2016 Honda Accord: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliable and comfortable, though some cars had LED headlight assembly failures. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Honda Accord ranged from $22,205 to $34,680 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliable and comfortable, though some cars had LED headlight assembly failures.
Sources (3)
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/accord-2017.html
- aboutlawsuits.comhttps://www.aboutlawsuits.com/honda-accord-power-steering-problems-nhtsa-73811/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
Known issues
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Electric power steering can fail or warn (heavy steering, EPS light), most often on 2013-2014 cars; Honda extended the steering torque-sensor warranty.
commonly reported · 405 NHTSA complaints · steering
-
Electrical faults including ABS module failure, parasitic battery drain and clustered dashboard warning lights, heaviest on 2014-2015 cars.
commonly reported · 198 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
LED daytime-running and headlight assemblies can overheat and fail, requiring assembly replacement, notably on 2016 cars.
commonly reported · 108 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
The four-cylinder CVT can stutter or jerk during gradual low-speed acceleration on some cars.
occasional · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, spacious and well-finished cabin.
- Good fuel economy across the range.
- Available smooth and strong V6 engine.
- Reliable once past the early-build 2013-2014 issues.
- Strong resale value and broad parts availability.
Cons
- Early CVT can feel jerky at low speeds.
- 2013-2014 electric power steering failures.
- 2016 LED headlight assemblies prone to failure.
- Base audio touchscreen lacked a physical volume knob.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $22,205 | $28,395 | 2.4L I4 | — |
| LX-S Coupe | $23,875 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| Sport | $24,265 | — | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX | $25,580 | — | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX Coupe | $26,000 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX-L | $28,670 | — | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX-L Coupe | $28,845 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX-L V6 | $30,745 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX-L V6 Coupe | $31,025 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Touring Coupe | $34,225 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Touring | $34,680 | — | 3.5L V6 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-honda-accord-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2013&make=Honda…
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-accord-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($22,205). Higher trims started higher (up to $34,680), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-accord/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/accord
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/honda-accord-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Honda Accord have?
Documented issue patterns include: Electric power steering can fail or warn (heavy steering, EPS light), most often on 2013-2014 cars; Honda extended the steering torque-sensor warranty; Electrical faults including ABS module failure, parasitic battery drain and clustered dashboard warning lights, heaviest on 2014-2015 cars; LED daytime-running and headlight assemblies can overheat and fail, requiring assembly replacement, notably on 2016 cars; The four-cylinder CVT can stutter or jerk during gradual low-speed acceleration on some cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Honda Accord reliable?
Reliable and comfortable, though some cars had LED headlight assembly failures.
How much did the 2016 Honda Accord cost new?
Between $22,205 and $34,680 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.