Service Bulletin - When cold-starting the engine and shifting to Reverse, the engine stalls in the first 10 to 14 seconds. There is too much oil clearance between the input and stator shafts, which allows ATF to drain out of the torque converter during extend off periods. During a cold start, when the torque converter is refilled, air gets trapped in the torque converter. This applies the lock up clutch, which stalls the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Honda Accord engine problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - There is a knocking or clicking from the engine during cold startup. The check valve in the cam chain tensioner is worn, allowing oil pressure to leak internally and the cam chain to lose tension after engine is turned off.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. The affected emission labels are replacement service parts, and were not installed at the factory; they were installed during postmanufacturing repairs that required replacement of the underlying part. This will cause the vehicle to be non-compliant with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Servicenews article - Does the engine rattle at startup for about 1 to 3 seconds? What?s happening is the lock pin inside the VTC actuator isn?t holding the actuator properly. This lets the vane turn within the housing, causing a short rattle at startup.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Servicenews article - Does the engine rattle at startup for about 1 to 3 seconds? What?s happening is the lock pin inside the VTC actuator isn?t holding the actuator properly. This lets the vane turn within the housing, causing a short rattle at startup.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct catastrophic failure patterns. The first is connecting rod bearing seizure and bent rod failures happening across a wide mileage range (37k to 137k miles) on both 2.4L and V6 engines, requiring complete engine replacement. One owner changed oil every 5,000 miles and still experienced failure at 100k; another's rod went through the block at 137k. These failures occur with little warning—ticking noise, screeching, then sudden loss of power and engine shutdown. One owner references Honda recall 23V751000, suggesting Honda acknowledges the defect.
The second pattern is V6 starter grinding failures appearing as early as 38k miles. Owners install new OEM Honda starters only to have grinding resume within days or weeks. Service Bulletin 16-002 was issued but owners confirm it does not resolve the issue. Multiple V6 owners contacted Honda corporate and were denied warranty assistance. One owner reports Honda blamed a defective torque converter batch and charged $3,400 for diagnosis and repair.
Owners also report rear main seal leaks at 93.5k miles, engine harness faults at 59.5k miles (requiring $3,100+ repair), stalling events during highway driving, excessive oil burn (1 quart per 3,000 miles), and cabin air contamination with volatile organic compounds. One post-collision fire occurred at 10,000 miles.
None of these issues resulted in recalls or OEM repairs—only service bulletins for the starter problem.
Same Honda Accord engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Rod bearing failure and connecting rod damage
Catastrophic engine failure where connecting rod bearings seize or fail, causing bent rods and loss of engine motive power. Damage is severe enough to require full engine replacement.
When: 37,000 to 137,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise, especially going uphill; Engine screeching; Massive loss of power; Loud bang or thump noise; Engine seizes and stops running; Knocking from engine bay; Catastrophic engine failure during highway driving
Codes mentioned: Connecting rod bearing failure, Engine mechanical failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. One owner reported rod went through engine block and oil pan.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) referenced by one owner. Honda corporate contacted in at least one case but no financial assistance offered.
Rear main seal failure
Rear main seal deteriorates and leaks engine oil.
When: 93,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid slowly leaking from rear main seal; Check engine warning light illumination
Starter failure and grinding
Starter fails prematurely with grinding noise on startup and repeated failures even after replacement with new OEM parts. Affects V6 models particularly. One owner reports a known defective torque converter batch that exacerbates the issue.
When: 38,000 to 100,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when attempting to start; Vehicle won't start or requires multiple attempts; Problem recurs within days or weeks of new starter installation; Starter remains engaged and grinds, fire hazard potential noted
Repairs/costs cited: OEM Honda starter replacement does not resolve issue. One owner replaced starter 3-4 times over vehicle lifespan. Another owner also needed torque converter replacement ($3,400 total). Service Bulletin 16-002 issued by Honda but does not resolve problem per owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 16-002 issued. Honda corporate contacted in multiple cases but refused warranty assistance or recall. One owner reports Honda refused to recall and split repair cost with customer instead.
Engine harness and sensor wiring failure
Engine harness, sensors, and gaskets deteriorate and fail prematurely, particularly in dry stored vehicles.
When: 59,576 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical faults requiring sensor and harness replacement
Repairs/costs cited: $3,100+ for parts and labor to replace engine harness, sensors, and gaskets
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda initiated service bulletin for replacement of all affected parts, but no recall issued per owner complaint.
Engine stalling and shutdown
Engine unexpectedly dies or shuts off while driving or shortly after starting, with or without warning lights.
When: 35 to 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts but shuts off immediately while radio and AC remain on; Engine completely shuts off during highway driving; Check engine warning light flashing on and off
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns oil faster than normal, requiring oil top-ups between service intervals.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil consumption of 1 quart every 3,000 miles; Requires frequent oil additions to prevent engine damage
Cold startup rattling
Engine rattles briefly during cold startup.
When: 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rattling for 1-2 seconds during cold startup
Cabin air contamination
Volatile organic compounds, including methyl isobutyl ketone, entering cabin air causing respiratory and eye irritation despite climate controls being in use.
When: Not specified (reported as of December 2016)
Symptoms owners cite: Eye irritation while driving; Breathing irritation while driving; VOC contamination detected in passive diffuse monitor testing
Post-collision engine fire
Engine fire erupts shortly after minor collision impact.
When: 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flames under hood following rear-end collision at 50 mph; Fire spreads throughout vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Honda Accord?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 55,583 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Honda/Accord.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.