2016 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 4th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 602; 31 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 18.6; 306,299 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.53×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 156; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 Accord 2017 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2016 Honda Accord?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Honda Accord is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the screen and audio, mostly unusual noises (126 of 602 complaints). Owners also complain about the exterior bulbs or DRL and the 12V battery. 156 of the 602 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for daytime running light LEDs. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 76 and the 2017 scores 82.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 19-042 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 79
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Screen and audio: unusual noises126 complaints
Exterior lights: stopped working121 complaints
12V battery failure28 complaints

How the 2016 Accord Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.42×	−7
Everyday problems	0.78×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.39×	−5
Recalls	0.77×	−5
Score		79

What Owners Report

We read all 602 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Screen and audio: unusual noises
126 complaints (21%)
Unusual noises, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 20 of these 126 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Exterior lights: stopped working
121 complaints (20%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. In 17 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
12V battery failure
28 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and electrical short. 8 of these 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 11 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
27 complaints (4%)
Loss of steering control, warning lights and pulling or wandering. 14 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
24 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration, surging and did not slow down normally. 21 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
23 complaints (4%)
Stalling, surging and unusual noises. 11 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
ABS failure
21 complaints (3%)
A failure, warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Rearview camera: stopped working
21 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and dim picture with lines. 1 of these 21 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
15 complaints (2%)
Stalling, a loss of power and a failure that needed a new part. 11 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Starter failure
13 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, the car not starting and problems that come and go. 7 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
12 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and warning lights. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
12 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 10 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Tires: damage
10 complaints (2%)
Damage, parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
10 complaints (2%)
Failure or loss of drive, unusual noises and hesitation. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
9 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.

Show 53 more problems

Instrument cluster: works on and off
8 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and resets when car is turned off. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
8 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
8 complaints (1%)
Paint peeling, paint peeling / chipping and damage.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
8 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a fire. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
7 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
7 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure and a loss of power. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and a failure. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Rear window: optical distortion
6 complaints (1%)
Optical distortion. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system not working when needed and hard braking with nothing ahead. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and a failure.
Engine failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
4 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and unusual noises.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Seat belts: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and detached and yanked body with excessive force. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
CVT: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, slipping and hesitation. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
3 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and damage.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Engine sensors or computer failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a loss of power. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Frontal airbags: deployment burn
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment burn, deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Battery sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Rear window glass: optical distortion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Optical distortion and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Seats: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a failure and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and visual obstruction / recurring spots. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and weak airflow.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Engine (misfire codes): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Ignition or push-button start: not releasing
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing and problems that come and go. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and sun visor drops down.
Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part.
Child-restraint or LATCH strap: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Flywheel failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.
Interior lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Windshield wipers: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (43)

Show the 43 problems reported once

A/C compressor: stopped working
Ball joints and control arms: early wear
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Door latches: not closing or latching
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel injector failure
Fuel system
Fuel leak
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Key fob: stopped working
Acceleration kit failure
Auto idle stop system: stalling
Automatic high beam system failure
Battery charge sensor failure
Battery hold-down bracket: parts breaking or coming apart
Battery management sensor failure
Belt tensioner or alternator pulley failure
Child seat LATCH strap or anchor: parts breaking or coming apart
Collision avoidance systems: stopped working
Compass sending unit failure
Destabilizing rear rubber
Dual-mass flywheel failure
Emissions system
Engine gasket failure
Front doors: unusual noises
Front suspension failure
Rear oil leak (cause not stated)
Side-view camera: stopped working
Suspension or undercarriage: rust or corrosion
Suspension assembly failure
Trunk latch: the system acting on its own
Trunk lid or support: parts breaking or coming apart
Trunk light activation switch: stopped working
Wheel backing plate: unusual noises
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Sway bar links failure
Struts or shocks failure
Torque converter failure
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings failure
Wheel rim
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2016 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 9th generation, 2013 to 2017, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2018	Avoid	59	2.0×	54.4	6	Cylinder head gasket failure
2017	Excellent	82	0.48×	13.9	3	Screen and audio: unusual noises
2016 This year	Good	79	0.53×	18.6	4	Screen and audio: unusual noises
2015	Good	76	0.62×	17.4	6	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2014	Good	73	0.77×	24.6	5	Starter: the car not starting
2013	Caution	68	1.1×	36.5	5	Steering: pulling or wandering
2012	Excellent	84	0.28×	11.0	8	Steering: a leak

See every Accord year

2016 Honda Accord Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, other: fuel pump
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V060000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 29, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V418000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 19-042
Daytime running light LEDs
The problem:
Heat from the daytime running light LEDs can damage the light lens. Some LEDs then look partly lit or not lit.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the headlight assembly for free.
Who qualifies:
The daytime running lights must be partly lit or not lit. The VIN must show as eligible. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2016 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

2-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Fuel system, other: fuel pump NHTSA 19V060000
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery NHTSA 17V418000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

19-042: daytime running light LEDs

On the Test Drive

Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Screen and audio
Exterior bulbs or DRL
12V battery
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.