Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the transmission fluid was replaced. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, DTC: 03 flashed on the transmission shifter display. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who indicated that DTC: P0741 was retrieved, indicating that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle performed normally, but the dealer insisted that the transmission needed to be replaced to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated upon parking the vehicle, the dashboard lights were turned off. Additionally, the contact attempted to shift into drive(D) but the gear shifter remained seized in the park(P). The contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to drive; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the mechanic was not able to duplicate the failure. The dealer later informed the contact that the fuse box underneath the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 50,100.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated while the gear shifter was in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they originally serviced the vehicle under warranty and flushed the transmission. Recently, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The contact was provided a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
1) power train system and anti lock brake system. Base on the code found in the fix finder report my solutions were to replace the fuel pump and battery. The battery was changed one week ago and it is telling me that the battery must be change again due to an electrical issue. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) While driving my car began to accelerate picking up speed by itself and then suddenly dropped the speed. I had to pull over and stop the car. 3)unknown 4)No 5)The engine light, power steering light turned on today 8/11/2023 while driving. My car began to drive strange and accelerating by itself.
I was driving and the skid, brake, ABS and steering light came on. I was with my kids so I immediately slowed down and contacted my mechanic. We initially thought it would be a sensor. After hooking it up, it was detected to be the ABS Brake module. After further research this is a "normal" issue. A new module is expensive $2500 with the dealer and is on back order for 3 months. We have shipped the module to CA (I'm in TN) to get it "repaired". I have been without a car for 3weeks and still waiting. This is insane and should be recalled. I hope the "repair" fixes the issue.
Transmission failed after less than 24 hours of "symptoms." Car started shuddering around 3:45 pm on a Thursday and by 8:30 am on Friday the transmission has totally failed. This put my safety at risk because I had no prior indications of a problem and suddenly, while driving the car, was unable to accelerate without the car shaking and shuddering making it impossible for me to keep up with the speed of traffic and nearly be hit multiple times. The car is currently at the dealership awaiting a second opinion and confirmation by dealership.
Went out driving with my family, and next thing I know. I have a check engine light active, after having three diagnostic tests ran my vehicle, it was determined that it was my low pressure fuel pump is going bad. And now being notified that the high pressure fuel pump is needing a replacement. I have noticed there was a recall between the years of 2013-2017 Honda Accords. I have a 2016 with the same problems as the recall. My vehicle just barely broke fifty thousand miles.
In 2021, Its been told my starter is beginning to fail. Takes multiple attempts to start car. Does not happen every start up, and seem to not happen when taken in for diagnosis. Mechanic says until it does it everyday don't worry about. Its becoming more frequent, and now the car runs loud and hard. Had a previous issue and had both catalyst converters, and since then its been problem after problem.
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Honda Accord, 5% of the model year's 610 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda Accord transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Honda Accord, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.