US government upgrades and expands Honda stall investigation

US government upgrades and expands Honda stall investigation

April 22, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – April 22, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has upgraded and expanded its investigation of Honda (NYSE:HMC) cars that may stall and not restart.

The investigation comes on the back of close to 1,300 complaints and could lead to a recall of roughly 2.2 million vehicles, including:

  • 2015 – 2025 Acura TLX
  • 2016 – 2025 Acura MDX
  • 2016 – 2015 Honda Pilot
  • 2018 – 2025 Honda Odyssey
  • 2019 – 2025 Honda Passport
  • 2020 – 2025 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), originally opened an investigation on June 3, 2022, following more than 200 complaints regarding Honda Passport SUVs that would fail to restart. 

This would happen after the vehicle came to a complete halt and the start-stop system automatically shut off the engine to enhance fuel efficiency.

In January 2023, Honda issued two service bulletins, instructing dealers how to deal with this problem. But this remedy proved insufficient, with many cars reportedly still stalling even after being repaired.

The investigation has now been upgraded to a so-called engineering analysis. This means that the investigators will conduct a deeper analysis to assess the effectiveness of the repairs done so far. In addition, the scope of the investigation has been widened to add more cars that were included in the service bulletins, as well as some newer models.

Recall risks

A stationary car may get hit by other vehicles, especially if the defect occurs in dense traffic, increasing the risk of an injury.  

In fact, this investigation comes on the heels of four crashes and two injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

Dangerous situations

A driver complained that her 2016 Honda Pilot “has stalled several times on the busiest highway in Hawaii during rush hour traffic”. The person had to put their car in Park and wait at least 30 seconds for it to restart “in the middle of a [busy] highway.”

Another driver expressed that he feared that he was going to be “killed” in the car if it did not stop losing power. Honda apparently advised him to leave the vehicle in “moving traffic” to “film” the problem, further adding to his worries.

What is a service bulletin?

A service bulletin is a step below a recall where the car maker lets dealers know about how to fix a common, recurring problem that does not represent a serious safety issue. Unlike in a recall, dealers are not required to proactively reach out to drivers.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This investigation may lead to a Honda stall recall, potentially affecting more than 2.2 million vehicles. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Honda stall investigation
US government takes Honda Ridgeline rearview camera investigation to next level

US government takes Honda Ridgeline rearview camera investigation to next level 

April 16, 2025 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – April 16, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has upgraded their investigation of Honda (NYSE:HMC) after concerns of repeated rearview camera failure.

The investigation – that may lead to a recall of 129,092 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks – comes on the heels of a previous recall that was launched to fix the issue back in 2022.

Investigation summary  

The cars were recalled in November 2022 after the wiring harness that transmits the rearview camera signal was found to be too fragile and was replaced with an improved version.

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), originally opened an investigation on June 26, 2024 after the improved harness was found to be the culprit behind a separate Honda Ridgeline recall performed in May of last year.

Subsequently, the manufacturer and NHTSA received 14 complaints about the cars repaired in 2022 once again experiencing rearview camera failure. 

On the back of that information, the investigation got upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis. This upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues and see if the 2022 repairs were sufficient and if another recall is warranted.

Risks

Inoperable rearview cameras limit visibility while backing up, making it more likely for the driver to crash into nearby objects or pedestrians.   

Other Honda recalls

In February 2025, Honda recalled SUVs and cars over a software glitch that may cause them to stall while driving.

In December 2024, Honda Pilot and Passport SUVs were recalled because of a fuel leak that may lead to a vehicle fire.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Honda Ridgeline rearview camera recall, affecting almost 130,000 trucks. To do a Honda recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government takes Honda Ridgeline rearview camera investigation to next level 
Honda issues large-scale recall over risk of stall

Honda issues large-scale recall over risk of stall

February 18, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA – February 18, 2025 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 294,612 cars that may stall while driving. This augments the risk of a crash and injury, especially in dense traffic. 

The following SUVs and luxury cars are affected: 

  • 2022 – 2025 Acura MDX Type-S
  • 2021 – 2025 Acura TLX Type-S
  • 2023 – 2025 Honda Pilot

Recall summary  

The engine operation is controlled by a computer called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). In the affected vehicles, a software error in the ECU code may cause them to lose power if the driver suddenly hits gas.  

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle can get hit by oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

The defect may trigger the malfunction indicator light (MIL)  on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

Leading up to the recall, the automaker receiving 674 warranty claims regarding the defect. Luckily, no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Honda recalls

In December 2024, Honda Passport SUVs were recalled because of a risk of fire caused by a fuel leak, as reported. 

In June 2024, a U.S. government investigation prompted Honda to recall Ridgeline pickups over defective rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the ECU free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by March 17, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda stall recall affects close to 300,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda issues large-scale recall over risk of stall
Honda recalls new Acura MDX SUVs over malfunctioning rearview cameras

Honda recalls new Acura MDX SUVs over malfunctioning rearview cameras   

February 11, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA – February 11, 2025 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 9,221 2025 Acura MDX SUVs that may fail to show a rearview camera image. This flaw reduces visibility while backing up, upping the chances of an accident.

Recall summary  

A software glitch may cause the center information display to go blank when the driver shifts into reverse.

Recall risks

The lack of rearview camera image limits the visibility when reversing, increasing the chances of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Other Honda recalls

In December 2024, Honda recalled SUVs over a fuel leak that could cause them to catch fire, as reported. 

In June 2024, Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks were also recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras following a US government investigation. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the center display with an improved one free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by March 3, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 Acura SUVs are affected by this Honda rearview camera recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls new Acura MDX SUVs over malfunctioning rearview cameras   
Honda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk

Honda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk 

December 20, 2024 Bojan Popic

Torrance, CA – December 26, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 205,760 SUVs over an issue which may lead to a fire. This ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected: 

  • 2023 – 2024 Honda Passport
  • 2023 – 2025 Honda Pilot 

Recall summary  

The fuel filler neck, through which the gasoline is pumped into the car, and the pipe connecting it to the tank were not connected properly due to a manufacturing error. As a result, they may separate in a crash, causing a fuel leak.  

Recall risks

Leaking fuel may ignite, setting the vehicle on fire. You can find out all about associated risks and safety tips in this article.   

Other Honda recalls

In June 2024, close to 188,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled following a U.S. government investigation into malfunctioning rearview cameras.

In February 2024, Honda recalled approximately 750,000 vehicles whose airbags could have hurt children in a crash, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will reconnect the two parts free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 6, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 200,000 SUVs are affected by this Honda fuel leak recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk 
US government investigation forces Honda Ridgeline recall due to faulty rearview cameras

US government investigation forces Honda Ridgeline recall due to faulty rearview cameras

June 4, 2024 Bojan Popic

Torrance, CA – June 4, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 187,290 2020–2024 Honda Ridgeline pickups whose rearview cameras may not display an image. This reduces visibility while backing up, upping the risk of an injury.

The recall is the result of a U.S. government investigation and appears to be an expansion of a previous recall for the same issue.

Recall summary

The affected pickups have a rearview camera mounted in the tailgate, with a wiring harness connecting it to the rest of the vehicle. The wires may become brittle and break if exposed to low temperatures and salt, cutting off the camera’s image feed.     

Recall risks

Inoperable rearview cameras augment the risk of a backover crash.

Warning signs

In addition to the inoperable rearview camera, the driver may notice issues with tailgate locking or unlocking and the operation of the alarm system.   

Background of the recall

The recall is a result of an ongoing U.S government investigation initiated in February 2024 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after receiving 27 complaints alleging a “black screen” when backing up.

Around the time the complaints started coming in, Honda issued a similar Ridgeline recall but did not include 2020-2024 year models, as reported.

Other Honda recalls

Some of these Honda Ridgeline pickups may have been affected by a recall from February 2024, caused by airbags that could hurt children, as reported.

The Japanese carmaker is also currently being investigated by NHTSA over sudden and unexpected braking, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the tailgate harness with an improved one free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information between July 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda rearview camera recall affects nearly 190,000 pickup trucks. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigation forces Honda Ridgeline recall due to faulty rearview cameras
US government investigates Honda over sudden braking

US government investigates Honda over sudden braking

April 2, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – April 2, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) whose vehicles that may brake unexpectedly on their own. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 250,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2019­ – 2022 Honda Insight
  • 2019 – 2022 Honda Passport

Investigation summary  ­­

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on March 7, citing 46 complaints due to an alleged malfunction of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system.

AEB warns the driver about any oncoming obstacles and applies the brakes on its own if necessary. 

The affected vehicles’ AEB may cause the vehicle to start braking sharply, although there are no visible obstacles in front of it. 

Risks

A vehicle that slams on its brakes without any apparent reason could get rear-ended by other motorists. Furthermore, this sudden and unexpected action may startle and confuse the driver, causing him to lose control of the car. 

In fact, the alleged defect has already resulted in three crashes and two injuries.

Other Honda recalls 

In February 2024, Honda recalled 750,000 cars whose airbags may deploy incorrectly, hurting children. 

On a separate note, some of these Honda Passport SUVs may have been affected by a large-scale recall caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Honda braking investigation may lead to a Honda brake recall, possibly affecting around 250,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check and see if your car is affected by this, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Honda over sudden braking
Honda recalls 750,000 cars with airbags that may hurt children

Honda recalls 750,000 cars with airbags that may hurt children

February 20, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

Torrance, CA – February 20, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which also owns the Acura brand, is recalling 750,114 vehicles due to incorrect airbags deploying in a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury to certain occupants. The recall comes on the back of several thousand warranty claims and covers some of the following vehicles:

  • 2020–2022 Honda Accord
  • 2020–2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Honda Civic 
  • 2021 Honda Civic Type R
  • 2020–2021 Honda CR-V
  • 2020–2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Honda Odyssey
  • 2020–2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020–2021 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2022 Acura MDX
  • 2020 Acura RDX
  • 2022 Acura RDX

Recall summary  

Cars typically have a sensor on the seats that determines the occupant’s weight and prevents the airbags from deploying if the minimum weight requirement is not met, such as in the case of a child or a person weighing less than 108 lbs.

In the affected cars, the front passenger seat weight sensor “may crack and short-circuit,” allowing the airbag to deploy regardless of the occupant weight. The defect is caused by a supplier error.

The full list of the affected models is available here.

Recall risks

All risks caused by defective front passenger airbags are explained in this article about a similar Tesla recall. 

Warning signs

Users may notice the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light activated on the dashboard, with the passenger airbag indicator turned off.  

Background of the recall

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received 3,834 warranty claims. No injuries have been reported.

Other Honda recalls

In July 2023, Honda also issued a recall for almost 1.2 million vehicles on account of a rearview camera issue, as reported.  

In December 2023, the manufacturer recalled Acura, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline cars that may stall or catch fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensor on all affected models with a component that uses the original material. The repairs are free of charge, and Honda will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall..  

Owners will receive letters with more information on March 18, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 750,000 vehicles are affected by this Honda front passenger airbag recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHonda recalls 750,000 cars with airbags that may hurt children
Honda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire

Honda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire  

December 6, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA  – December 6, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, has recalled 248,999 vehicles that may lose power or burst into flames. Both situations greatly augment the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall comes on the back of multitudinous warranty claims and affects the following vehicles: 

  • 2016 – 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2015 – 2020 Acura TLX
  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Odyssey 
  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2016 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

A car’s engine has many moving components, with bearings between some of them to help reduce friction. In the affected vehicles, an engine’s internal rotating part – called the crankshaft – was not built within design specifications, which can cause the bearing that connects to it to fail. This can result in a stall or a fire caused by a subsequent oil leak.

Honda has listed the whole engine subassembly, with part number 10002-5J2-A00, as the cause of this recall. 

Recall risks

The risk of both fire and stall are described in this article about a recent Mercedes-Benz recall for the same issues.

Warning signs 

The driver may notice abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine bay and “decreased engine output.” In addition, these issues could also trigger the check engine light on the dashboard.   

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of almost 1,500 warranty claims. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Other Honda recalls

Some of these Honda vehicles may have been affected by a recall from July 2023, which was caused by rearview camera issues. 

In the same month, a brake failure prompted the Japanese car maker to recall a batch of their SUVs and pickups.  

The repair

Dealers will check the engine and will either repair or replace it free of charge.

Owners will receive letters with more information around January 2, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost a quarter million cars are affected by this Honda engine stall recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicHonda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire  
Honda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras

Honda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras 

July 9, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Torrance, CA  – July 9, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling close to 1.2 million vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera display. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2018 – 2023 Honda Odyssey 
  • 2019 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2019 – 2022 Honda Pilot

Recall summary  

When the reverse gear is engaged, the dashboard shows a video feed of the vehicle’s rear. That feed is powered by a cable which, due to a supplier error, was improperly designed in the affected vehicles. That may result in poor or lost video feeds.

Recall risks

All risks caused by a defective rearview camera connection are explained in this article about a similar Ford recall.  

Warning signs 

Users may observe “crackling sounds” coming from the audio display unit. The display may also noticeably flicker while in use.  

Other Honda recalls

In December 2022, Honda recalled over 117,000 2017–2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks over a similar issue. 

Just yesterday, there was a Honda Pilot recall due to the risk of brake failure, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

The repair

Dealers will replace the cable free of charge.     

Owners will be notified by August 2, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 1.2 million vehicles are affected by this Honda rearview camera recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHonda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras 
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