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

The speakers will suddenly blast an extremely loud static noise, even when the radio is turned off. The only way to stop it is to pull over and turn the vehicle off. Eventually, the problem became so severe that even after turning the car off and restarting it, the speakers would continue blasting the static noise. The sound is so loud that it makes it difficult to think clearly and creates a serious distraction while driving, posing a significant safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11751311

The audio system has intermittent static whether the system is on or is off. The volume of the static is very loud and can interfere with the ability of the driver to hear emergency vehicles, police and other important sounds.

NHTSA ODI 11748674

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a static sound coming from the radio while the radio was on or off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted about the failure, and the vehicle was waiting to be diagnosed. The failure was a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745758

I am temporarily at [XXX]. The brake light on the dash will pop up in orange while driving and the steering wheel will turn from left to right at certain times while driving. I am not too close to another vehicle. The air bag indicator light flashes at times. The driver car seat will move forward when I unlock the vehicle at times. The trunk pops open at times after having been securely shut. I have had some work done on it at Lucas Tire and Automotive in Brewton, Al. I have had personal property and money stolen out of it as well as paperwork containing personal information/financial information stolen. It’s created substantial loss from me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11744976

As I’m driving screeching static noise coming from the inside of vehicle whether radio is on or off. Very disturbing. No warning lamps on car drives perfectly . Only problem is the noise which can cause an accident , gives me a migraine every time

NHTSA ODI 11743360

I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the radio/head unit in my 2016 Honda Accord. The head unit intermittently fails while I am driving, producing a sudden, extremely loud static noise that continues without stopping until the car is turned off. This issue creates a hazardous driving condition because the unexpected loud static is distracting and disorienting, and it prevents me from using the car safely until I can safely stop and turn off the vehicle. This failure has occurred repeatedly, and I am concerned that it could cause an accident or prevent me from reacting appropriately to road conditions. I request that the NHTSA investigate this defect in the radio/head unit for the 2016 Honda Accord to prevent potential accidents and injuries.

NHTSA ODI 11742777

Loud Static/Screeching Noise: A major, widely reported issue is sudden, extremely loud static, often described as max-volume screeching from all speakers. It often triggers during hot weather or when the car heats up. This is dangerous because it is extremely loud even if you have the volume on your radio completely off. Causes your ears to bleed as some say. After looking into it more. I realized this is a very common problem in 2016 honda accords and should be recalled due to something faulty in the motherboard…

NHTSA ODI 11736481

Stereo broke in an incredibly unsafe way, have read many similar reports online. Stereo started producing uncontrollable static, turning down volume did nothing, incredibly distracting while driving, volume definitely in excess of 100db, could not hear anything happening outside the car, could not focus easily on the road with the sudden static piercing my ears. Noise was loud enough that my ears rang afterward.

NHTSA ODI 11736605

While driving, the vehicle intermittently emits an extremely loud burst of static through all speakers without warning, even when the audio system is off. The noise is uncontrollable (volume does not respond), and the only way to stop it is to turn the vehicle off. This creates an enormous safety hazard due to the sudden, high-volume noise that startles, distracts, and lastly impairs hearing and situational awareness while driving (especially at highway speeds) The issue occurs intermittently and appears to worsen after the vehicle has been running for some time or upon start up when it is hot outside. Based on similar reports from other owners, this appears to be a widespread defect involving the infotainment/head unit. I love my 2016 honda accord, but I cannot afford to shell out over $1200+ to replace the head unit to fix the problem. Many people are encountering this problem and as widespread as it is, it should have a recall placed on it :(

NHTSA ODI 11734228

I cannot even drive my car anymore, the speakers play non stop static noise that is so loud it scared my child and almost caused me to get into an accident having super sensitive ears. I had to pull over to wait for help. It’s not fair for any of us to have to pay over a grand for a failing head unit caused from poor manufacturing and simply the way the car was designed. Pulling the fuse is the only way to get it to stop but the second you put it back in it starts up again. After pulling the fuse you lose all safety features, back up camera, side camera, parking sensors etc. took my car to a Honda dealer and they told my id have to replace the whole head unit because they fail. It is a known and very common problem that will eventually cause an accident like it almost did me. I do not understand how theirs not a recall when multiple have had the same issue. It’s clearly not users fault.

NHTSA ODI 11730650

The engine stop/start system on my 2016 Honda Accord, VIN [XXX], has stalled and shut off without warning in active Los Angeles traffic dozens of times since September 2025. The vehicle loses all power mid-drive with no warning — no dashboard lights, no warning sounds — leaving me unable to accelerate or respond to surrounding traffic. The condition has progressively worsened and now includes repeated no-start failures requiring three documented tows. The component failing is the engine stop/start system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others hav been put at risk repeatedly. I am a [XXX]. My wife, age [XXX], has [XXX] and has been a passenger during stalling events. Sudden unexpected stalling in active Los Angeles traffic creates immediate foreseeable risk of rear-end collision and loss of vehicle control. This risk has been experienced dozens of times over six and a half months. The problem has been presented to Honda of Hollywood, a certified Honda dealer at 6511 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90038, across five separate visits. Each time the dealer concluded no problem could be found. On one visit I was charged nearly $2,000 for spark plugs and a gasket — work with zero diagnostic connection to the stalling complaint. The vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe condition after every visit. On [XXX] the tow truck driver who responded to my third documented tow independently experienced the failure, could not start the vehicle, witnessed the complete failure sequence, and declared the vehicle unsafe to drive. He is an independent third-party witness with no stake in this case. I have video documentation of the vehicle stalling in active traffic on multiple occasions. I have voicemails from Honda of Hollywood's own service advisor documenting their diagnostic failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11727379

-radio head unit -major disorienting static at maximum volume of speakers possibly more that I have no control over even when turning off radio, it is constant and persists unless vehicle is completely shut off. -yes -yes -no warning lights or messages. issue is a faulty radio head unit requiring complete replacement

NHTSA ODI 11726114

The card radio unit continues to have a static noise coming even with radio being turned off. I believe many have the same complaints of a default radio unit.

NHTSA ODI 11725435

While driving on the highway suddenly a loud static noise came from the speakers causing me to drift off the road. It went away immediately but appears again at random times. Yes it’s available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if there was no shoulder or a car directly next to me, I would have been in an accident due to being startled by an extremely loud noise coming from the speakers. Yes this issue is well known, and the dealership knows about it. The dealership is charging way too much to inspect it but if you look up static noise on 2016 Honda Accord, there are countless people complaining about their safety online. No there were not any warning lights.

NHTSA ODI 11723730

ISSUE WITH HEAD UNIT/WIRING OF HEAD UNIT. CAUSES LOUD STATIC NOISES RANDOMLY AND DOES NOT STOP, EVEN IF RADIO SYSTEM IS OFF. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY THREADS ONLINE WITH SAME COMPLAINTS. LOCAL HONDAS ARE AWARE OF ISSUE AS WELL AND WANT TO CHARGE FOR NEW HEAD UNIT INSTEAD OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING TO SEND HEAD UNIT TO CALIFORNIA TO BE REPAIRED AND SENT BACK. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE NOISE IS SO LOUD YOU CANNOT HEAR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HORNS, RADIO, ETC. IT IS DEAFENING HOW LOUD IT GETS.

NHTSA ODI 11722030

My stereo is making an awful static noise even when the audio is turned off. It seems to be a pretty common problem for Honda around 2016. It is very dangerous because while driving in rush hour the other day and it was raining I couldn't hear anything but very loud static. I probably would not have been able even to hear a horn. Please get Honda to fix this obvious manufacturer defect so they will recall these vehicles and fix this potential life threatening issue. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11721658

After driving about 20-25 minutes, the speakers after working fine turn to all loud static even when turning the volume down. After the car is off for a bit, the speakers return to normal until driving again for 10-20 minutes. It’s so loud that you can’t hear anything and is very distracting

NHTSA ODI 11719460

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 67,500. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer, who discovered that the mileage was 300,000. The Local Police Department was contacted but was unable to assist. The Department of Motor Vehicles was contacted, and informed that the contact was to obtain an attorney to seek legal counsel.

NHTSA ODI 11718507

Sudden High-Decibel Static Noise and Complete Failure of the Audio Head Unit/Infotainment System 1. Component or system failure and availability for inspection: The component that failed is the Audio Head Unit (Infotainment System). During operation, the system suddenly malfunctions by emitting an extremely loud, high-decibel "static" or "screeching" white noise through all vehicle speakers. When this occurs, the volume controls (both on the steering wheel and the dash) become completely unresponsive, and the unit cannot be turned off. The only way to stop the noise is to pull the vehicle over and perform a full ignition cycle (turning the engine off and on). 2. Risk to the safety of the driver and others: This failure poses a severe safety hazard for the following reasons: Startle Effect: The noise occurs abruptly at maximum volume, causing an immediate "startle response" that can lead to a loss of vehicle control, especially at highway speeds. Aural Overload & Panic: The intensity of the noise is so high that it causes physical pain and cognitive overload, making it nearly impossible for the driver to focus on the road or hear surrounding traffic, such as emergency sirens or horns from other vehicles. Operational Distraction: Since the noise cannot be silenced while the car is in motion, the driver is forced to navigate to a stop under extreme duress, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.

NHTSA ODI 11718032

The infotainment system in the vehicle is apparently overheating and causing the speakers to make a static sound. The sound starts out low, then static sounds at about 85-90 decibels. The radio cannot be turned off to make the sound go away, even if pulled over and restarted. My commute to work is over an hour, and the sound is so loud that I have begun to wear earplugs while driving the vehicle. I have not taken the car to the dealer due to the responses online that the dealer will charge to have the car looked at, just to tell you that the radio needs to be repaired for around $2,000. There have been many complaints that have not been resolved, and is an issue with the manufacturer asthere have been no modifications to my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11717403

A loud static sound through the speakers that gets louder and louder with all equipment turned off. I have to pull over and turn the car off for several minutes to drive a mile or so before the sound starts again.

NHTSA ODI 11710869

Out of no where - the speakers start blaring this loud scrambled sound. (Like a dead channel on TV.) Even when the radio is off. The speakers roar so load you can not concentrate to drive. No warning, just happens. I can go days/weeks without it happening, then boom - scare me so bad when it comes on out of no where. There is no rhyme or reason to when it will happen - could be driving slow or fast, could be hot or cold outside. Could be soon as you start the car or in the middle of driving after an hour. Thought it was a fluke but here were are - 2 months later and it's happened at least 5 times.

NHTSA ODI 11708729

The car speakers and microphones unexpectedly emit deafening loud static sounds that continues while driving. Powering audio system OFF makes no difference. The static is at least 90 decibels. It's frightening and impedes safe driving. Cale YARBOROUGH'S HONDA DEALERSHIP is witness to the defect and determine that the "head unit" must be replaced. The head unit integrates the audio, Bluetooth, GPS and backup & blind spot camera functions. The dealership has ordered a replacement head unit but it is on backorder indefinitely! There have been many other reports of this problem with this equipment. Please help me get my car safe again. American Honda has been aware of the problem but ineffective in its response.

NHTSA ODI 11707916

Static coming through the speakers at loud volume unable to turn off even when radio is off

NHTSA ODI 11705491

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and other unknown warning lights temporarily illuminated, and the vehicle almost shut off. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving on two other occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that upon jumpstarting the vehicle, the vehicle shut off again after disconnecting the jumper cables. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and removing the key from the ignition, the instrument cluster lights flickered for an extended period. The contact ordered an alternator from Amazon and replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The contact's husband purchased the alternator from Auto Zone and replaced the alternator, and the vehicle operated as intended temporarily. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V418000 (Electrical System), which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,986.

NHTSA ODI 11703922