What Is the Most Common Problem With the 2016 Honda Accord?

The most commonly reported problem on the 2016 Honda Accord is premature starter motor failure, which typically shows up as intermittent no‑start conditions—drivers press the start button and hear a click or get a weak, slow crank, often needing multiple attempts before the engine fires. Owners and independent shops report this far more often than other issues for this model year, though infotainment glitches and a separate battery-sensor recall also surface regularly.

Why the Starter Tops the Complaint Lists

Across owner forums, service departments, and complaint databases, the 2016 Accord’s starter system is a recurring pain point. The pattern is consistent: vehicles with push-button start, especially those with higher city driving cycles, begin struggling to start around mid-mileage. While a weak 12‑volt battery can mimic these symptoms, many cases trace back to the starter assembly itself.

Common Symptoms Owners Notice

Drivers tend to describe a narrow set of telltale behaviors when the starter begins to fail. The following points summarize what you’re most likely to experience if your 2016 Accord’s starter is on its way out.

• Intermittent no-start with a single click from the engine bay when pressing the start button
• Slow or labored cranking, especially after short trips or overnight sits
• Needing multiple start attempts; sometimes starting in Neutral helps temporarily
• No dash warning lights for the starter; battery and charging gauges may look normal
• Issue worsens over weeks, progressing from occasional to frequent no-start

Taken together, these symptoms point strongly to starter wear or internal electrical failure rather than a one-off battery event, particularly when they recur despite a healthy battery and alternator.

What’s Behind the Failure

Technicians commonly find worn starter solenoids and brushes, and in some cases heat-soak effects that exacerbate marginal components. Short-trip driving, frequent restarts, and stop-start patterns can accelerate wear. Although 12‑volt battery degradation can mimic starter trouble, repeated no-starts that persist after a proper battery test often confirm the starter as the root cause.

How to Confirm It’s the Starter—Not the Battery

Before replacing parts, a basic, methodical check helps avoid misdiagnosis. These steps outline how shops typically narrow down the culprit.

1. Load-test the 12‑volt battery and inspect terminals for corrosion; clean and retorque as needed
2. Check charging system output (alternator voltage and ripple) with the engine running
3. Measure voltage drop on starter power and ground circuits during a crank attempt
4. Scan for body/PCM codes that could implicate the immobilizer, brake switch, or start/stop logic
5. If battery/charging are good and voltage drop is within spec but the engine still only clicks, bench-test or replace the starter

If the battery and charging system test healthy and voltage drop readings are normal, the starter assembly is the most probable failure point on this model year.

Typical Repair Costs and Time

Costs vary by region and engine, but owners report a fairly consistent range for parts and labor.

• Independent shop: roughly $450–$800 for starter replacement
• Dealer service: often $650–$1,000 depending on labor rates and parts pricing
• Battery replacement (if needed): about $150–$300, including installation and coding if applicable

Labor times are moderate; most shops complete the job in a few hours once the diagnosis is confirmed and parts are on hand.

Related but Separate: Battery Sensor Recall

While not the “most common problem,” the 2016 Accord is included in a widely publicized recall for the 12‑volt battery management sensor that could short and pose a fire risk. Honda’s recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 17V-418) covers many 2013–2016 Accords and involves inspecting/replacing the battery sensor and installing a protective cover. This recall is unrelated to starter wear but is worth addressing if it hasn’t been done—dealers perform recall work at no cost.

Infotainment Glitches Also Appear Frequently

The 2016 Accord introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on many trims, and owners have reported screen freezes, random reboots, and Bluetooth instability. Software updates and, in some cases, head-unit replacements have been used to resolve these issues, but they occur less often than starter complaints.

Prevention and Ownership Tips

While starter wear is largely a component-longevity issue, a few habits and checks can reduce misdiagnoses and prolong reliability.

• Test the 12‑volt battery annually, especially before winter or after two years of service
• Keep battery terminals clean and tight; corrosion increases resistance and strains the starter
• Address slow-crank behavior early; prolonged use can accelerate starter damage
• Confirm recall completion for the battery sensor with a dealer using your VIN
• Apply available infotainment software updates if you experience screen or Bluetooth issues

These steps won’t eliminate starter wear entirely, but they help ensure the rest of the electrical system isn’t contributing to hard starts or masking the true cause.

Bottom Line

For the 2016 Honda Accord, premature starter motor failure is the most common owner-reported problem, typically presenting as intermittent no-starts or weak cranking. Proper diagnosis should rule out the battery and charging system first, but in many cases the fix is straightforward: a new starter. Separate from this, the model year is affected by a battery-sensor recall and experiences occasional infotainment issues, both worth checking during routine service.

Does the 2016 Honda Accord have any problems?

Common 2016 Honda Accord problems include electrical issues like a dark radio/climate control display, faulty door locks, or no-start conditions due to ignition failure or a dead starter. Braking issues are also reported, such as warped rotors causing vibration, and some V6 models have a high-risk timing belt tensioner requiring replacement around 100,000 miles. Other concerns involve glitchy infotainment systems and, on some models, a high-pitched cold-start rattle from the timing chain tensioner. 
Electrical & Infotainment Problems

• Dark Display: The radio and climate control display may go dark. 
• Faulty Door Locks: The power door locks might activate intermittently due to a faulty door lock actuator. 
• No Start / Ignition Failure: Some vehicles experience a no-start condition caused by a faulty ignition switch or a bad starter motor. 
• Glitchy Infotainment: The Apple CarPlay and other infotainment features can be unreliable and buggy, according to users. 

This video discusses some common problems with the 9th generation Honda Accord, including issues with the backup camera and warped rotors: 1mBCauto_YouTube · May 31, 2023
Engine & Transmission Issues

• Timing Belt Tensioner (V6 Models): A high failure rate of the timing belt tensioner exists in V6 models, often causing a knocking sound on startup, which can get worse over time and requires replacement around 100,000 miles. 
• Engine Rattle: On V6 models, a cold start rattle might be a sign of a failing timing chain tensioner. 
• Air Conditioning: Some owners report the A/C blowing warm air. 
• Power Loss (Sport Model): The 2016 Accord Sport can experience power loss and chugging at low speeds, which may be due to a clogged fuel injector or improper valve clearance. 

Braking & Steering Issues 

• Warped Brake Rotors: . Opens in new tabWarped front brake rotors are a common complaint, leading to vibration when braking. 
• Steering Problems: . Opens in new tabWhile less frequent, some reports mention issues with steering, though specifics aren’t always clear. 

Other Noteworthy Problems

• Paint Chips: The paint on the 2016 Accord can chip easily. 
• Battery Issues: Some 4-cylinder models were equipped with an undersized battery, and there was a recall on a battery management system component that could allow water to enter and cause an electrical short. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the timing belt tensioner problem on V6 models: 50sBCauto_YouTube · Apr 26, 2023

What is considered high mileage for a Honda Accord 2016?

200,000
What Is High Mileage For the Honda Accord? According to vehiclehistory.com, anything over 200,000 is considered high mileage for a Honda Accord. It’s anticipated that these vehicles will reach that number, but it’s unlikely they will perform well too far after that point.

What are the bad years for Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls). 
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

• 1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults. 
• 2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting. 
• 2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear. 
• 2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system. 
• 2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines. 

More Recent Model Year Considerations 

• 2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
• 2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

• Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates. 
• Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems. 
• Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models. 
• Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s. 
• CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs. 

What is the recall on the 2016 Honda Accord?

The main recall for the 2016 Honda Accord, affecting about 1.15 million vehicles in the U.S., was due to a faulty battery sensor that could allow moisture intrusion, potentially causing electrical shorts. Honda voluntarily recalled these 2013-2016 model-year vehicles in July 2017 to replace the 12-volt battery sensor free of charge.
 
This video explains more about the potential issues with the battery sensor in your Honda Accord: 46sThe Lemon Factor! LLCYouTube · Jan 3, 2025
Details of the Recall

• What it is: A recall for the 12-volt battery sensor. 
• What can happen: The case of the sensor may not be sealed properly, allowing water to get in. 
• The risk: Water intrusion can cause an electrical short, which could be a fire risk. 
• Affected vehicles: Approximately 1.15 million 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles were part of this recall. 

What You Should Do

1. 1. Check for recalls: Visit the Honda Newsroom or use your vehicle’s VIN to check for any open recalls. 
2. 2. Contact a dealer: Arrange for a free inspection and repair at a Honda dealership to replace the battery sensor.