Most common 2016 Honda Accord problems
Share of the 610 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Accord complaints by model year
Best Accord years: 2023, 2011, 2012. Years to avoid: 2018, 2013, 2019, 2014, 2003. Compare all years →
2016 Honda Accord recalls (4)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
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.
Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017.
What 2016 Honda Accord owners say
Electrical system all 199 →
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and other unknown warning lights temporarily illuminated, and the vehicle almost shut off. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving on two other occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that upon jumpstarting the vehicle, the vehicle shut off again after disconnecting the jumper cables. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and removing the key from the ignition, the instrument cluster lights flickered for an extended period. The contact ordered an alternator from Amazon and replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, air sensor, hand brake, and a steering wheel with an exclamation mark warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the battery was replaced to fix the issues; however, several days later the warning lights returned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V418000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,647.
Lights all 128 →
Both low beam headlights burn out at the "same time". This has happened twice in 1 year. I have not had any inspections done yet. If this happens at night or in a tunnel it could be life threatening. Purchased used from a friend who has taken care of the vehicle. I have not checked with him to see if he ever had it happen due to he is no longer living here. First time I just replaced both bulbs and they worked fine. Now about 8 months later same problem. No moisture visible. High beams work but only when switch is in automatic mode. I will replace again, nothing else I can do at the moment.
The Daytime Running lights are only half effective/lit. Apparently, Honda extended the warranty, but notified owners by regular mail and I did not receive it. Now, they claim the extended warranty (ten years) has run out, but I had noticed about half the LED strip was not working for about 2 or three years now. Too bad Honda chose to mail regular notices and is now using that as cover for not replacing my lights.
Engine & cooling all 46 →
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the check engine, power steering, traction control, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power, but the driver was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the gear shift indicator was blank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved code: P2138 (Incorrect voltage position sensor and throttle body sensor). The throttle body and accelerator pedal were replaced, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was a loud static sound coming through the speaker while the radio was turned off. The contact was unable to hear any audible sounds the vehicle might have made. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the battery, battery cable, fuel pump, and engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
2016 Honda Accord engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 33 / 25 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Honda Accord a good car?
Based on 610 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Accord rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Accord at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Honda Accord?
The electrical system — 199 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the lights (128) and engine & cooling (46).
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda Accord have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2016 Honda Accord, the most recent from May 21, 2026 (front passenger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Accord?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2011 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2013, 2019, 2014 and 2003. See the full Honda Accord years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Accord problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 69% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.