NHTSA Complaint #11694259 — 2016 HONDA ACCORD

The vehicle has recently developed a loud and painful static noise through the speakers, which occurs intermittently and unpredictably, even when the radio and audio system are turned off. This issue has now become so severe that it is unsafe to drive the car. The static bursts are extremely loud, startling, and physically painful, creating a serious distraction hazard while driving. I am deeply concerned that this constitutes a safety defect in the vehicle’s electrical/audio system, not a routine maintenance issue. The vehicle has approximately 70,476 miles, and a full history of regular maintenance. Yesterday, (10/17/2025), I took my vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. While the issue was not initially present, it began again within minutes of leaving the service department, prompting me to return immediately so the technician could hear it. The dealership completed a diagnostic assessment (cost: $217) and determined that the OEM radio head unit has failed and must be replaced. The service advisor further explained that: - The defective audio unit cannot be safely disconnected or its fuse removed because doing so would affect the braking system. - The replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated availability date. - The repair would cost $1,211.80, which I am being asked to pay out of pocket despite this being a factory component failure. - No loaner vehicle is available, leaving me without safe transportation. Since leaving the dealership, the issue has continued repeatedly. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate under these conditions. Through my research, I have learned that this is a widely reported problem among 2016–2017 Honda Accord owners. There are numerous documented complaints on owner forums (including DriveAccord.net) and on CarComplaints.com describing identical symptoms, loud static or “white noise” from the speakers, occurring even when the radio is off, often linked to failure of the infotainment head unit or amplifier.