CarBrief

NHTSA has 611 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Accord, and the electrical system is the most named area[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, so check which of them apply to any car you own or plan to buy and whether the repairs were done[3][4][5][6].

611owner complaints[1]
4recalls[7]
21–30MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 611 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 32 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 29 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners. One complaint can name several parts, so the groups below add up to more than 611[1].

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Electrical system[2] 199 46,000
Unknown or other[10] 129 16,750
Exterior lighting[11] 128 40,000
Engine[12] 46 37,000
Fuel/propulsion system[13] 39 44,250
Brakes[14] 33 18,529
Steering[15] 31 21,879
Power train[16] 29 28,750

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. The sample is too small to say how common any theme is, but it shows what owners describe.

Median mileage at failure is the middle value of the mileages owners reported for that group.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first. Some cover many Honda and Acura models, and the Accord is named in each one.

Fuel economy

EPA lists six versions of the 2016 Accord. All use regular gas and front-wheel drive. Ratings are in miles per gallon, shown as city / highway / combined.

Engine and transmission MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[8] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7)[17] 26 / 34 / 29 $2,300
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd[18] 23 / 33 / 27 $2,500
3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[19] 21 / 33 / 25 $2,700
3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[20] 21 / 32 / 24 $2,800
3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[21] 18 / 28 / 21 $3,200

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2-door (2 DR FWD) 5 stars overall[9]. It also gets 5 stars for frontal, side and rollover protection[9]. Its rollover risk is 9.9%[9].

The 4-door (4 DR FWD) also earns 5 stars overall[22]. It gets 4 stars for frontal protection and 5 stars for side and rollover[22]. Its rollover risk is also 9.9%[22].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this year. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 185 hp[23]. The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 278 hp[24].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2DR coupe EX/EX-L Navi[25] 190 in 73 in 57 in 107 in 3,263 lb
2DR coupe EX-L V6[26] 190 in 73 in 57 in 107 in 3,534 lb
4DR sedan LX/Sport/EX-L/Touring[27] 193 in 73 in 58 in 109 in 3,298 lb
4DR sedan EX-L V6/Touring V6[28] 193 in 73 in 58 in 109 in 3,560 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 543 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 472 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 460 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 1,200 complaints, 6 recalls1999: 1,135 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 1,183 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 922 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 1,050 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 1,987 complaints, 13 recalls20032004: 1,018 complaints, 13 recalls2005: 686 complaints, 15 recalls2006: 433 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 525 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 1,520 complaints, 8 recalls2009: 727 complaints, 10 recalls2010: 641 complaints, 13 recalls2011: 311 complaints, 9 recalls20112012: 381 complaints, 8 recalls2013: 1,437 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 1,012 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 641 complaints, 6 recalls20152016: 611 complaints, 4 recalls61120162017: 584 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 2,008 complaints, 6 recalls2019: 792 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 403 complaints, 6 recalls2021: 293 complaints, 4 recalls2022: 315 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 230 complaints, 9 recalls20232024: 230 complaints, 6 recalls2025: 116 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 13 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Accord model year. The 2016 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19955432
19964721
19974603
19981,2006
19991,1354
20001,1838
20019227
20021,0505
20031,98713
20041,01813
200568615
200643312
20075259
20081,5208
200972710
201064113
20113119
20123818
20131,4376
20141,0125
20156416
20166114
20175843
20182,0086
20197926
20204036
20212934
20223154
20232309
20242306
20251163
2026132

NHTSA has 611 complaints and 4 recalls on file for 2016[7]. Here is how nearby years line up[7]:

Year Complaints Recalls
2013 1,437 6
2014 1,012 5
2015 641 6
2016 611 4
2017 584 3
2018 2,008 6
2019 792 6
2020 403 6

2016 has fewer complaints than 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019, and more than 2017 and 2020[7]. It has fewer recalls than every year in the table except 2017[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2016 Accord?

The numbers do not point to one clear defect, and owners report trouble in several areas. In the complaints we read, starting and battery problems, failing LED daytime running lights and stalling come up in the samples for their groups[2][11][13]. Four recalls are on file for the passenger seat sensor, the battery sensor and the fuel pump, and 19V060 covers only 3.5L V6 cars[3][6][4][5]. Before you buy, ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was done. Safety ratings are 5 stars overall for both body styles[9][22].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Honda Accord?
Among 611 NHTSA complaints, the electrical system is named most often with 199, followed by unknown or other with 129 and exterior lighting with 128[1][2][10][11].
Does the 2016 Honda Accord have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four: 26V332 for the passenger seat weight sensor, 23V858 and 19V060 for the fuel pump, and 17V418 for the battery sensor[3][4][5][6].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Honda Accord?
EPA ratings range from 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined for the 3.5L manual to 27 / 36 / 30 for the 2.4L automatic with variable gear ratios[21][8].
How much horsepower does the 2016 Honda Accord have?
The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 185 hp and the 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 278 hp[23][24].
How safe is the 2016 Honda Accord?
NHTSA gives both the 2-door and 4-door 5 stars overall[9][22]. Frontal protection is 5 stars on the 2-door and 4 stars on the 4-door[9][22].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 611 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda Accord (32 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 29 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 199 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 26V332, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 23V858, filed December 18, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 19V060, filed January 29, 2019: Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 17V418, filed June 29, 2017: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Accord model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 129 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 128 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 46 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 39 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 33 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,529). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 31 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,879). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 29 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Accord, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 33 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Accord, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 32 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Accord, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Honda Accord with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Honda Accord with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 278 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 2DR COUPE EX/EX-L NAVI: length 190 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,263 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 2DR COUPE EX-L V6: length 190 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,534 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 4DR SEDAN LX/SPORT/EX-L/TOURING: length 193 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,298 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 4DR SEDAN EX-L V6/TOURING V6: length 193 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,560 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.