RoadVitals

2016 Honda Accord Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 594 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Honda Accord submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 30 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 30, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Jun 18, 2026

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 ID
11744976
Incident
May 19, 2026
BrakesPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Nov 13, 2025

I was driving and the skid, brake, ABS and steering light came on. I was with my kids so I immediately slowed down and contacted my mechanic. We initially thought it would be a sensor. After hooking it up, it was detected to be the ABS Brake module. After further research this is a “normal” issue. A new module is expensive $2500 with the dealer and is on back order for 3 months. We have shipped the module to CA (I’m in TN) to get it “repaired”. I have been without a car for 3weeks and still waiting. This is insane and should be recalled. I hope the “repair” fixes the issue.

NHTSA ID
11699096
Incident
Oct 25, 2025
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Feb 5, 2025

Steering wheel locked up and all dashboard lights turned on while driving

NHTSA ID
11641013
Incident
Feb 5, 2025
Steering
Filed Aug 19, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID
11609308
Incident
May 15, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 27, 2024

Battery turned off car was really load when i started it and later when drive the car didnt slow down like normal

NHTSA ID
11568263
Incident
Jan 27, 2024
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Jan 10, 2024

vsa modulator in the honda accords go bad, SPECIALLY the 2013-2017 Model Years. There are so many bulltins etc on the internet if you look it up youd see ,millions of people are having the same issue. This affets braking & traction. Traction control is no longer useable and the ABS System does not work since this is all apart of the ABS system. search honda accord vsa modulator recall 2016 honda accord you will see tons and tons of complains about the same part. Honda knows and it seems as if they dont want to recall this. This is clearly a defect. I am unable to pass safety inspection in my state the last two years due to this issue. There is also none of these VSA modules in the States. ive asked time and time again and they dont have a n ETA. This is a HUGE safety concern as it affects braking and traction control. I also reached out to honda corporate as well as other people who have this issue. this issue has been reported to the NHTSA several times as well. this should NOT be happening. this is affecting millions of people and osmething needs to be done about it.

NHTSA ID
11564572
Incident
Jun 8, 2022
BrakesSteering
Filed Oct 27, 2023

VSA ABS Module on 2016 Accord, throws all sorts of codes and millions of people are having the same ISSUE around the same time & milage, ranges from 2013-2017 Honda Accord. Can cause loss of traction, brake assisast. I've tried to have this repaird and there is also none anywhere to buy and honda doesnt want to issue a recall. THIS should be investiagted and honda be held accounatable.

NHTSA ID
11552281
Incident
Jun 14, 2022
Steering
Filed Sep 14, 2022

Driving about 40 mph on a city street with moderate traffic, and the car started to drift uncontrollably, as if sliding on ice. I felt no control with the steering wheel. It lasted about 20-30 seconds. No warning lights came on. I pulled into a service station, and checked the tire pressure and it was normal. Continued on my way and no other problems. I have not taken the car into the shop for any inspection as of yet. I felt that I was at extreme safety risk with the car drifting uncontrollably, had it veered into other lanes of traffic.

NHTSA ID
11484421
Incident
Sep 12, 2022
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Sep 6, 2022

2016 Honda Accord - sedan (48,000 miles) is pulling to the right. (Hands Free) at the count of 3, the vehicle is off the road (Scary!). Took to Honda dealer for service. Wheel alignment was done. Expensive Continental tires (2 years olds) were moved from front to the back. I returned to the dealer once I left the service center because it seemed even worse. The Advisor took it for a test drive and said it was because I was on a hill/slope. A few days later, I test drove the car with a friend who said for certain I have a problem. I have an appointment to go back to the Honda service center again. I do not know if this is a alignment problem? or bad tires? There is a Solution to every Problem. Find the Answer.

NHTSA ID
11483035
Incident
Sep 2, 2022
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Apr 8, 2022

1. The steering system is malfunctioning. My steering is loose and choppy when returning to the center. It feels as if my tires are gliding/skating across the road. 2. I feel like I don't have control of my car. 3. The dealers claim nothing is wrong with my car. 4. Yes, it has been inspected by Honda East and Kings Performance Honda and both dealerships claim there is no issue. 5. The issue first appeared over a month ago and there were no warnings, sounds, or messages only a feeling through the steering wheel/column.

NHTSA ID
11460112
Incident
Mar 18, 2022
Steering
Filed Jun 29, 2021

The car drifts to the left and to the right after a few seconds. It has been aligned with all 4 tires balanced and rotated twice but the car will drift within a few seconds. The dealership wants to blame road crown for this and nothing with the steering of the car.

NHTSA ID
11422804
Incident
Jun 29, 2021
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed May 14, 2021
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TRAVELLING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH. CAR STARTED TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT, STARTED TO TRY AND EASE BACK RIGHT INTO THE LANE AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL RIGHT AND OFF THE ROAD INTO THE WOODS ON THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE AND INTO TREES.

NHTSA ID
11416564
Incident
May 9, 2021
Mileage
50,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 2, 2021

WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND START BACKING UP, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND IT'S LIKE THE CAR KILLS AND TURNS ON AGAIN WHILE STILL IN MOTION. THE DAY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED MY WINDOW WAS GOING UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN AND MY CAR DIDN'T WANT TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE.

NHTSA ID
11391153
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Mar 6, 2020
Fire reported

LAST NIGHT MY DASHBOARD LOST ELECTRICITY FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND MY ENGINE STALLED. I LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL. AFTER 2 SECONDS, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE DASHBOARD RETURNED TO NORMAL, AS DID THE POWER STEERING AND ENGINE, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THIS MORNING, I DROVE ON A STREET & SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN AREA OF THE CAR & I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. OPENED THE HOOD AND THE BATTERY (POSITIVE TERMINAL) WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A GENTLEMAN PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH WATER FROM THE GAS STATION. MY BATTERY IS 1/4 MELTED, DUE TO THE FIRE. OTHER PLASTIC PARTS OF THE ENGINE ARE ALSO SLIGHTLY MELTED. I CALLED GARDENA HONDA (IN LOS ANGELES CA) AND THEY TOLD ME MY 2016 HONDA ACCORD WAS NOT PART OF THE BATTERY SENSOR RECALL BUT THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD SEEN MY EMAIL AND FORWARDED IT TO HER SUPERVISOR, AND THAT SHE WOULD SPEAK TO HIM TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO. SHE TOLD ME THAT HER SUPERVISOR SAID TO IMMEDIATELY BRING IT INTO THE GARDENA, CA HONDA DEALERSHIP. UPON ARRIVAL THE SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD ME THEY WOULD DEFINITELY BE CHARGING ME AT LEAST $160 FOR A DIAGNOSIS. I THEN EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I WAS MISLED, AS WHEN I INITIALLY CALLED I WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD CHECK TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO AND THAT SHE WOULD CALL ME BACK. AT NO TIME DID SHE SAY I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR ANYTHING. INSTEAD, SHE MISLEAD ME BY SAYING SHE HAD SPOKEN TO HER SUPERVISOR AND THAT HE SAID TO BRING IT IN IMMEDIATELY. THEY MISLEAD ME, WASTED MY TIME, AND ARE PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES IN DANGER AS ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE (2016 HONDA ACCORD WITH VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT PART OF THE RECALL, MY CAR'S BATTERY CAUGHT FIRE AND I AM SURE OTHER PEOPLE'S CAR'S WILL ALSO CATCH FIRE. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED BEYOND THE CURRENT LIST. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED A METAL PIECE INTENDED TO HOLD THE BATTERY IN PLACE LOOSENED AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE POSITIVE TERMINAL OF THE BATTERY CAUSING THE FAILURE.*JS

NHTSA ID
11316605
Incident
Mar 6, 2020
Mileage
79,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 8, 2019

THE 2016 HONDA ACCORD PURCHASED BRAND NEW BY MY MOM HAD THE STEERING FAIL WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE AND WAS TOWED TO DEALER. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2019 THE STEERING FAILED AGAIN. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY APPROVED NON HONDA PARTS PER THE HONDA DEALER. MOM PICKED UP DROVE TO THE BANK AND IT FAILED AGAIN. THEY PUT HONDA PARTS IN AND IT FAILED YESTERDAY BUT ONCE TURNED OFF AND ON THE STEERING RESET. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT REGARDLESS IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DEALER SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED NOTHING WRONG SO THEY RELEASED THE CAR. WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION ON ALL OF THIS.

NHTSA ID
11267043
Incident
Oct 7, 2019
Mileage
10,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jun 23, 2019

THIS 2016 HONDA ACCORD TOURING OF MINE MAKES SCREECHING NOISE AT 20 MPH OR LOWER WHEN I TURN LEFT. I TOOK IT TO BROOKDALE HONDA AT BROOKLYN CENTER MN TODAY AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT NOTHING BUT COMING FROM ONE OF THE SEATS. THIS CAR GAVE ME PROBLEMS FROM BAD TIRES TO WHEELS TO STEERING WHEEL AND DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS NOW. US GOVERNMENT SHOULD FINE THESE COMPANIES HARD. THIS IS A $35 K CAR AND WE CONSUMERS ARE FACING THESE UNWANTED ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF FROM HONDA WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS. HONDA IS AWARE OF THESE ISSUES AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND LET THE OWNERS KNOW BEFORE WE KNOW IT. VERY FRUSTRATING...

NHTSA ID
11221952
Incident
Jun 12, 2019
Mileage
52,888 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Mar 29, 2019
Crash reported

I WAS DRIVING ON 35-38 MPH IN A 35MPH ZONE. THE ROAD WAS CURVING IN THE FORM OF A C AND MY TIRES STARTED TO SKID. ONCE I APPLIED BRAKES AND I COULDN'T FEEL ANYTHING BRAKING AND ONCE AGAIN APPLIED, THE CAR TURNED 90 DEGREE, STRAIGHTENED OUT ON THE ROAD BUT NOT COMPLETELY MEANING THE CAR WAS STILL GOING FORWARD IN THE DIRECTION ON THE ROAD BUT A 30 DEGREE ANGLE. I COULDN'T CONTROL STEERING OR BRAKES AND HIT A FIRE HYDRANT AT THE END. I ASKED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO CONTACT HONDA FOR DETAILS KNOW THE DIFFERENT CONTROL UNITS AND READING BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GO THAT ROUTE. NOW MY INSURANCE RATE IS UP AND I HAVE 2 POINTS SINCE THE COPS DIDN'T BELIEVE IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CARS FAULT.

NHTSA ID
11192331
Incident
Aug 18, 2018
Mileage
21,058 mi
Interior & seatsPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Mar 1, 2019

THE CAR VIBRATION INCREASES WHENEVER THE CAR IS IN DRIVE AND IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, STOP SIGN, PARKING LOT, ETC. DURING COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES THE VIBRATION IS EXCESSIVE AND CAN MAKE A RATTLING NOISE COME FROM THE ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW CONTINUOUSLY. HONDA DEALERSHIPS REFUSES TO CONSIDER IT AS AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11183460
Incident
Feb 28, 2019
Mileage
26,900 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 10, 2018

I WAS DRIVING GOING 45MPH WHEN THE STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING..I PULL OVER AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT WENT AWAY AND POWER STEERING WORK AGAIN..I TOOK MY CAR TO HONDA FOR REPAIR ..THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT..GOT THE CAR BACK AFTER TWO DAYS ..DROVE IT AND THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED ..NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IF IT HAPPEN ON HIGHWAY I'LL BE IN BIG TROUBLE...

NHTSA ID
11110445
Incident
Jun 20, 2018
Mileage
59,667 mi
Steering
Filed May 29, 2018

ON MONDAY, MAY 14, 2018, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND A VERY SCARY SITUATION HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. MY STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TIGHTENED UP AND I FELT, AS THOUGH I WAS NO LONGER IN CONTROL OF MY CAR. I SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. I MANAGED TO DRIVE TO A HONDA DEARER.

NHTSA ID
11098698
Incident
May 14, 2018
Mileage
55,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Nov 26, 2017

TAKATA RECALL THE FRAME IS CORRODED, THE SUSPENSION VEERS TO THE LEFT, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT PROVIDE VISABILITY, EMISSION PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FRONT END ALIGNMENT OFF, DOES NOT HAVE DOOR LOCK, DOES NOT ACCELERATE PAST 60, CAR SHAKES

NHTSA ID
11048427
Incident
Jun 11, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 8, 2017

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF TROUBLE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN WITHOUT THIS. SHE BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SINCE WE HAD TO GET TO AN EXIT I TOOK OVER. THE STEERING TAKES A LOT OF MUSCLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SMALL STEERING WHEEL. I AM GLAD I WAS WITH HER. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND HONDA HAD A BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS IN 2013. THEY GAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 100,000 MILES TO THESE VEHICLES. I EXPECT THE SAME WARRANTY EXTENSION. I HAVE OWNED HONDAS SINCE 1977 AND MANY I HAVE DRIVEN WELL BEYOND 190,000 MILES WITHOUT A PROBLEM LIKE THIS.

NHTSA ID
11003805
Incident
Jul 7, 2017
Mileage
36,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 19, 2017

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY AND IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN IT TO ANY DIRECTION. THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I WAS TRAVELING AT VERY SLOW SPEED (20 MILES/H) ON A VERY CALM STREET. SO I COULD MANAGE TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. I TURN OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER SOME SECONDS I TURN ON THE ENGINE AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN. THE FACT IS THAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY CERTAINLY THE OUTCOME WOULD BE AN SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
10955518
Incident
Feb 19, 2017
Mileage
10,900 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 22, 2016

WITHOUT WARNING COMPLETE POWER STEERING LOSS ON HIGHWAY EXIT. CAR FIXED AT DEALER, STEERING FAILURE AGAIN LESS THAN 24HRS AFTER IT WAS 'FIXED'. SO TWO STEERING FAILURES IN COUPLE DAYS.

NHTSA ID
10918040
Incident
Oct 12, 2016
Mileage
4,500 mi
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 14, 2016

CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALERSHIP IN FORT SMITH, AR. UPON INSPECTION 10 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. (MILES: 502) VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SUSPENSION HAD SIGNIFICANT RUST AND OXIDIZATION DAMAGE. IN THIS REGION OF THE UNITED STATES- RUST IS VERY UNCOMMON IF NOT EVER PRESENT, MUCH LESS, ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO WORK WITH AMERICAN HONDA AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEY CLAIM TO HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL EFFORTS AND HAVE DONE ALL "REPAIRS" THEY INTEND TO DO. THE WORK DONE WAS ONLY SURFACE REMOVAL AND SINCE THEN, A REAR OIL LEAK HAS DEVELOPED AND THE BACK SEAT DOOR PANELS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS PROCESS, JUNE 3, 2016. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND UNBELIEVABLE THAT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE HAS THIS EXTENT OF RUST DAMAGE. I AM A MECHANIC WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE ON A VEHICLE, LET ALONE A NEW PURCHASE. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WOULD EVEN BE AN ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BEFORE PURCHASE. BECAUSE OF IT BEING A NEW VEHICLE, WHO WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THIS PROBLEM FROM A TRUSTED VEHICLE BRAND SUCH AS HONDA?! I HAVE MADE SURE TO DOCUMENT THIS THOROUGHLY AND HAVE MORE THAN 70 PHOTOS FOR YOUR REVIEW. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYTIME FOR THOSE OR ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION YOU MIGHT NEED.

NHTSA ID
10906729
Incident
Jun 3, 2016
Mileage
150 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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