Honda Recalls Nearly 65,000 Acura MDX Vehicles for Brake Issues

Honda Recalls Nearly 65,000 Acura MDX Vehicles for Brake Issues

November 28, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – July 20, 2022 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has remedied issues with 59.452 vehicles including the 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey and the 2017-2019 Acura MDX that had rear brake issues. Additionally, 186 of these Honda models have been categorized as unreachable and 94 have been removed from the recall. One group of these 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey and the 2017-2019 Acura MDX with rear brake issues were remedied in 2019, four groups were remedied in 2019, and one group in 2020.

Laguna Hills, CA – November 28, 2018 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain vehicles to have the rear brakes bled due to gas pockets. The potential number of units affected is 64,785, including:

  • 2017-2019 Acura MDX
  • 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
  • 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey
  • 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles

The defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, in affected vehicles the rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, and reducing brake performance. A reduction in braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

Timeline of events

In July 2018, the rear brake caliper supplier informed Honda of quality issues affecting some of its products. Honda subsequently launched an investigation.

From August to October 2018, Honda learned that a sub-supplier’s manufacturing process improperly trapped high levels of hydrogen on the brake piston during surface plating, and that the tempering process intended to remove excess hydrogen may not have been performed to specification.

Honda investigated the potential for FMVSS noncompliance and the range of potentially affected vehicles, and on October 25, 2018, Honda completed the investigation.

The final determination was that the potential for FMVSS noncompliance exists and Honda, therefore, decided to conduct a safety recall.

As of October 25, 2018, Honda has received 170 warranty claims, 90 field reports, and no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue. The problem does not recur after brakes are bled to remove initial gas pockets.

The solution

Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge.

MotorSafety.org can help you determine whether your vehicle is subject to a government-mandated recall or whether there is some factory notice that you should be informed of.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Nearly 65,000 Acura MDX Vehicles for Brake Issues
Honda Recalls Nearly 1000 Vehicles for Fuel Leak and Fire Risks

Honda Recalls Nearly 1000 Vehicles for Fuel Leak and Fire Risks

September 28, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – September 28, 2018 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles due to a faulty coupler that increases the chance of fuel leaks and engine fire.

The recall population was determined based on manufacturing records. A total 949 units are potentially affected, within a sequential VIN range of 19UNC1B00HY000000 to 19UNC1B00HY000952. The VIN range reflects all possible vehicles that could potentially experience the problem.

All vehicles built from the start-up of production through March 5, 2018 are affected. Vehicles built after March 5, 2018 are equipped with fuel tanks produced by the supplier after the supplier adjusted its manufacturing process to improve production quality.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, due to an improper manufacturing process, the couplers for the crossover inlet pipe that connects the left and right fuel tanks were insufficiently welded.

Over time, vibration and heat cycling can cause the couplers to separate from the fuel tank, resulting in fuel leakage. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

According to an Acura Service Bulletin, drivers or passengers may notice a strong fuel smell if a leak occurs. If this happens, drivers are urged to stop driving their vehicle immediately and contact their nearest Acura dealer for roadside assistance.

Timeline of events

In December 2017 Honda received a claim of a fuel leak. The failed fuel tank was returned to the supplier. An investigation was launched to determine the root cause of the failure.

Over the months of February and March 2018, Honda received three additional claims of a fuel leak, and in April 2018 the fuel tank supplier informed Honda that the weld specifications for melt depth and pressed-in amount could not be appropriately controlled and could be the source of the issue.

Further investigation was conducted to determine what was causing the variation in weld specification and how it was affecting the fuel tanks.

In May 2018, the investigation confirmed that the heater which was being used to weld the coupler was set at a slight angle. This resulted in insufficient welding and thin welds to certain sections of the fuel tank.

In August 2018, the fuel tank supplier further informed Honda that the jigs used during fuel tank welding were found to be incapable of properly securing the fuel tanks during the welding process, adding more inconsistency and instability to the welds and resulting in additional welding variations.

Honda continued their own investigation of the potential consequences of inappropriately welded fuel tanks and sought to determine the precise range of potentially affected vehicles.

In late August 2018, Honda officially determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists and decided to conduct a safety recall. Honda notified NHTSA of this decision and supplied the information needed.

As of late August 2018, Honda has only received three warranty claims. There have been no field reports or reports of fires or injuries related to this issue.

The solution

According to the manufacturers statement, Acura is announcing these recalls to encourage owners of affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification from Acura.

Due to the relatively small number of affected vehicles, where possible, Acura will attempt to contact owners by phone to schedule repairs.

Honda will notify dealers, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2018.

MotorSafety.org can help you determine whether your vehicle is subject to a government-mandated recall or whether there is some factory notice that you should be informed of. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Nearly 1000 Vehicles for Fuel Leak and Fire Risks
Honda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect

Honda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling over 1,350,000 vehicles due to the passenger frontal air bag inflator being at risk of exploding. The recall includes:

  • 2011- 2014 Honda Insight
  • 2010-2014 Acura TSX
  • 2011-2014 Acura TSX Wagon
  • 2010-2011 Acura ZDX
  • 2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
  • 2011-2015 Honda Pilot
  • 2014 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2010-2013 Honda Fit EV
  • 2011-2014 Honda Fit EV
  • 2010-2012 Honda Accord
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2010-2011 Honda CR-V

Recall summary

The massive recall is part of a previous recall, but the schedule is being accelerated because the risk was determined to be more severe than previously thought. There are also enough replacement airbags to finish the whole recall ahead of schedule.

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, all these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules.

The specific defective modules may explode due to propellant degradation, which can occur after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

In the case of an inflator rupture, the force of inflation may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed.

Contact with such high speed, flying pieces of metal, should the inflation occur and metal pieces be fragmented, may result in serious injury or death to vehicle driver and/or occupants.

The repair

The registered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail by Honda. Honda will request all owners asked to take their vehicles to a Honda or Acura automobile dealer.

The dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator with a new inflator, at no cost to the vehicle owner. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.34 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,104,463 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect
Honda Recalls 793 Acura NSX Vehicles for Brake Light Malfunction

Honda Recalls 793 Acura NSX Vehicles for Brake Light Malfunction

September 22, 2018 Sean Reyes

Lilburn, Georgia – September 22, 2018: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles due to a faulty mounting of the circuit board for the high mounted center brake light.

The recall population was determined based on manufacturing records, and only 793 vehicles are potentially affected. All vehicles built from the start-up of production through July 31, 2017 are affected.

The supplier provided updated HMSLs for vehicles built after July 31, 2017 to improve production quality, so no vehicles built after that date were affected.

The defect

According to an Acura service bulletin, there is an internal issue with the circuit board in the high mount brake light (also referred to as the center high mount brake light).

Normal road vibrations can cause the metal screws securing the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry.

If this happens during illumination (when the brake pedal is depressed), the circuit board may short, causing the corresponding fuse to blow.

In such a situation, all the brake lights will stop working, which increases the risk of a collision. In the dash, several malfunction indicator lamps will turn on to indicate the brake light failure.

Once the fuse is blown, the vehicle will be prevented from being restarted once it has been turned off. The 793 vehicles affected by this recall fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard regarding Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.

Timeline of events

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Notice in June 2017, Honda received the first claim of a no-start condition, and subsequently began an investigation with the HMSL’s supplier to determine the root cause.

The supplier’s initial analysis suspected the failure to be short circuit related and identified a potential issue with contact between the metal screw and the PCB circuitry. They supplied an updated part for future builds.

In January 2018, Bully tests were performed on the PCB to determine the extent of coating wear from the metal screws. By September 2018 Honda completed the investigation.

It was determined that FMVSS non-compliance existed, and Honda chose to conduct a safety recall. As of September 4, 2018 Honda has received only 19 warranty claims. There have been no field reports or reports of injuries related to this issue.

The solution

According to a public statement from Acura, due to the relatively small number of affected vehicles, where possible, Acura will attempt to directly contact registered owners of affected vehicles by phone to schedule repairs, and in November any unreached registered owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an NSX Authorized Acura dealer.

The dealer will replace the center high mount brake light at no charge to owners.

The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2018. Owners of 2017 NSX vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls 793 Acura NSX Vehicles for Brake Light Malfunction
Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

April 19, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Torrance, Calif. – April 19, 2018 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 5,800 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat features, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across two brands, including:

  • 2018 Acura MDX sport utility vehicles produced Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles produced between Jan. 2, 2018, and Jan. 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks produced between Jan. 12, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2018.

The Japanese automaker is unsure exactly how many of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles driver and front passenger with improperly machined rivets connecting the seat slide rails to the seat feet. These fixtures could brake in the event of an accident, allowing the front driver and passenger seats to separate from the vehicle floor.

The defective rivets not only pose a serious safety hazard to occupants but also violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210. The former requires vehicle manufacturers to install secure seating systems, while the latter mandates the use of fixed restraint assemblies.

Honda has not received reports connecting the defective rivet to any injuries. However, the connectors were involved in one accident.

Timeline of events

A tier-one vendor contacted the car company Jan. 11, 2018, after learning of an accident, during which the rivets holding the front seat side rails in place in a Honda vehicle, failed. The automaker launched an internal investigation in response.

Engineering personnel concluded this inquiry Feb. 6, 2018, finding that AKKO Fastener, the supplier responsible for producing the rivets used within Honda front seat assemblies, had improperly machined the connective fixtures.

Specifically, AKKO had deployed out-of-specification production tools, used too much material, and relied upon deficient quality controls. Honda then embarked on an administrative review to understand the breadth of the impact of the production error.

On Feb. 21, 2018, AKKO completed an internal investigation into the mis-machined rivets, while Honda and its other suppliers launched new downstream inquires.

The automaker reviewed the matter in its entirety March 29, 2018, and determined that a voluntary safety recall was required. Honda notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 6, 2018.

The solution

Honda has directed dealers to replace the driver seat frame assemblies in affected Acura MDX SUVs and swap out both the driver and passenger seat assemblies in recalled Honda Pilot SUVs and Ridgeline pickup trucks, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Dealership technicians are to make these repairs free of charge.

The automotive company intends to notify owners via first-class mail May 18, 2018.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective seat features
Honda, Ford, Announce Additional Takata-Related Recalls

Honda, Ford, Announce Additional Takata-Related Recalls

January 19, 2017 admin , ,

Washington, D.C. — January 19, 2016 — Of all the automakers that have been affected by the Takata air bag defects and subsequent nationwide recalls, Honda appears to have been hit the hardest.

Across the U.S., 11 fatalities and more than 100 injuries have been attributed to Takata’s defective air bag inflators, according to NBC News. These air bags can inflate with too much force, rupturing a metal canister and launching shrapnel at drivers and occupants. Honda has said that among those incidents, 10 of the deaths occurred in Honda vehicles between 2009 and 2016.

Honda announces additional recalls over air bag defects

This week, Honda announced that it will be recalling additional vehicles as a result of defective Takata air bag launchers –  and not a small number, either. The International Business Times reported that the company will add 772,000 Honda and Acura vehicles to recalls in the U.S, making a total of over 1.2 million vehicles.

These will include the following specific models:

  • 2005-2006 Acura MDX
  • 2005-2012 Acura RL
  • 2008-2012 Honda Accord
  • 2006-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2007-2012 Honda Fit
  • 2010-2012 Honda Insight
  • 2009-2012 Acura TSX
  • 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon
  • 2010-2012 Acura ZDX
  • 2010-2012 Acura ZDX
  • 2005-2011 Honda CR-V
  • 2005-2011 Honda Element
  • 2012 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2005-2012 Honda Pilot
  • 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline

The specific problem in these vehicles appears to be the front passenger seat air bag inflators. Honda said in a press release that a specific number of inflators – known as “Alpha” inflators – have alarmingly high failure rates and will be the focus of the recall.

All told, Reuters reports that Honda has recalled 11.4 million U.S. registered vehicles as a result of this defect.

Ford expands Takata recall

Honda may be the most exposed automaker to the Takata defects, but it isn’t the only company that has boosted its recall numbers of late. This week, Ford announced that it would recall 816,000 vehicles for similar air bag issues.

Of the recalls, about 600,000 were located in the U.S., while the remaining models were located in Canada. All were built in North America. Autoblog reports that the following models will be affected:

  • 2005-09 and 2012 Ford Mustang
  • 2005-06 Ford GT
  • 2006-09 and 2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2007-09 Ford Ranger
  • 2007-09 Ford Edge
  • 2006-09 and 2012 Lincoln Zephyr and Lincoln MKZ
  • 2007-09 Lincoln MKX
  • 2006-09 Mercury Milan

Ford has not identified any injuries or deaths that occurred in its vehicles as a result of the defects. It has now recalled about 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S., according to Reuters.

Government settlement will move forward

Earlier this month, there were hints that Takata would agree to settle with the U.S. government over the air bag defects. Now, Reuters has reported that this will indeed happen.

The company has made an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to pay a $1 billion settlement. This will reportedly be split into multiple parts. About $850 million will be directed toward automakers that were forced to conduct massive recalls. Another $125 million will be directed toward victim compensation. Finally, the last $25 million will take the form of a criminal fine.

In addition, Takata will be monitored by an independent third party going forward to ensure the problems that led to the defects are addressed.

Reuters added that Takata may also plead guilty to wire fraud charges, or to providing false test data to U.S. regulators. This is based on information from another settlement in 2015, in which Takata admitted to providing both automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with incomplete or inaccurate data for several years.

Is your vehicle part of these recalls?

Around 1.8 million vehicles were originally part of these recalls. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 1,411,939 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 24, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section where drivers can check if their vehicle is part of this recall and included the recall completion rate. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

adminHonda, Ford, Announce Additional Takata-Related Recalls
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