2016 HONDA ACCORD Electrical System Problems

169 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2016 HONDA ACCORD

169 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 HONDA ACCORD. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.

169
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11719460 |
After driving about 20-25 minutes, the speakers after working fine turn to all loud static even when turning the volume down. After the car is off for a bit, the speakers return to normal until driving again for 10-20 minutes. It’s so loud that you can’t hear anything and is very distracting
#11718032 |
Sudden High-Decibel Static Noise and Complete Failure of the Audio Head Unit/Infotainment System 1. Component or system failure and availability for inspection: The component that failed is the Audio Head Unit (Infotainment System). During operation, the system suddenly malfunctions by emitting an extremely loud, high-decibel "static" or "screeching" white noise through all vehicle speakers. When this occurs, the volume controls (both on the steering wheel and the dash) become completely unresponsive, and the unit cannot be turned off. The only way to stop the noise is to pull the vehicle over and perform a full ignition cycle (turning the engine off and on). 2. Risk to the safety of the driver and others: This failure poses a severe safety hazard for the following reasons: Startle Effect: The noise occurs abruptly at maximum volume, causing an immediate "startle response" that can lead to a loss of vehicle control, especially at highway...
#11717403 |
The infotainment system in the vehicle is apparently overheating and causing the speakers to make a static sound. The sound starts out low, then static sounds at about 85-90 decibels. The radio cannot be turned off to make the sound go away, even if pulled over and restarted. My commute to work is over an hour, and the sound is so loud that I have begun to wear earplugs while driving the vehicle. I have not taken the car to the dealer due to the responses online that the dealer will charge to have the car looked at, just to tell you that the radio needs to be repaired for around $2,000. There have been many complaints that have not been resolved, and is an issue with the manufacturer asthere have been no modifications to my vehicle.
#11710869 |
A loud static sound through the speakers that gets louder and louder with all equipment turned off. I have to pull over and turn the car off for several minutes to drive a mile or so before the sound starts again.
#11708729 |
Out of no where - the speakers start blaring this loud scrambled sound. (Like a dead channel on TV.) Even when the radio is off. The speakers roar so load you can not concentrate to drive. No warning, just happens. I can go days/weeks without it happening, then boom - scare me so bad when it comes on out of no where. There is no rhyme or reason to when it will happen - could be driving slow or fast, could be hot or cold outside. Could be soon as you start the car or in the middle of driving after an hour. Thought it was a fluke but here were are - 2 months later and it's happened at least 5 times.
#11707916 |
The car speakers and microphones unexpectedly emit deafening loud static sounds that continues while driving. Powering audio system OFF makes no difference. The static is at least 90 decibels. It's frightening and impedes safe driving. Cale YARBOROUGH'S HONDA DEALERSHIP is witness to the defect and determine that the "head unit" must be replaced. The head unit integrates the audio, Bluetooth, GPS and backup & blind spot camera functions. The dealership has ordered a replacement head unit but it is on backorder indefinitely! There have been many other reports of this problem with this equipment. Please help me get my car safe again. American Honda has been aware of the problem but ineffective in its response.
#11705491 |
Static coming through the speakers at loud volume unable to turn off even when radio is off
#11703922 |
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's husband purchased the alternator from Auto Zone and replaced the alternator, and the vehicle operated as intended temporarily. The vehicle...
#11703447 |
Stereo/speaker system has a very loud static noise every time I drive the car. It happens the most when the car has been sitting in the sun. The static sound is so unbearable while I’m driving. I have to pull over to shut the car off. I turn the audio button off on the stereo but the speakers still have the loud static noise.
#11700753 |
When the car reaches operating temperature slowly a static noise will creep over the speakers and then quickly cut out the audio input and put the speakers to full volume with waves of loud static. Turning off the stereo and turning down the volume does nothing to stop the static. The only way to stop it is to pull the radio fuse. This will also happen on a hot day and not slowly build just suddenly loud static as soon as the car turns on. This is a safety risk because the sound is so loud and distracting it’s hard to focus on everything going on around you and in order to pull the fuse out to stop it you need to pull over and it’s not always in a safe location. When I called and asked the Honda dealership in Stockton CA about it they were familiar with the...
#11700499 |
The stereo amplifier emits a god awful, deafening static noise soon after start my car, so I can't listen to the radio, hear or talk to anyone. This has been going on for months and hasn't let up. It's very expensive for the honda dealer to fix, that I cannot afford right now, because they have to install a near stereo unit. Right now, I drive around with ear plugs and this should be considered a safety issue because I can't hear while the ear piercing static noise is on at the highest volume (there's no way to turn it down...even with the stereo off). I've owned lots of older model cars and none have ever had this issue with the stereo amplifier, so I feel this is a manufacturing defect for it to fail after 10 years. I've researched this issue online and I'm not the only one complaining...
#11699427 |
On our 2016 Accord with the 3.5 V6 there is a design issue with the starter assembly. This issue is also happening with other models with this engine configuration manufactured between 2013 through 2017. The starter on my vehicle won’t engage the flywheel gears fully causing damage to the flywheel and the starter. There is a Honda service bulletin ( 16-002) calling to replace the starter and rotate the torque converter clockwise one bolt hole position. This can only be done ONE TIME so if it happens again( and it probably will)the torque converter will need to be replaced which is a minimum of $4,000 and even that won’t guarantee it won’t repeat this issue. This is a safety issue because there is a possibility that you could be stranded and vulnerable to hazards on the road .
#11699059 |
I am reporting an ongoing issue with my 2016 Honda Accord Touring V6 caused by a misdiagnosis at Honda of the Avenues in Jacksonville, FL. In December 2024, they diagnosed my oil leak as a valve cover gasket issue and charged me for the repair, but the leak never stopped. I returned multiple times and was told “everything is fine,” even though oil was clearly visible. Because the real issue was never fixed, oil eventually dripped onto my alternator and caused it to fail while I was driving on the highway. My car stalled in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. I had to replace the alternator at Lucas Honda out of pocket. As of November 2025, the leak continues, and I discovered the true source is the top front solenoid, not the valve cover gasket they insisted on. This misdiagnosis, continued leak, I hear other people on facebook Honda Accord...
#11698405 |
Gear shift ignition and parts of buttons come on and off. Gear shift lights not at all anymore. The entire tire warped from around tire like it been detached from car and fell outward. I’ve had multiple fuel issues two brand new catalytic converters fuel pump and system cleaned put on filters changed and still have issues.
#11698320 |
When driving, occasionally, there is a strong buildup of static coming off the speakers, the problem persists for a long time and seems to calm down if the Radio is turned to full volume. It happens at random after driving for a few minutes, if the A/C is on it can get worse, I think it could be a faulty wiring issue from wear and tear or a frequency change that everyone with a 16’ Accord has as i’ve seen on videos.
#11691300 |
When driving the 2016 honda accord ex-l, after driven for around 10-20 minutes, a static starts playing on the speaker starting small and gets progessively louder (even when the audio system is turned off, if audio system is on and volume is adjusted, it gets even worse) until you cannot hear anything else other than the loud static. You cannot hear anything said in the car by your fellow passengers, kids get scared with the loud noise. The only thing that works is a restart of the engine which can only be done by pulling over to a shoulder or another unsafe area of the road putting everyone in the car and other nearby cars at dangerous risk. The static noise is so loud, it completely takes over all of your driver senses and you'll be like a deer staring into headlights unable to do anything. In a recent incident,...
#11690514 |
Deafening static was coming from all the speakers in the car. I turned the radio/navigation system off and there was still static coming from the speakers. This happens after the car is warmed up and it is not drivable.
#11688927 |
interference; and importantly, that the problem occurs only when the outside temperature is excessively hot. Due to the specific conditions required to trigger the interference, the static noise is impossible to replicate on command, rendering troubleshooting efforts prohibitively costly and unlikely to bear fruit. For reference, there are videos of the problem online with search terms "Honda Accord static noise".
#11686129 |
I purchased this car in winter, summertime comes around and it’s very hot in the car. I turn my car on and it connects to my phone. Ear piercing static comes through the radio. I’ve tried to buy sunshades, sit with my air on to cool the car down, and also pull over, turn the car off and on. It does not stop still. My car usually stops 20 minutes into driving. Then will start again. It is very scary and has startled me while driving. This is distracting and these cars are too expensive for this issue to not be resolved. I don’t even like to drive my car because even when it is not blaring hot, it still does it. I can’t go through a drive thru or roll my windows down or even listen to music in this car! It is unbearable and ridiculous that this is...
#11683592 |
The Infotainment system crashes when using Apple Carplay. This is troublesome because the navigation seizes and does not give you any information to where you're going. The screen turns dark until you either restart the car or unplug and replug the phone which is DANGEROUS to do while driving the car. However when I use Apple Carplay on my wife's 2017 CR-V, same phone same car manufacturer, different model and year but there are no infortainment system crashes. Clearly this points to the software operating system running the infortainment system, on forums people reference that version is too old and crashes. Please help; driving this car as is, becomes dangerous and risky. Please apply pressure to Honda to fix this problem before someone dies. I'm the original owner of this car.
#11683543 |
I am writing to bring urgent attention to a significant and concerning issue affecting the 2016 Honda Accord, specifically the audio head unit, which is causing severe static noise through the vehicle's speakers. This issue poses a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road, and I believe it warrants immediate action, including a formal recall. The static noise occurs regardless of whether the audio system is on or off. This interference compromises the ability to clearly hear essential sounds while driving, including emergency vehicle sirens, honking, and other important auditory cues that are vital for safe driving. The loud, distracting static significantly reduces the ability to focus on the road and may cause delayed responses to critical situations, including traffic accidents, pedestrian crossings, and other road hazards. Safety concerns include but are not limited to the following: inability to hear emergency alerts such as sirens and...
#11682357 |
I have been having issues with my Honda Accord with the electrical system. Over the past couple of years I have had to take my car to get serviced for the battery, alternator and other electrical issues. Several times I had to take my car to get checked because the ABS, power steering, traction control and brake lights intermittently light up at the same time. I was told it was a battery issue but now years later I am being told it is the VSA modulator. I am frustrated because the Honda dealership i have taken it to has failed to identify this issue when it has been repeatedly occurring and now that my warranty is expired now it is being explained that I have to fix this out of my pocket.
#11682136 |
My Honda radio has started making ear piercing sounds. Even if you turn the radio off it still emits high frequency very loud sounds. It is extremely distracting! It will not go away unless you find somewhere to pull over and turn the car off. It is now happening every time I turn the car on.
#11679486 |
ABS lights on, break lights on, steering light on with traction control on while driving, use a scanner and shows code 121-11 VSA solenoid malfunction, I fear of losing my brakes while driving. I have seen that’s a common issue in different forums, something to be worried about.
#11675839 |
The vehicle head unit is emitting a loud static sound just minutes after the vehicle is turned on. Sound only stops when vehicle is turned off. I purchased this vehicle because of the stereo system and since this problem started I am not able to hear my music, either from Bluetooth FM radio any source. I drive uber to make a living and this prevents me from working because the noise is deafening causing pain to my passengers. I have looked online and it’s a lot of people complaining on this issue with no way out. When we visit Honda we have to pay the diagnostic fee for them to tell us the issue is the stereo and need to be changed for over $1000 which is unfair for them to charge us for a defective unit which is happening to their vehicles. I am putting this complaint in because...
#11675760 |
The speakers make sudden static noise randomly. Whether the radio is on/off or if the car is idle loud static will occur. It is extremely unpleasant and could cause a crash due to how loud and sudden and disorienting it is. Other service centers are unsure what is the cause. Have changed the radio, amp, alternator, and battery to no avail.
#11674632 |
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal static sound coming from the speakers. The contact was concerned that the noise would become hazardous with the contact unable to hear various traffic sounds and alarms while driving the vehicle. A dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11673838 |
Our 2016 Accord Sedan EX-L suddenly in the past month has started having the issue with a very loud static noise emitting from all of the vehicle speakers shortly after starting up, and will not stop until the vehicle is turned off. The two displays seem slow to turn back on after this occurs and this occurs more frequently when the outdoor temperature is 85+ degrees Fahrenheit. From a search online, this seems to be a common problem for the 2016-2017 Accords, and so this should definitely be addressed by NHTSA and the manufacturer. The noise is pretty alarming and distracting and will likely cause many accidents for owners with this same issue, please do something about this.
#11671851 |
persistent loud static noise from the car's audio system. The noise is present even when the audio is off and is "explosively loud" and "disturbing." It is frustrating with Honda's lack of support.
#11671621 |
Loud static noise coming from speakers when driving car. Noise starts low and gradually increases to the point is unbearable. Then radio doesn't work, if you change the source or radio station still static noise. Only way it stops is by shutting car off. Started happening about two weeks ago.
#11669977 |
Radio LOUD STATIC!! Happens if Radio is on or off. Seems to happen most when it's hot outside with no warning. Radio static is so loud and sudden it almost caused an accident. Only way I have found to stop the static is to stop the car, turn ignition off, wait a few minutes and turn it back on. Which is a bit dangerous for myself and other drivers.
#11669329 |
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, there was abnormal static coming from the radio. The contact stated that the static increased in volume while driving and the contact was unable to stop the sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that there was no fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
#11667628 |
When driving for at least 15 minutes, with the radio powered off or on, noise starts to come from the car speakers and builds to a crescendo which surpasses 95 decibels (measured with phone app). The noise is so loud it hurts my ears and I need to pull over to get out of the car. The problem has been confirmed by other individuals, but not the dealer. I have yet to take it to the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. The problem appeared two years after I purchased the vehicle in January of 2022. I do not know what causes it. I have researched similar events online and cannot find a fix.
#11666200 |
The Radio emits static noise VERY Loud sometimes when the car is driven. It is so loud sometimes that my grandchild will scream and cry. Sometimes it is just a small static noise that doesn't get louder, but you never know. I have to stop and turn my car off and restart to try and get it to stop, sometimes it works other times it doesn't. This happens when the radio is off or on. And when you try and turn the radio off, it won't turn off periodically. It seems to happen more when someone is in the passenger seat, so I thought it might have something to do with the weight sensor, but no.. it also does it when you are by yourself. And it is happening almost every single time we get in the car. I have been looking this up and a lot of people say...
#11658819 |
Please note this is reported by tens of thousands of 2016-2017 Honda Accord. When the inside temperature is above a threshold, there is continuous high volume static and high pitched sound coming from all speakers. The head unit does not respond to any user interaction like switching off the radio system or volume control or anything. The high volume and high pitched static sound just continues. This poses a safety hazard because of the super loud noise inside the car and cannot hear anything from outside, plus it will cause deafness after prolonged high noise with high pitch and static. It causes distraction for the driver as well, particularly on highways. The only way to stop this sound is to stop the car, switch off the engine and wait for some time and start again. But still the high static sound may come anytime after , if the temperature is...
#11658344 |
Radio head unit started making extremely loud static noise from speakers around 60k miles. Turning radio off does not stop static nor does turning volume down. Radio is still functional but no audio just loud static when car is cranked up and continues until car is turned off. The loud static is harmful to people ears because after a while your ears start to hurt so I’m sure the decimals are too loud for people’s ear. No warning lights are illuminated on dash for this problem. Independent service center mechanic said radio needed head unit to be replaced due to being faulty. Radio has not been inspected by manufacturer. There was no prior warnings or symptoms before this problem.
#11652435 |
During days when the temperature is warm, meaning above 70F, or the car in in direct sunlight, the speakers will produce a very loud, uncontrollable, static sound. This happens whether the radio/audio is on or fully powered off or whether the volume is on or fully off. It's is so loud that earplugs are required until the car is able to cool off enough for it to die down.
#11651965 |
The issues has been reported by many others about the very loud and distracting static noise from car radio . It makes it very to drive with such a loud noise . It is a honda issue that should really be addressed . It is a safety issue just like any other thing that can and would be wrong with the car . It is a piercing noise that would really just get under you're skin and and distract you from the road . Again , there have been numerous reports and complaints about the this issue with the vehicle with the piercing static noise .
#11650344 |
Car having issues with fuel pump as described in recall but it does not include my VIN number. See other campaign IDs NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V060000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 17V418000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 23V858000
#11647227 |
The audio system in my car blares, often without notice, a loud static noise that makes my vehicle unsafe to drive. The only way to get the noise to turn off is to pull over and completely turn off the car, and sometimes that does not even work. This is a driving hazard and could also be damaging long-term to my hearing. I have contacted Honda who says they have no recalls associated with this issue, but there are NUMEROUS complaints from customers online.
#11647113 |
Car is making loud static noise and other people are having the same exact problem. I called Honda they don’t know what’s wrong. This is so unsafe because wrecks can be cause do to this BIG ISSUE .
#11642293 |
My 2016 Honda accord has a horrible static noise that happens randomly. The noise is deafening and cause a huge distraction while driving, not to mention you cannot hear any police or ambulance sirens approaching. The only fix is to pull over and try to restart your car and hope that the static noise isn't present upon restart. It is simply not safe to drive the vehicle while the issue is present
#11641546 |
Very frequenly after idling for more that 5 minutes with the heat on before beginning to drive, the vehicle will create extremely loud and disorienting scratching static noise. This condition is recreated under a number of other conditions and is heavily reported and documented on various forms and youtube pages. Can be found by searching "2016 accord head unit static" This issue has been reported to honda and has not been recognized as a defect. They quote a repair cost to solve the issue with the defective head unit. The issues can only be stopped by pressing the power button on the head unit it self. Sometimes, frequent start and stops of the ignition can remedy the issue.
#11641013 |
Steering wheel locked up and all dashboard lights turned on while driving
#11640298 |
As I am driving my speakers (all of them) will randomly sound like static and its very loud and obnoxious. Its disturbing and can be a huge hazard while driving. I have looked it up and it seems tons of people are having the same issues in their 2016 and 2017 honda accords. Seeing how common it seems to be online in these cars i do not think its fair for us to have to pay for this issue…
#11637649 |
Battery Management Sensor recall came out in 2017. My vehicle was taken in and they inspected it but did not change the part. In 2018 I took it in a they claim to have switched the sensor out. Fast forward to the years ahead, I have continued to have issues with my battery. I took my car in last week on Thursday. Turns out the battery management sensor is the culprit. Honda claims the recall no longer applies as this was a recall in 2017 and it had been repaired.
#11637664 |
There has been a problem going on with my 2016 Honda Accord Touring and it’s unbelievably terrible it has something to do with the sound system in the car and it can’t be stopped even if you try to power off the Radio it still occurs and it’s an on going problem until the vehicle is powered off, basically it’s a static noise that comes through all speakers that starts off not too loud then it gets really loud! To where you can’t even hear the person in the passenger seat and it is so bad it can possibly cause hearing damage and also to mention you can’t hear any sirens of like an ambulance for instance it happened to me other day where an ambulance was behind me and I didn’t hear it because of the horrible static sound coming from the speakers I found out the ambulance was...
#11636987 |
I have the same problem with my 2016 Honda accord. Loud Static noise is driving me nuts. I took mine to my local Honda dealer and they said that they need to change the whole GPS radio worth $1400. They charged me $86 for diagnostics only and did not bother even unplugging the radio for the meantime while there is no head unit available. I am not happy. I really believe Honda should recall these units. The volume from the radio is at zero and the noise is too much that’s not even safe to drive.
#11634737 |
Uncontrollably loud static noise coming from speakers, even when the head unit is turned off. This noise gets so loud, it becomes a safety issue and a distraction while driving. This noise cannot be turned down or off.
#11633545 |
The audio system in these car is failing for multiple owners. Complaint was filed with Honda and all they do is to turn their back on the customers and not acknowledge the issue. You have the complete engine noise amplified through the speakers of the car if you don't stop the car you can easily get your hearing impaired(My wife and I are health care professionals) The issue: Atrocious noise( intermitting ,cycling engine noise amplified through speakers even when the radio is turned off). The vehicle has been inspected by certified mechanics and audio specialists and have been unable to pin point the issue(The car amplifier is currently disconnected on our car) There no sign or message on the car that would alert you that is anything wrong. Symptoms first appear on April of 2024. We did not know where to complaint about this. We read on a forum of...

Other 2016 HONDA ACCORD Problem Areas

Exterior Lighting 126 complaints Unknown Or Other 111 complaints Engine 40 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 31 complaints Service Brakes 30 complaints Steering 27 complaints Power Train 26 complaints Visibilitywiper 26 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 22 complaints Structurebody 18 complaints Wheels 17 complaints Air Bags 14 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 13 complaints Suspension 13 complaints Seats 12 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 9 complaints Tires 7 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 6 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 4 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 3 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Seat Belts 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 2 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 2 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance 2 complaints Lane Departure Assist 2 complaints Back Over Prevention 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Back Over Preventiondisplay Function 1 complaint Chest Clip Buckle Harness 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulatorintegrated Starterother Than Propulsion 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Equipmentappliancetvradiospeakers 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalinfotainment 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Other 1 complaint Lane Departure 1 complaint Lane Departure Lane Keep Steering Assist 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmission 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift 1 complaint Steeringcolumn 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Structurebodytrunk Lid 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint
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