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

The radio main unit started to occasionally produce LOUD deafening static without warning. Turning off the radio unit or lowering the volume had no effect, and this static noise would continue at maximum volume through the speakers for a few minutes until it gradually faded. It made it impossible to drive, and hurt my ears whenever it happened so I had to turn off the car to stop it. The speakers were blasting around 100db when inside the car, so I purchased ear plugs to help. I opened a case with Honda and took it to the local Honda dealer. They thought it was the amplifier and replaced it, but the problem immediately occurred again when I was about to leave the dealer. They refunded the repair cost since they were wrong, and advised it was the main radio unit that needed to be replaced. This unit is still available for inspection and has been confirmed by the dealer. There is no warning when this happens. Besides that the speakers blasting at maximum volume is detrimental to my hearing, the fact that it occurs suddenly while driving on the highway is like having a concussive grenade going off and still trying to focus on everything going on around you which is impossible. Hearing horns or sirens when this occurs is impossible due to the volume. It is not safe to have this situation occur on the road, and from looking up my year make&model online I am NOT the only one with this static issue. This issue has been happening for months now whenever I try to drive it.

NHTSA ODI 11618194

Loud continuous static noise emitting from speakers regardless of whether the audio unit is turned on or off. The only temporary solution is to turn the vehicle off. Once the vehicle is restarted, the static noise almost certainly emits within minutes. The static progressively gets louder unless the vehicle is turned off, and it is impossible to hear other vehicles, law enforcement, EMS, and/or fire department sirens. Furthermore, this issue results in noncompliance with several US state noise ordinances due to the decibel level produced by the static.

NHTSA ODI 11614135

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was a loud static sound coming through the speaker while the radio was turned off. The contact was unable to hear any audible sounds the vehicle might have made. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the battery, battery cable, fuel pump, and engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614055

A few weeks ago my cars audio system started having a loud static sound come through the speakers. It quickly got a lot worse and turning the volume down or even turning the unit off did not stop the loud static noise. It got so bad that it nearly caused me to have a wreck. The only way I was able to get it to stop was to pull over to the shoulder on a busy highway and shut the engine off. However, after pulling back onto the highway the static noise quickly returned. I contacted Honda to report the problem (case #14931953), but they acted like they had never seen this issue before and told me to go to the dealer to get a diagnostic ran. I did go to the dealer and talked to the service manager and he told me that the solution was to replace the head unit but they were on backorder. I also did some research online and a whole lot of people are having this same problem. The issue is the Head Units are overheating and Honda does not have replacement parts to fix the problem. In my opinion this is a major safety problem and is happening every time I drive my car now. Many other people experiencing this issue are also stating that this is a major safety issue when they are being blasted with very loud frequencies will trying to drive in busy traffic. They all have expressed their disbelief that Honda has not issued a recall over this problem because its dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11610105

I have extremely loud static coming the stereo., Blue tooth, satellite, FM etc.I have turned it off completely and still have the static. I have to wear Bose Noise cancelling headphones while driving. This is very dangerous as I can't hear horns, sirens etc. There has to be a recall as I have now read many other people having the same issue. What should I do?

NHTSA ODI 11609342

The stereo has a safety issue where it can suddenly produce loud static and squeaky noises, even when the volume is turned down or off. There is no warning before this occurs. I can’t upload videos that have where is insanely loud.

NHTSA ODI 11604385

Electrical issue on console. Causes loud sounds from all speaker of the car. Sound is to loud to hear traffic around you. It does not stop only gets extremely louder. Has not been to Honda dealer. It has been looked by an electrical repair shop. They are unsure what the problem is. The looked it up online to report there are the same complaints from other Honda accord drivers. This appeared without warning while driving. The sound is so distracting you can not drive. The only way to get sound to to stop is take out a fuse. I turned off radio to try to get it to stop thinking it was radio issue but sound continues with radio in off mode. This started summer 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11603271

The head unit plays an extremely loud static noise that you are not able to turn off without having to turn off and on the car several times. The noise coming out of the speakers due to the static noise is at a dangerous decibel level. Ultimately, this requires a $1,300+ new head unit from the manufacturer that is on back order and requires a $200+ diagnostic fee. Please see the following forum for others feedback and documentation on steps, as well as a video of the static others are hearing too: [XXX] Honda has neglected to perform any help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11594651

Please note the ABS module is defective and it is a safety risk. The vehicle stability the ABS, VSA, light is on dashboard. The ABS module computer electrical system is the heart of the braking system of the car. There needs to be a recall on this as soon as possible, which which puts everyone at risk

NHTSA ODI 11593227

1. The radio system failed and is available for inspection. 2. My safety is compromised as I am subjected to static noise at maximum volume, posing a risk of significant ear damage or potential hearing loss. The intensity of the noise can rapidly lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, this persistent static noise is highly distracting, increasing the risk to other drivers on the road. 3. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a Honda dealer. 4. The vehicle and its radio system have been inspected by Honda. The only solution offered by Honda is to replace the entire radio unit, costing between $1,000 and $3,000. It is unreasonable to expect customers to pay such an amount for what is evidently a manufacturing defect, especially when similar issues have led to recalls in other Honda models like the Odyssey, Pilot, and Passport. Following the dealership's advice, I contacted Honda corporate to file a claim in hopes of receiving a discount on the necessary repairs, which should ideally be covered under a recall but are not for the Accord model. Unfortunately, the claim was denied. Honda corporate claims to be unaware of the issue, despite numerous online forums and videos highlighting the same problem, along with Honda's reluctance to address it. Honda corporate denied me any discounts, stating that I do not have a long-standing relationship with them since I have not used their services for all my maintenance needs. 5. There were no warnings prior to failure that occurred in March 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11590480

The driver side daytime running light has completely shut off. It’s common with these type of vehicles that shuts off.

NHTSA ODI 11572329

My car started to make screetching noise from speaker and you can drive it. Some times while driving its started make noise that were unberable and you cannot drive. I went to dealer and they told me below 2 units are not good. PN: 39200-T2A-A82 RN: U0100804 DLR: 208533 DESC: CONTROL UNIT BO ETA: N/A PN: 39101-T2F-A71RM RN: S23A0804 DLR: 208533 DESC: DISPLAY AUDIO BO ETA: 01/27 RANK: 1 I gave the complaint in August 2023 and its Feb 2024 they don't have parts. Its not only my car having issue, its issue with lot of cars. You can read it here [XXX] Honda doesn't know when the part will come. Here is the email from Honda. Thank you for contacting American Honda Motor Co., Inc. It has been our absolute pleasure to assist you with your 2016 Honda ACCORD VIN: [XXX] and we apologize for any inconvenience or delay this matter has caused you. Per our conversation, we will continue to follow up regularly to provide parts update via email. Currently, the part(s) ETA is PN: 39200-T2A-A82 RN: U0100804 DLR: 208533 DESC: CONTROL UNIT BO ETA: N/A PN: 39101-T2F-A71RM RN: S23A0804 DLR: 208533 DESC: DISPLAY AUDIO BO ETA: 01/27 RANK: 1 Mr. [XXX] , CM is awaiting update from management in regards to additional options and should have better indication prior to EOB. The situation is difficult due to warranty parameters, the vehicle being outside both parameters and no recall-W/E as well. I am doing what I can to try to find a solution if applicable. If you have any questions or concerns, please reply to this email or contact us at 800-999-1009 and enter Case Number [XXX] when prompted to do so. Our hours of operation are 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. We appreciate your time and patience regarding this matter. Sincerely, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11571697

Radio, yes as of now. VERY LOUD static sound coming from speakers, it makes it hard to concentrate, and you can't hear anything around you such as sirens, or even the person sitting next to you. They say replace the radio, at over $2000 No to inspection. No messages of failure etc.

NHTSA ODI 11564817

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V418000 (Electrical System) and 19V060000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563294

Back-up camera stopped working. Screen is completely black when vehicle is in reverse. No warnings.

NHTSA ODI 11560510

The battery charging sensor failed about 1 month ago. A message on my dash displayed a serious waring to "Check Charging System" to prevent a sudden loss of power and control of my vehicle. I checked the charging system and found it in working order - but the battery sensor had failed so I replaced it, and the problem was solved. I called Honda @ 800 999-1009 and they told me that although the same year, make and model had been recalled for the same defective part that my VIN wasn't included in their recall and they would not reimburse me for the cost of the defective part I replaced ($33.69) until I received a notice that my VIN was included in their recall. I respectfully request that NHTSA follows up with Honda to ensure all affective vehicles are included in their recall. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11560136

For the last few months, my audio system has been making static and crackling noises. It is intermittent. I would estimate the noise to occur around 25% of the time I am driving. At times, it is extremely loud and nerve wracking. When that noise amplifies, hearing surrounding traffic or other community sounds, sirens, train horns, etc is not possible. This occurs with the audio system turned either off or on. It is unsafe, and there is no way to control it. Online, I have seen complaints from several types of Honda make/model owners, but Honda only recognizes a limited few years, makes, and models. Honda should not be allowed to put Honda drivers, passengers, and the community at large at risk by ignoring the problem. There needs to be a recall and mandate from the NTSB that Honda fix this safety issue. I am listing today as the incident date. However, this issue has occurred pretty much every day for the last few months.

NHTSA ODI 11549306

While driving suddenly my rpm’s started acting up I was going fast on the freeway but my car was going slow dropping in speed doing weird things. I’m worried I already replace the high pressure fuel pump

NHTSA ODI 11549432

Bad ABS module. Code 122-11 solenoid valve malfunction code. Brake, traction control, power steering, ABS lights on

NHTSA ODI 11543041

Audio system started making very loud noise.Thought it was speakers at first but even when the radio is off the noise is on. No buttons are usable, volume, apps, return, source or even the off/on. The noise is extremely loud 2 the point of having 2 pull over, turn the car off. Its a deafening noise & totally unbearable.Have to sit wherever I pulled over for quite some time which is dangerous especially at nighttime to get the noise to its lowest decibel 2 be able 2 drive again only for about 30/40 secs B4 it starts increasing to the unbearable level again.Takes 45 min 2 drive a 15 min trip. Vehicle cant B driven while this is going on and is a definite SAFETY HAZARD due to not being able to concentrate on driving. This has caused me to almost be hit or hit others because I’m so focused on this noise radiating through my head and ears.I cannot hear others horns for warnings. Once exiting my car my ears are buzzing extremely loud. Had 2 audio specialists check it and I’m told it’s the amplifier to contact a Honda dealer about a Goodwill claim. I called Royal Honda in Metairie LA and they told me that since I didn’t purchase my car new from them or serviced there yet (just moved to LA) that they will not consider a Goodwill claim to take it back to the state I purchased it from(really so I’m supposed to drive 6 hours each time? NOT ACCEPTABLE) and if they fixed it they would charge me $3,500. This problem started about 3 months ago. I had the amplifier disconnected and now both of my monitor screens are not working which means I have no cameras for safety and no access to hands free calling, navigation, phone connectivity or anything pertaining to the whole system. Component has not been inspected by mfg, police or ins because I didn’t know it had to be and there were no warning signs prior to this deafening noise escalating to the point of such a COMPROMISE OF MY SAFETY. I’ve read many others are having same issue so it’s time for a recall? Honda we need your HELP!

NHTSA ODI 11540727

My vehicle started blaring static noise through all of my speakers even though the volume was turned off. I have found no remedy for this issue, and I've had to resort to wearing noise canceling headphones while driving. This is a MAJOR safety concern as the static noise is as high as my volume will reach, and there is no way to turn it off. Pulling over and turning the vehicle off and on does not fix the issue. Not being able to hear my surroundings drastically increases the chances of me having an accident. I have found many online threads stating that others with this year model vehicle have experienced this same issue. My vehicle is stock and no alterations have been made. This issue seems to occur most frequently when it is a hot day. The blaring of static noise seems to only happen in the afternoon, after my car has sat outside of my office.

NHTSA ODI 11538761

1) power train system and anti lock brake system. Base on the code found in the fix finder report my solutions were to replace the fuel pump and battery. The battery was changed one week ago and it is telling me that the battery must be change again due to an electrical issue. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) While driving my car began to accelerate picking up speed by itself and then suddenly dropped the speed. I had to pull over and stop the car. 3)unknown 4)No 5)The engine light, power steering light turned on today 8/11/2023 while driving. My car began to drive strange and accelerating by itself.

NHTSA ODI 11538047

Vehicle entertainment center constantly is crashing and will not restart until vehicle is restarted. Made multiple attempts with different Honda dealerships to remedy issue and Honda can’t replicate issue.

NHTSA ODI 11534451

I found previous complaints with the same issue so I used their words and added/deleted a bit more: 2016 Honda Accord. The instrument panel or display panel often locks after having iPhone connected and using AirPlay. Have to disconnect iPhone and at times even turn off car to reset the instrument panel display. This is a hassle and if using maps can be inconvenient while driving. Audio main head unit (Honda p/n 39171-T2F-A71) produces loud static from radio speakers. The noise becomes extremely loud. The loud static continues even if the audio system power is turned off. The noise is so loud it is disorienting. The only way to stop the noise is to pull off the road and turn off the engine. The loudness of the static puts the safety of the driver at risk. The problem is intermittent and cannot be reproduced on demand. I provided the mechanic with an audio/video tape of the problem. He told me to contact American Honda about “Goodwill” help provided by them. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to audio main malfunction. My problem first appeared in July 2023. The car is not driveable when the static occurs. Since I cannot drive the car with the loud static, i will have to rent a vehicle. I will report it to American Honda Motor Customer Care on July 18, 2023 to Advised that this problem is a SAFETY issue and is very expensive at $3,500.00.

NHTSA ODI 11532874

The backup camera in my vehicle randomly but consistently stops working while the vehicle is in motion. The camera drops because the entire infotainment system crashes. The frequency of occurrence is approximately 2-3 times per month, but the problem has occurred for the past two years (around the time when Honda replaced the infotainment system due to a service bulletin). The system crashes usually within the first 1-5 minutes of driving. Sometimes it crashes when the vehicle is going forward, but a higher percentage of crashes occur in the first minute after I start the vehicle. If the vehicle is going forward and the system crashes, I lose the side camera which activates when I make a lane change to the left or a left-hand turn. I have notified Honda of this issue; i've worked with a local dealer and corresponded with Honda Corporate. Importantly, I provided Honda with photos showing the system failure. However, Honda Corporate refuses to fix the problem because, in their words, "we don't fix a problem that only happens periodically." Unacceptable! Drivers like my self depend on the backup camera. Like the airbag or seat belt, the back-up camera should be regarded as a safety device. If it fails, an OME should be required to fix the issue immediately. Yet Honda refuses to address the problem with my vehicle, and I doubt mine is the only car with this problem. Taking photos of this problem is hard because the crash is unpredictable and getting my phone out and snapping a picture is difficult and discouraged. Nevertheless, the two photos i've attached are of crashes when the vehicle is going forward. My concern, though, is loosing the backup camera when in reverse. Please help me redress this issue. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11532636