Transmission( CVT) vibrates around 20 to 45 MPH. Rear window is distorted. (wavy vision through window)
2016 Honda Accord powertrain problems
severe 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2016 Accords show serious transmission issues—CVT hesitation, slipping, and fluid leaks appear by 15,000–40,000 miles, and transmission replacements cost around $6,000. Unintended acceleration incidents and gear-shifter failures have also been reported, and many owners faced dealer resistance to warranty repairs or diagnosis.
A 2016 Accord with 25 complaints in the powertrain cluster shows patterns of transmission and driveline issues. The most common problem is CVT hesitation and jerking, starting as early as 15,861 miles. Owners describe the car hesitating or "falling on its face" during acceleration, especially when the transmission is warm. Dealership diagnostics—software updates, fluid drains, ECM/PCM resets—have not resolved it. One owner was quoted $6,000 for replacement at 37,854 miles.
A separate CVT leak issue involves oil seeping between transmission and engine, documented from 6,274 miles onward, with black particles in the fluid. Multiple dealer visits have failed to pinpoint the source.
Unintended acceleration incidents appear in the cluster: one resulted in a parking-lot collision at 9,200 miles with airbag deployment; another involved high RPM when shifting from Park to Drive at 19,000 miles. Both had no codes.
Transmission shuddering and failure happen rapidly in some cases—one owner's transmission failed completely within 24 hours of symptoms starting. Gear shifter malfunctions include being stuck in Park or failing to engage Reverse. One manual-transmission owner reports dual mass flywheel failure at 17,000 miles, with Honda dealerships unable to diagnose it.
Battery drain, throttle sensor codes (P2138), and electrical warning-light clusters round out the complaints. Most repairs required dealership intervention or transmission replacement.
Same Honda Accord powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT hesitation, jerking, slipping
CVT transmission exhibits hesitation and jerking during acceleration, sometimes described as slipping at highway speeds (52-60 mph). Occurs more frequently when engine is warm. No diagnostic trouble codes appear despite symptoms. Fluid inspection and software updates have not resolved the issue. Multiple owners report the condition makes acceleration from a stop dangerous in traffic.
When: 15,861 miles (first instance); 37,854 miles (second instance); varies for other owners
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Jerking or shuddering motion; Slipping sensation at highway speeds (52-60 mph); Worse when transmission is warm; Vehicle feels like it will stall when taking off at stop
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership quoted $6,000 for transmission replacement. Dealership fluid drain/reset procedures (ECM/PCM reset, idle learn, throttle body learn) did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update performed; dealership states this may be early transmission issue but offers only replacement as solution
Transmission fluid leak (CVT)
Oil leakage occurs between transmission and engine, visible on underside of vehicle and bottom shield protector. Fluid appears clear with black particles. Leak persists over extended period despite multiple dealer inspections and attempts to locate source. One owner documented leak from 6,274 miles and again at 18,999 miles.
When: 6,274 miles (initial detection); continues to at least 18,999 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil stain on driveway; Oil visible on bottom shield protector; Clear fluid with black particles; Persistent leak after multiple inspections
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple Honda dealerships unable to pinpoint exact source; Norm Reeves Honda confirmed trans/CVT leak but repair outcome unclear. Owner performed own oil changes and continued to observe leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Advised to take to dealership for inspection; limited assistance provided across multiple dealer visits
Unintended acceleration
Engine revs and vehicle accelerates on its own despite driver foot off accelerator and brakes applied. Occurs during low-speed maneuvers (parking lot situations). One instance resulted in collision with building at 9,200 miles. Another at 19,000 miles involved high RPM acceleration when shifting from Park to Drive. No diagnostic codes retrieved; Honda field investigation found nothing wrong.
When: 9,200 miles; 19,000 miles; other instances
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rev without driver input; Vehicle accelerates despite brake application; Occurs during low-speed maneuvers; High RPM jump when shifting from Park to Drive; No warning lights or codes present
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in airbag deployment and collision damage; no repair completed as Honda found no fault. Another owner retrieved code from aftermarket reader showing no errors.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda field representative examined vehicle at body shop and concluded nothing wrong; case closed with letter confirmation
Hesitation on acceleration (non-CVT models)
Intermittent hesitation when depressing accelerator pedal at various speeds. Some owners report warning lights (check engine, power steering, traction control, TPMS) illuminating during failure. One instance involved loss of power while driving 55-60 mph and blank gear shift indicator.
When: Unknown mileage for some; ~53,000 miles for one instance
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent hesitation on accelerator depression; Check engine light activation; Power steering, traction control, TPMS warnings; Loss of power while driving; Blank gear shift indicator display
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Incorrect voltage position sensor and throttle body sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush performed by dealer; throttle body and accelerator pedal replaced but failure recurred. Another owner diagnosed with P2138 but repair did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer performed warranty transmission flush; later repairs denied warranty coverage and charged diagnostic fee. Limited manufacturer assistance
Transmission shuddering and failure
Transmission shudders and shakes during acceleration or gear shifting, progressing to complete transmission failure within hours to days. One owner reported shuddering began at 3:45 pm Thursday and total failure by 8:30 am Friday. Owners describe unable to accelerate safely and keep up with traffic speed.
When: Varies; rapid progression in some cases; at least one at ~62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and shaking during acceleration; Violent shaking during gear shifts; Inability to accelerate smoothly; Vehicle cannot maintain traffic speed; Rapid progression to complete failure
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Transmission faulty)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple instances of transmission replacement required at dealership. One replacement occurred at 104,000 miles after P0741 code; dealership insisted on replacement despite vehicle performing normally.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; no alternative solutions offered
Transmission vibration at low speeds
CVT transmission vibrates noticeably in the 20-45 mph range, causing uncomfortable ride quality. One owner also reported distorted rear window with wavy vision through it.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at 20-45 mph speeds; Uncomfortable ride quality; Rear window distortion/wavy vision (one instance)
Gear shifter malfunction and reverse failure
Gear shifter seized in Park position or vehicle fails to engage reverse gear despite shifter in reverse position. No warning lights present. One instance involved blank dashboard lights when this occurred.
When: ~5,000 miles; ~50,100 miles; ~66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter stuck in Park; Unable to shift into Drive; Vehicle fails to reverse when shifter in reverse; Dashboard lights off (one instance); No warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: One instance: fuse box underneath dashboard required replacement and vehicle was repaired. Other instances not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case and case filed; limited assistance in other instances
Dual mass flywheel failure (manual transmission model)
Dual mass flywheel arc damper spring mechanism fails prematurely, causing rattling and chattering noise during clutch engagement. Owner attributes failure to design defect. Honda dealerships unable to diagnose issue despite test drives; non-Honda mechanics confirmed failure. Failure occurred at only 17,000 miles on an excellently maintained vehicle.
When: 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Chattering noise during clutch engagement from stop to roll; Rattling in all gears including neutral; Delayed engagement time from stop to first gear; Excessive chattering especially when warm (~70°F); Rattling persists regardless of clutch position
Repairs/costs cited: Design defect noted by owner; arc damper spring mechanism has short service life
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda ignored documentation submitted by owner; Honda dealerships failed to diagnose despite hearing noises
Transmission DTC code display malfunction
Transmission shifter display shows DTC code 03 after transmission fluid replacement at dealership, triggering false transmission replacement recommendation.
When: 104,000 miles (shortly after fluid replacement)
Symptoms owners cite: DTC: 03 flashes on transmission shifter display; Vehicle performs normally despite code
Codes mentioned: DTC: 03, P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended transmission replacement despite normal vehicle operation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Throttle position sensor and accelerator pedal malfunction
Throttle body and accelerator pedal sensor issues causing multiple warning lights and loss of power. Code P2138 indicates incorrect voltage between position sensors.
When: ~53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Power steering warning light; Traction control warning light; TPMS warning light; Loss of power while driving 55-60 mph; Blank gear shift indicator
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and accelerator pedal replaced but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No additional assistance provided by manufacturer
Battery drain and electrical issues
Battery drains and requires jumping multiple times. Replaced battery continues to fail shortly after replacement. Issues appear related to electrical system problems rather than battery itself.
When: 3 years of ownership; 50,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies after 3 years; Car will not start; Requires jump starts at random times; New battery fails shortly after installation; Engine runs loud and hard after battery/charging issues
Codes mentioned: Electrical issue (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement did not resolve issue; underlying electrical problem suspected
Severe vibration at idle in Drive gear
Vehicle exhibits severe vibration at idle when transmission in Drive gear. Causes discomfort and suggests transmission or engine mount issue.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration at idle with gear in D
Spontaneous acceleration with shaking
Vehicle spontaneously accelerates and shakes at 40 mph despite brake application. After shutdown and restart, abnormal rumbling noise emerges from vehicle.
When: 29,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous acceleration at 40 mph; Shaking during acceleration; Abnormal rumbling noise after restart; No warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Car has a severe vibration at idle while gear is selected to d.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 17,000 and 53,000 miles, with the median around 29,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 53,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.