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Honda · NHTSA safety record

2016 Honda Pilot

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 1,709 safety complaints about the 2016 Honda Pilot with the US government. Of those, 23 describe a crash, 10 mention a fire, 20 people were injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 771 complaints, 45% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 50,000 miles, the median across the 735 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers July 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

1,709 complaints on file

1,709

Complaints

23

Describe a crash

10

Mention fire

20

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 2 defect investigations are open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 771 · 45%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 579 · 34%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 291 · 17%
POWER TRAIN 201 · 12%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 170 · 10%
STRUCTURE 53 · 3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 45 · 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 39 · 2%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 37 · 2%
SERVICE BRAKES 29 · 2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 25 · 1%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 18 · 1%
0 312 623

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 1,709.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2022 at 247.

260 195 130 65
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2016 Honda PILOT, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 16.4% 17.5%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

26V365000 · June 4, 2026

The defect
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
The risk
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 remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 880,514 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

23V858000 · December 18, 2023

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 2,490,460 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

23V751000 · November 13, 2023

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
The risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 248,999 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

21V932000 · November 29, 2021

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
The risk
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 724,826 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

17V219000 · March 30, 2017

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 136 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

16V417000 · June 9, 2016

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 39 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

15V668000 · October 16, 2015

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems".
The risk
If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV7.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 35,406 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

15V424000 · July 6, 2015

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner.
The risk
If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 1,358 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

4 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Engine failure

PE25008

Still open preliminary evaluation · opened August 20, 2025

the engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline.  The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013).  It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by Honda in Recall 23V-751.  Based on analysis of data from RQ24013, NHTSA has closed that investigation. The significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of RQ24013 presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.  To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages

EA25004

Still open engineering analysis · opened March 26, 2025

the engine and its cooling

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Engine failure

RQ24013

Closed recall query · opened November 8, 2024 · closed August 20, 2025

the engine

On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis of all available data from Honda has not indicated that the same manufacturing defect exists in the out-of-scope engines as the engines recalled by 23V-751. Based on this analysis ODI has determined that Honda has properly defined the scope of recall 23V-751. Consequently, ODI will close this RQ investigation.  NHTSA will continue to investigate these complaints of engine failure as part of a new Preliminary Evaluation Investigation (PE25008). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages

PE22005

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened June 3, 2022 · closed March 26, 2025

the engine and its cooling

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA25004, to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope for the Engineering Analysis to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaigns. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SERVICE BRAKES

8 injured · crash · towed · 15,000 miles

I HAD PULLED OUT OF A PARKING PLACE AND WAS WAITING IN THE TRAFFIC LANE TO EXIT THE AREA. THERE WERE TWO CARS IN FRONT OF US. THE CARS WERE STOPPED. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 20-25 FEET BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE IN MY CAR TO LET IT IDLE FORWARD. AS I APPROACHED THE YUKON I REAPPLIED THE BRAKE. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUNDED LIKE FULL RPM'S AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR SLAMMED INTO THE YUKON WITH SUCH AN IMPACT THAT BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG HIT ME IN THE FACE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT REACH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SHE IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED SEVERE CHEST PAIN AND RAPID HEART

NHTSA complaint 11032866, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · towed · 44,500 miles

WE WERE HIT ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELLING AT AN ESTIMATED 90-100 MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN IT WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FIRST. THE FORCE OF THAT IMPACT PUSHED MY VEHICLE INTO A LARGE BOX TRUCK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE POLICE STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THE EXTREME FORCE OF THE IMPACT.

NHTSA complaint 11307300. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 injured · crash · towed · 6,400 miles

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND PUSHING THE BRAKE LIGHTLY, THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND STRUCK A CONCRETE WALL. THE ENGINE REVVED UP AS IF IT WAS REALLY TAKING OFF. IT JUMPED A CURB ON THE WAY TO THE WALL, STRUCK THE BUILDING AND THEN ENGINE WENT BACK TO NORMAL RUNNING.

NHTSA complaint 10970351. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

Car hit pole head on, airbags did not deploy. Dash indicated SRS airbag failure

NHTSA complaint 11661135. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

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. This issue is an exact match to the mechanical defect and symptoms detailed in NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 23V751000 (Improperly ground crankshaft pins causing premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure). However, when running my vehicle's 17-digit VIN, the system states that my vehicle is excluded from the recall list. This is a severe, life-threatening safety hazard. The engine is at immediate risk of throwing a rod, throwing metal

NHTSA complaint 11767959, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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.

NHTSA complaint 11768126. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My 2016 Honda Pilot had a U3000-49- Integrated Driver Assist System code. Multipurpose Camera Unit Internal Electronic Failure. It has been happening intermittently for the past 2 weeks. No lane assist. No safety features.

NHTSA complaint 11767756. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
In order to complete the safety recall on the rear subframe, the control arms, which are seized to the frame, need to be removed. Honda will cover the cost of these parts but not the labor associated with replacing them. The labor was quoted as $900. I’m unable to see the specific components covered under the recall, but reading the general description, I don’t understand how I’m responsible for any cost to complete the recall. I’ve spoken with the dealer and filed a complaint with Honda Care and have been repeatedly denied.

NHTSA complaint 11767081. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
The car has spent its entire life in southern Arizona; no road salt and minimal moisture. Both front struts were required to be replaced - the front right strut had rusted and broken from its mount and the the front left strut was rusted in place.

NHTSA complaint 11767159. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

251,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to continue driving but at a reduced power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the fuel level was near half a tank. However, after refueling the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 251,000.

NHTSA complaint 11766869. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Honda Pilot

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 22 1 —
2025 202 4 —
2024 114 6 —
2023 144 5 —
2022 160 5 —
2021 436 10 —
2020 489 11 —
2019 907 13 —
2018 440 7 —
2017 929 4 —
2015 109 4 —
2014 116 3 —
2013 271 6 —
2012 171 9 —
2011 293 11 —
2010 111 10 —

Other 2016 Honda models

Civic 1,081 Accord 607 CR-V 393 Odyssey 270 HR-V 239 FIT 120

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Honda on this site — 192 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst