What 591 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Accord Fhev

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703447

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 problem when I described it to them but it has not been replicated in my car specifically by a separate party. No inspection was performed by police or other. There were no lights or warning when it first occurred. The problem first occurred in June when the weather started to get hot. I tried installing the fuse again now that it’s cold and it happened again once the car got to operating temperature.

NHTSA ODI 11700753

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 about this for the 2016 Honda accord.

NHTSA ODI 11700499

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 .

NHTSA ODI 11699427

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 9 generation that are having similar Issues with Oil Leaks and Honda Refuses to acknowledge theses issues.

NHTSA ODI 11699059

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.

NHTSA ODI 11698405

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.

NHTSA ODI 11698320

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, we (family including kid) were going in the left-most lane of a CA freeway when this started and in the ensuing 2 minutes I had to move over 3 lanes into the number 1 lane and stop at an unsafe curb near an exit in the evening and restart the car and go back home. This is traumatic everytime it happens and we have to plan for it. There are several people with the same issue complaining on social media (reddit/youtube) and they have evidence for the same in video format. 500+ posts and going [XXX] . Upon calling my usual service center, they did mention they saw similar problem recently, but it is not part of a recall and quoted me 250$ for diganosis and upwards of 1900$ for replacing the audio unit. My audio unit worked fine for 10 years, and I do no think this is an individual issue but a widespread one that triggers in this specific model of the vehicle. There were no warnings prior to this, started appearing around [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11691300

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690514

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".

NHTSA ODI 11688927

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 not resolved. I have not gotten quoted on a price to fix it but I’ve done some research and have seen people pay $700-$1000 to get it fixed. I wish I would’ve done more research on issues because I would have never bought this car. Please look into this and everyone else’s complaints and start a recall! I can’t even hear myself think while driving let alone hear anything else around me!!

NHTSA ODI 11686129

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.

NHTSA ODI 11683592

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 horns which could result in delayed or incorrect reactions when an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle is approaching, potentially leading to dangerous situations where first responders are unable to get through traffic quickly or safely, distracted driving, reducing ability to focus on the driving task, and ability to hear other critical sounds, such as tire issues (like a flat or blowout), or the sound of other cars around you, and can medically affect hearing of drivers. Given the severity of these issues, I urge an investigation to this matter thoroughly and issue a recall for the affected 2016 Honda Accord models and other year models that are affected. This would ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Addressing this problem promptly will not only safeguard lives but also demonstrate a commitment to consumer safety and quality. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and trust that the necessary steps will be taken to resolve it as soon as possible.

NHTSA ODI 11683543

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.

NHTSA ODI 11682357

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.

NHTSA ODI 11682136

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.

NHTSA ODI 11679486

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 someone should be able to hold them accountable for their clients especially spending $40,000+ for the upgraded version for the amazing head unit and now not being able to utilize the unit.

NHTSA ODI 11675839

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.

NHTSA ODI 11675760

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.

NHTSA ODI 11674632

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.

NHTSA ODI 11673838

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.

NHTSA ODI 11671851

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.

NHTSA ODI 11671621

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.

NHTSA ODI 11669977

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.

NHTSA ODI 11669329

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.

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