YearToAvoid

2016 Honda Accord Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 310 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Honda Accord, 51% of its 604 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles. A related recall (17V418000) covers a battery sensor case that may let water in and cause an electrical short.

Electrical System complaints
310
51% of 604
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
40,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Instrument panel warning lights and sparks appeared before the vehicle caught fire while driving around 45 mph.
  • Vehicle shook, lost brakes, and caught fire while underway, requiring the emergency brake to stop.
  • Infotainment and navigation screens freeze, go black, or the entertainment center crashes and won't restart without restarting the car.
  • LED daytime running lights or side running lights stop working shortly after the warranty period ends.
  • Speakers or head unit emit loud static or noise that builds while driving, forcing the driver to pull over.
  • Vehicle lost motive power while driving around 30 mph with no warning light illuminated, and the cause could not be determined.

When 2016 Honda Accord electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 21, 2016, latest Sep 22, 2026.

2016 Honda Accord electrical system complaints: complaints filed per quarter272016 Q12018 Q12019 Q22020 Q32021 Q42023 Q12024 Q22025 Q3
310 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q2 (27).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Honda Accord

  1. NHTSA 17V418000Jun 29, 2017Electrical System1,148,550 vehicles

    Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.

Electrical System complaints by Accord model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005113 (17%)
  2. 200653 (12%)
  3. 200767 (13%)
  4. 2008192 (13%)
  5. 200963 (9%)
  6. 201038 (7%)
  7. 201119 (6%)
  8. 201235 (9%)
  9. 2013424 (30%)
  10. 2014389 (40%)
  11. 2015242 (40%)
  12. 2016310 (51%)
  13. 2017171 (32%)
  14. 2018311 (17%)
  15. 2019115 (17%)
  16. 202053 (15%)
  17. 202162 (27%)
  18. 2022100 (40%)
  19. 202322 (26%)
  20. 202423 (16%)
  21. 202511 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2016 Honda Accord have?
NHTSA lists 310 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Accord, which is 51% of the 604 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2016 Honda Accord?
Yes. Recall 17V418000, reported 2017-06-29, covers 2013-2016 Accords where the battery sensor case may let water in, potentially causing an electrical issue. Dealers replace the sensor free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints on the 2016 Accord is 40,000 miles.
Have there been fires or crashes linked to electrical issues?
Among the complaints in this area, NHTSA records show 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries tied to the 2016 Accord.
How does 2016 compare to other Accord model years for electrical complaints?
The 2016 Accord's 51% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is the highest of any year listed, compared to 40% for 2014 and 2015 and 32% for 2017.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.