Honda gave its flagship Accord sedan a mid-cycle refresh for 2016, sporting fresh styling and more in-cabin tech. However, owners report problems over a glitchy center screen, faulty fuel pump, and weak headlights. Additionally, powertrain issues, like engine knocking and transmission juddering, may require a trip to the shop.
Key Points
- The 2016 Honda Accord has had two recalls and around 360 registered complaints reported to the NHTSA.
- The most common problems concern the LED running lights, though infotainment system failures have also been reported.
- More worrisome, owners mention the power steering system causing the car to wander or drift, increasing the odds of an accident.
- Compared to rivals, as well as earlier Accord model years, the 2016 variant holds solid reliability scores and holds a 4.62-star rating with Vehicle History.
- Safety ratings are also high, though the top model’s headlights are less effective at night than those on other trim levels.
2016 Honda Accord Has Been Recalled Twice, Including Over a Faulty Fuel Pump That Could Hinder Sedan’s Overall Performance
Two separate recalls have been issued by Honda to fix problems on select Accord models. A faulty fuel pump component was found to attract particles in gasoline, which could hinder performance on certain Honda models with the available 3.5-liter V6 engine.
In March of 2019, Honda announced a recall to update the car’s fuel-system software and potentially replace its fuel pump. The V6 engine was optional on the Accord EX-L and standard on the Accord Touring trim level for 2016.
Separately, in June 2017, Honda recalled many Accords built through the 2016 model year to replace a battery sensor that may allow water to intrude and subsequently cause an electrical short.
Unlike some of its competitors, like the 2016 Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima, the Accord is not currently subject to any investigations with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Overall, the 2016 Accord has been recalled fewer times than most 2016 model-year midsize sedans as well as the 2015 Accord.
Technical Service Bulletins Mean Honda Dealers May Have Fixed Issues With Engine Knocks and Transmission Juddering
Honda has issued a few technical service bulletins (TSBs) that instruct its dealerships to repair certain problems if they are reported by owners. TSBs are not recalls, however.
Accords with the base four-cylinder engine may produce a “knocking or clicking” right after the engine is started, which Honda attributes to a worn cam chain tensioner. This internal engine component can cause oil pressure to leak, and the automaker has an updated part to address the issue.
A bigger issue centers around the admittedly less-common V6-powered models, which may suffer from an automatic transmission juddering that can be felt between 20 to 60 mph.
For those models, Honda has actually extended the component’s warranty to eight years or 80,000 miles after the original date of purchase, and the automaker will update software and perform a transmission fluid flush.
A TSB issued in April 2017 addresses a “flapping or fluttering” sound from the rear seat area, which dealers can replace with an updated air outlet hidden behind the rear bumper.
Owners Report Problems With LED Running Lights and Electrical Components Malfunctioning
Of the nearly 360 vehicle owner complaints registered with the NHTSA, nearly one-third relate to the car’s exterior lights. By far the most common complaint is over the car’s LED running lights failing, which were standard on the Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels.
Those LED running lights are designed to be illuminated when the car is on, both to enhance its appearance and to make the car even easier to see for other motorists or pedestrians. Owner complaints often mention safety concerns over this issue.
Electrical problems account for around 80 complaints, some of which center around the in-dash touchscreen infotainment system that owners report can freeze up when connected to Apple CarPlay smartphone projection. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard CarPlay compatibility was fitted to EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels for the 2016 model year.
Around 20 complaints have been logged about the car’s electrically-assisted power steering system, which owners report can cause the car to drift or pull even after an alignment has been performed.
Complaints logged at Car Complaints follow a similar vein, with the majority directed toward LED running lights and issues with the in-dash infotainment system. Additionally, Repair Pal notes over 900 reports of ignition switch failure that can lead to the engine not starting.
Few Real Problems, Combined with Top Safety Scores, Make the 2016 Accord One of the Model’s Best
The 2016 Honda Accord is an extremely safe vehicle, even scoring the coveted “Top Safety Pick+” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Keep in mind, though, that upper trims use updated headlights that reportedly struggle to illuminate in the dark sufficiently.
The IIHS gave the top-tier Touring model’s LED headings a lower score of “Marginal,” whereas LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L trims’ halogens earned an “Average” score.
Ultimately, there are no glaring flaws with the 2016 Accord that might cause shoppers to try to avoid a particular trim level or version.
However, drivers seeking an Accord with the least reported problems may want to look for a four-cylinder model rather than the V6, which has documented issues with its automatic transmission and fuel filter.
Photos: Honda
