What 591 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid

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

My radio is throwing static. You can turn it off, turn the volume to 0, nothing helps. It only gets louder, and from my understanding this has happened too 100+ people. They have the same make/ model/ year as mine and they are all experiencing the same problem with no solution. I feel not only my safety, but other peoples safety are put at risk. This is a severe distraction from the road, that is something that would result in a wreck because of the sound. Lots of dealerships say the vehicles experiencing this problem need a whole entire head unit, or new radio. That’s $5,000, and more. It’s ridiculous that we are all experiencing the same problem and all having the same trouble and nothing is being done about the issue. With almost 100+ people having the same exact problem, there should have been a recall a long time ago. This is absolutely dangerous for drivers, children, and passengers of the vehicle. I ask that something be done about this immediately. I am afraid to drive my own car places because of this issue. It needs to be resolved asap. This is no longer a “us” problem. This issue has everything to do with the manufacturing of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11682249

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the air bag warning light turned on and off. Additionally, the brakes were squeaking while driving, and the radio and speakers were producing an abnormal static sound when turned on or off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hugh White Honda Service, located at {1360 Auto Mall Dr, Columbus, OH 43228); and was diagnosed with an internal failure of the air bags. The dealer also stated that the ball joints were worn, and there was an unknown failure with the brakes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11681515

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 contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord equipped with Black Hawk, All Season Tires. Tire Size: 235 40 19 DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's tire fractured. The contact stated inspected the tire and noticed that the outside trim of the tired was fractured and falling apart. The tow truck came and replaced the fractured tire with the spare tire. The contact was informed that the front driver’s tire was dry-rotted. In addition, the contact stated that the day before, the contact had to refill the air pressure in the tire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11679131

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord equipped with Sailun Tires. Tire line: Blackhawk All-Season. Tire Size: 235/40/R19 and DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's tire fractured. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the tire was fractured, and the outer rim had detached. The contact stated that the day before, the tire air pressure had to be refilled. The towing agent assisted the contact in replacing the fractured tire with the spare tire. The contact was informed that the front driver’s tire had dry rotted. The tire was a replacement tire. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T01800(Tires); however, tire size was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle mileage was unknown. The tire failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11679133

As soon as I turn on the car there is unbearably loud static and cracking noise coming from out of the car speakers even though the car audio system is turned off. I am not sure what or why the sound is coming by itself. I repeat, the car audio system is turned off and yet there is a constant loud non stop static and cracking noise coming from all of the speakers.

NHTSA ODI 11677054

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

Persistent and Excessive Speaker Noise in Honda Accord My Honda Accord is experiencing a severe and persistent issue with extremely loud, constant static noise emanating from all speakers, even when the radio is turned completely off. This pervasive noise is not only a significant nuisance but also poses a serious safety concern. The volume is so high that it impacts my hearing and makes it impossible to discern external sounds, including the sirens or horns of emergency vehicles. The relentless static makes driving stressful and unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11674709

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

Loud, pulsing, static sound from the car speakers. I was driving home after purchasing this car and an impossibly loud static sound came from the speakers even though the audio unit was powered off. I thought I had been hit by a truck and went off the road. There was some damage to the body and the underside of the car, but I was able to drive it back home. I pulled the fuse for the radio thinking that was the problem, but the sound returned, still blasting static from the speakers and now my side cameras and blind spot warnings do not work. This is not just an annoying problem, it is a serious safety issue. Even when I am driving with hearing protection the noise drowns out all other traffic sounds. This static is full volume, measured at 90 DBA on a calibrated Radio Shack 33-2055 sound level meter. I can't drive the car because of the hearing damage, and because of the intermittent nature of the problem, it can surprise you and cause a crash. It is the most distracting thing I have ever had to deal with while driving a car.

NHTSA ODI 11673125

The malfunction is of the audio/speaker system. Periodically it will begin making a horrible pulsing screeching noise without any warning. It continues to make this horrible noise at a deafening level causing a huge uncomfortable distraction while driving. Turning down the volume on the audio system has no effect. Completely powering off the audio system has no effect. The noise continues relentlessly until you completely shut off the vehicle. One instance happened while I was driving home from work and sitting in traffic on the freeway. I rolled down all the windows to try to minimize the sound bouncing around inside the car and the sound was so loud it was making the other drivers around me uncomfortable. I had to learn to drive home with earplugs to help prevent myself from going deaf. The only relief has come since I completely removed the fuse for the audio system, however now I am left without access to multiple features on my vehicle. Research on the internet is showing that this seems to be a common issue with this make/model/year of vehicle but the manufacturer is not willing to acknowledge it. Because of this I have not bothered to take it to a dealership to have them inspect it.

NHTSA ODI 11673007

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

It was a hundred degree day when this incident first occurred. When I turned the car on after 5 seconds, the speaker started to make a loud static noise that got unbearably loud, and it spread from speaker to speaker, until all the speakers in the car were blaring a staticky sound. It didn't matter if my phone was plugged in, or if the radio was on, or if the sound system was turned off, it continued to make the sound. I turned off the car and turned it back on and it immediately started again. It didn't matter if I was parked or if I was driving, it would make the noise. Eventually, this sound got louder and louder, and then the speakers stopped working altogether, no radio or music sound would come on. I turned the car off, then back on, and the static noise came back. It happened again the next day (another 100 degree day) and so I had a mechanic look at the car the next day when it was slightly cooler, and he could not replicate the problem. The speakers went back to normal the next couple times that I turned on the car. I have a video that recorded the static noise.

NHTSA ODI 11669299

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

On several occasions, as I’ve traveled down the interstate, getting off of an exit the car engine completely shuts off and dies before coming to a complete stop

NHTSA ODI 11668931

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.

NHTSA ODI 11667628

Static coming through the speakers with and without music playing when the weather is hot or using heater function on ac. Static noise is really loud and annoying distracting from driving and does not allow for auditory awareness of surroundings. only viable fix at the moment is to fully disable the premium audio fuse or completely remove stereo and install aftermarket stereo. No warnings whatsoever just spontaneous static that doesn’t stop

NHTSA ODI 11666938

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 they just unplug the fuse for the radio, but I shouldn't have to do that. If there are this many people having the same issue, they should do a recall on it. The noise is so loud and sudden sometimes that it shocks you and could potentially make someone have a wreck. There have been no warning messages on the screen and this first happened a few months ago. I have not had it inspected by anyone yet. I can get a recording from the car the next time it does it and send it. It just the fact that you will be driving down the road not expecting it and it goes off full blast static noise which has almost made me crash several times. It's very startling.

NHTSA ODI 11666200

Knock sensor has been replaced twice in 4 years, the emissions engine states it needs to be changed again. This is causing reduced engine power and acceleration and other issues

NHTSA ODI 11665151

Headlight assembly

NHTSA ODI 11664967