/104361-idle-stop-suggestions-honda.html

8. No Apple Carplay. Not really an "issue", but those that absolutely have to have this should no purchase this vehicle.

9. The wimpy horn - http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114-2016-third-generation-pilot/85474-wimpy-horn.html

10. One more, for the Canadian Pilots only. Every time you start the car, the infotainment system displays the same safety warning message, and you MUST press "OK" in order for the message to go away. Did I mention that you must do this each time you start the car? If not, it locks the screen to a clock display. Then you have to press "back" and then "OK" to unlock the screen. Yes, it is a minor annoyance, not an issue. But it's just really really ANNOYING!!
 
#16 · (Edited)
Yes, but what really matters is in the details. If none of these reasons are deal breakers for perspective buyers, that means they could make their purchases being fully aware of the minor imperfections. This is the good, positive, outcome intended. For others that were bothered by what they read here, it is also a good thing for them to find out before making the purchase, isn't it?

To balance the views, others are reminded to read the thread you started:
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114.../114-2016-third-generation-pilot/101873-what-your-favorite-part-your-pilot.html
 
#4 ·
Please share things you didn't like about the 2016 Third Generation Honda Pilot.



1. No LED headlights for non Elite.

2. No USB power in the 2nd/3rd model except Elite.

3. Top part of the windshield was not tinted.



Let's see if the mods wil move this thread to the wasteland too.


The Touring has USB in the second row.
 
#6 ·
For what it’s worth, when i was venting about my stereo, I was amazed at the few folks who would just bash about how I couldn’t afford the car, how the car was perfect, and how I had anger issues. I kept waiting for the intercom to say "(enter user name here) you have a sales call line one! (enter user name here) you have a sales call on line one, customer waiting!" I mean what gives? Many people (if not the entire fleet) have (has) issues with their radios, let them vent. They paid upwards of $40K on this ride, some of which can barely can afford this car. However that is not the issue, the issue is Honda has put out and continues to put out a substandard product. And that is unacceptable.

For those who don't have (or think they don’t have the same issue), you don’t have to belittle those who are venting. I mean, they are really fighting your fight. They are putting Honda on notice to make the needed changes to this car so that you will have a better product, better resale values. If you actually have the car, own the car and your radio is fine, what value do you add by saying “Mine is fine, must be you”? Especially, since there are many documented cases of where the system is substandard using ALL inputs to the stereo.

I was one of the first to note the tranny issue (recall), roof rack poor installation (recall) and the radio (pending partial recall). I was bullied by a few, but I know that I was right and I felt bad when others would say, "I thought that he was just complaining and now I have the same issue. What do I do?" I have received many PM’s of folks saying “what do I do?” all I could say is open a case and hopefully Honda will get it right. But there are many (to many if you ask me) Who are on full blast, saying that there is no issues, just adding confusion to the issue. If your radio has no issues then go to the thread for folks who have no issues!

Truth be told, I bet that some of you have more skin in the game than you let on to have. I am 99 positive that there are several folks on this forum are employed by Honda in some capacity or another. In fact, I would be disappointed in Honda if there wasn't. However, I would expect those folks to assist members with their issues, not to be an accessory to deception. I would also expect those members to reach out to engineering and sales to report what is being mentioned by the end users so that corrections could be made for the 2016 Pilot not the 2017 Pilot as it is rumored.

To those who say "You can afford the car, that why you are complaining". Or “just give the remote to the 4 year old kid in back to start the DVD" that is plain rude and it adds no value to the conversation.

"(enter user name here) you have a sales call line one! (enter user name here) you have a sales call on line one, customer waiting!"



 
#7 ·
Yeah I don't have the car anymore, but someone needs to stick up for the little guy who is getting ready to get reamed! You do your due diligence and you run into a rigged game. You can't win for trying. This is capitalism at its worst! I wonder if this is part of the reason why Burnie and the Donald are doing so well....
 
#8 · (Edited)
It is just a car. Enjoy your health. Spend time with your loved ones.

The Pilot is still a great vehicle. I would buy it again despite of the minor things I don't like. I am realistic, and would never ask for a perfect vehicle. There is not such a thing.

What really bothered me was the way dirt got swept under the rug here.
 
#12 ·
This Pilot is the first new car that I don't buy the version with all the bells and whistles. I just couldn't go the route of captains seats in the second row, so I had to stick with the Touring. It's a shame, there were a couple small features that I would've loved on this vehicle. Like LEDs lights.
 
#13 ·
I'm 100% certain that every one of your points are easily discovered by test driving and spending a bit of time checking out the vehicle. It's not as though someone told you that those items were included, and then you discovered they weren't when you got it home.

My point is, if the car doesn't fit your needs and desires, don't buy it. I'm sure you can find what you are looking for somewhere else.

That said, numbers 2, 3 and 4 are all very easy to change, and for fairly cheap.
 
#14 ·
Thank you for your insights. Like MiRod407, I need the 8 seats, and a screen in the 2nd row. In Canada, that means only one choice: EXL RES. I couldn't have more even I was prepared to pay more.

Anyway, this thread is NOT about buyers remorse. I was fully aware of what I was buying, and as I said, I love my Pilot.

This thread is about sharing information with perspective buyers, so they could make an informed decision for their purchases too.
 
#17 ·
Well I only had my Pilot for 2 hours, but when I did have it, the stereo seemed fined, but then again I didn't really get to play with it. I usually just listen to XM so I don't think it would affect me to much. But for HondaCare, I don't believe in such a thing, like I said I only had my vehicle for 2 hours before I had to take it back to get fixed. Now its been 17 days and no pilot in my driveway, and the Honda is trying to fix it again. Last attempt before lemon law, should have bought a Highlander or Pathfinder. Even if it does get fixed, Ill probably buy the new 2017 Highlander.
 
#18 ·
Indeed, I saw your thread, it must have been frustrating.
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/114...4-2016-third-generation-pilot/102905-less-than-25-miles-check-engine-light.html

I looked at the Highlander a few months ago, the main deal breaker for me was the impossible 3rd row seating designed only for little people. The Pathfinder was my second choice, I really like their all-around camera. But it is plagued with a wide spread transmission problem. That is why I ended up with a Pilot. But after waiting 6 months for delivery, it definitely added a very unpleasant memory to my experience of this vehicle.
 
#19 ·
The reason I picked the Pilot because of the safety features and technology which the Pathfinder doesn't have. It in fact has very little tech. for what you pay. The 2017 Highlander looks awesome and carries the same tech (maybe not as much the Pilot). I understand why I got was a Lemon and the chances of it happening again are slim to none, and I know that no matter what brand I go with, I will probably have the same hurdles to jump through.
 
#28 · (Edited)
I'm surprised to see so few people complaining about the *forbidden* issue.


None.

Cannot put it any more simple than that. Yes, the Pilot has some features that annoy me, but I would buy it again. It's a perfect fit for my needs and my family.


biz
0:)0:)
The Pilot isn't really perfect if there are things that annoy you. Let's hear them.
 
#22 ·
Many people confusing "want" and "need". I *wanted* 8 seats. I *need* 4 seats. I did NOT want the RES, but I DID want the 9 speed. The Touring was a nice balance for me.
My point was that their are several other cars on the market that fit your "needs". Yes, they cost more, but that is the trade off.

No car on the market will ever make everyone happy. Personally, buying a new car is an adventure in data collection. I like spreadsheets. When beginning the search for my next car, I collect specs and data. I give each spec or feature a weighted score. I end up with a one or two cars in the top ranking. Then I test drive them several times. For me, not a single thing has come up that I haven't been happy with. But that is because I knew what I was getting. Sure, FM radio sucks. But that didn't matter for me, as I haven't listened to FM in many years. No LED headlights.. No problem, Xenon retrofit is cheap and easy. No USB in 3rd row? Didn't matter, a) there is a 12v outlet back there b) anyone sitting back there is likely 5~8 years old, and doesn't need it.

I guess my point is that this forum has turned into a 24/7 *****-fest about the 3rd gen pilot. I don't know anyone that doesn't know up front that the first year of a new generation car is never perfect. It's the tester. they put it out for the market to buy, get feedback, change the next one.

I would love to see this forum have many more posts about how people have changed their Pilots to fit them better.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Reasons not to buy a Third Gen Honda Pilot

....I guess my point is that this forum has turned into a 24/7 *****-fest about ....

That is pretty much how Internet forums work a lot of the time. People need a place to vent among others with similar problems.

I find it best to monitor the venting, but not to try to tell people their venting is wrong.

The purpose of this thread, for example, is to allow people to vent about reasons they would not purchase a 2016 pilot.

There are positive threads out there, and I would encourage people to create more.
 
#29 ·
Working FM radio, small Mooonroof, lack of memory seats on the EXL, no CarPlay/AA and hitch not standard on AWD models.

In all, great car. I can live without everything except the stupid FM radio not working.
 
#31 · (Edited)
Working FM radio, small Mooonroof, lack of memory seats on the EXL, no CarPlay/AA and hitch not standard on AWD models.
I am all for it if people has specific functional issue and want it fixed such as the FM radio.
Thank you for bringing up an important reason. It doesn't look positive that Honda will be fixing it anytime soon, or at all.
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/19-...audio-electronics/102817-breaking-news-fm-radio-issue-update-3.html#post1077713
 
#30 ·
It's so funny. The 2nd generation Pilot was way outdated yet people bought it don't have that much regrets as we see here. Is that because people hoped too much or being too cheap? This car is not perfect as no car will, but really darn good. I am all for it if people has specific functional issue and want it fixed such as the FM radio. But to list all the dislikes as reasons not to buy it, I think people better use their two legs rather than travel with a car as you will never find a car you completely like even you spend a million bucks. Sorry for this little rant! I hope we all stick to the constructive chat to help each other on this forum.
 
#36 ·
Prospective buyer here. My wife is pregnant and we need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle fairly soon here. Don't have room in our honda civic for 2 adults, a dog, and a baby. I won't buy anything else other than toyota or honda. Seen too many competitors break down and have random mechnical issues. Toyota requires you to buy their highlander limited if you want the new safety features. I'm not paying $4k extra for stuff we don't want (navi and ent system). So, we are getting the 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L w/ sensing. No other option really. Our absolute cutoff date is Thanksgiving. Is it worth it to try to wait for the 2017? Are these issues showstoppers? I don't really want to pay MSRP for a 2017 either. We can get a pilot right now for $850 over invoice thru the costco program. I'm just waiting on a good financing deal - maybe during a holiday weekend.
 
#37 ·
This "i hate my pilot" on this forum is becoming ridiculous. Your list is more of personal issue. There's no perfect car so find what fits your needs.

1. Honda of Canada usually dont get the same models as U.S. This issue should be address towards Honda of Canada.

2.LED headlights? It's a Honda. What other vehicle SUV has LED headlights without paying for premium price?

3. 2nd row seat can use the center console with 6ft cord. Rear has cig socket and you can buy a usb plug for it for under $10. I prefer to the plug adapter as I can get a good one that gets the full +2amps.

4. Honda doesn't tints the top part from factory. Most car manufactures doesn't.

5. FM reception issue? Try the 2016 civic its a lot worse. Honda usually addresses the safety/mechanical issues first then minor issues. Even the major issues Honda takes months to get as fix as these issues are 3rd party related.

if you can find me the perfect 8 seater SUV for $30kUS I'll more than happy to sell mine for a loss. These small issues isn't enough reason to not buy the pilot. Check the competition and compare. Find out what suits you and what small issues you can live with. I check all the other cars and I came back to Honda because there's a lot more positive than negatives.
 
#38 ·
This "i hate my pilot" on this forum is becoming ridiculous. Your list is more of personal issue.

if you can find me the perfect 8 seater SUV for $30kUS I'll more than happy to sell mine for a loss. These small issues isn't enough reason not to buy the Pilot. Check the competition and compare. Find out what suits you and what small issues you can live with. I check all the other cars and I came back to Honda because there's a lot more positive than negatives.
It is the opposite. I love my Pilot. While I am pointing out a few things that didn't like, but I never regret my purchase. Thyis is the only personal opinion that I intended to share. For rest of my posts, I only intended to share facts, and let the readers decide whether they are relevant to them. If it didn't come across that way, I apologize.

By the way, everything that pointed out applied to the US models. I also made references to the Canadian Touring a couple of times, in parentheses. If you didn't like that, ignore them please. All my points were still valid towards the US Elite or Touring.

You were absolutely correct that I could not find a better alternative of the Pilot based on my needs and budget. This is why I purchased a Pilot, and I enjoy it very much. I am in complete agreement with you that perspective buyers should do their research and find out what works best for them. I am merely laying them out for them, as facts. It is up to them to interpret how important they are. How is this ridiculous?
 
#45 · (Edited)
Reasons:

-Non functioning FM radio
-Infotainment is complete junk.
-Honda's poor decision making that resulted in these problems is likely reflective of an overall issue with their corporate culture...

For example, I came across this post on jalopnik that immediately reminded me of this thread and Honda's indifference to those of us who have raised an issue:
Honda, Takata Attempted An Undisclosed Fix On Airbags: Report

Here are some key excerpts that I feel are relevant to what I'm saying:
The redesign, Martin said, was in order to “protect against the possibility of future manufacturing errors—it was not an acknowledgement of a larger design flaw in the inflators.” As a result, the companies kept the request quiet.
and the attorneys and law professors questioned by Reuters said asking for a redesign shows that Honda understood just how risky the inflators were—five years before making widespread recalls in 2014.
People can say whatever they want, there really is no justifiable reason that Honda released a vehicle in the year 2016 without a fully functioning feature as basic as a FM radio, none.

I really was close to loving my Pilot if not for the radio/infotainment, but Honda's handling (or lack thereof) of this situation has really rubbed me the wrong way and it now troubles me how Honda would handle a safety issue should one arise.

Also, IMO the navigation in the EX-L is so bad that no one should even consider getting an EXL w/ nav, just get the EXL if this is the model you're considering.
 
#59 · (Edited)
Regarding the clock issue being experienced by Optivity. I checked my email this morning and had one from a contact at the Honda dealer's service department:

"Hi xxxxx, I did find a software update for navigation, If you have this issue with your Pilot we can perform update for you

In some 2016 Pilot vehicles, an error in the audio-navigation software may prevent proper shutdown of the
audio-navigation system when the vehicle is turned off. If the system does not properly shutdown, the
audio-navigation screen may appear blank the next time the vehicle is turned on, or the vehicle's battery
may drain. Additionally, the wallpaper display clock may not display the first digit of the time when the clock turns from 9:59 to 10:00, The customer may see 0:00 on the audio-navigation display instead of 10:00."

I'd suggest getting in touch with your service department again and give them a giant boot up the rear. Funnily enough, I hadn't emailed my contact in a couple of weeks and this email was completely out of the blue.
 
#63 ·
I love the Idle stop, if I need the engine to stay running after it shuts off at a stop sign, I twist the steering wheel a little and the engine starts and stays running.
The gas milage is amazing for a 4.300lbs suv, idle stop and the 3cylinder shut down is so cool.