Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 599 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Accord, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 108 | 18% |
| Electrical system | 102 | 17% |
| Unknown or other | 56 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 40 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 3% |
| Engine | 16 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 3% |
| Power train | 13 | 2% |
| Steering | 13 | 2% |
| Structure | 12 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The radio outputs very loud static whether the radio is on or off. The static is so loud that it is difficult to hear emergency vehicles. Yes, dealerships have recreated the noise. There are no warning lights or sounds a
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
A loud static sound has been sporadically coming out of my 2016 Honda Accord, which startled me and my daughter while driving a couple of times while driving. This sound appears to come out of the speakers; we turn off t
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Have had ongoing issues with audio display dashboard crashes. And also AirPlay not working. The are videos all over the in the internet about these issues, including YouTube videos. This is not isolated. The concern
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
For the last few months I have had an intermittent issue with my 2016 ex-l v6 accord. It started as occasional stalling at traffic lights. The car would stall out, and after about 20 seconds I could turn the car back on,
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The OEM audio/navigation system in my 2016 Honda Accord is emitting extremely loud static from all speakers after 10 minutes of the engine on. This occurs even when the audio system is turned off. It is extremely distr
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
When the outside temperature rises, even with sun visor coverage, the vehicle starts making a weird screeching high pitch noise. You can unplug the car chargers turn off radio, and it still continues, very daunting and
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The stereo/infotainment system starts making an extremely loud static sound which comes through the speakers. It can be ear piercing at times. Sometimes this triggers the infotainmnet system controls not to work. I ha
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 b
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Honda Accord. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 No
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, F
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
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
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Honda's numbers for th
| Reliability | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 83 | excellent |
| Performance | 53 | average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 599 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and exterior lighting is the most reported area with 108 of them (18%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 74/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.