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

Torrance, CA June 4, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 187,290 20202024 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

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

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  

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 

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 

Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

Torrance, CA – July 8, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 124,077 cars whose brakes may fail. This impacts the vehicle’s ability to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of the affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2020 – 2021 Honda Civic
  • 2021 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2021 – 2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 – 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a car is powered by the master cylinder, which generates the pressure necessary for the brake to work. The operation of the brake is also helped by a booster, which multiplies the force generated by the driver’s foot, reducing the necessary physical effort. 

In the affected cars, the brake master cylinder was incorrectly bolted to the brake booster. As a result, the two parts may separate, which would “cause the loss of brake function.

Recall risks

An unexpected loss of brake function would dramatically increase the odds of a crash.

Other Honda recalls

In April 2023, Honda recalled more than half a million CR-V SUVs whose suspensions may detach because of corrosion

More than 117,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled in December 2022 because their rearview cameras failed to display an image, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the booster assembly, if necessary, be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on August 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 120,000 cars and light pickup trucks are affected by this Honda failing brakes 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 vehicles whose brakes may fail

Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

Torrance, CA  – April 13, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 563,711 2007 – 2011 Honda CR-V SUVs in “salt-belt” states because part of their suspension may detach from the car. This can lead to the loss of vehicular control, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 60 customer complaints. 

Recall summary  

A car’s rear suspension is made from several components, with trailing arms being one of them. These metal pieces are connected to the the car’s chassis and hold the back wheels at the correct angle. 

The rear suspension and surrounding components in the affected vehicles may corrode because of multi-year exposure to road salt and other agents used to de-ice the roads in the 24 affected states. If severe enough, this can cause the trailing arm to detach from the chassis and cause the rear suspension to break apart

Recall risks

This defect will affect the vehicle’s road handling and reduce its steering control. This augments the risk of a crash and injury to its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Luckily, there have been no reported accidents or injuries leading up to this recall.

Other Honda recalls

This is not the only “salt belt” issue  Honda has recently had. In July 2022, the manufacturer had to recall Ridgeline pickup trucks over a fuel leak also caused by salt-induced corrosion

In addition, there is an ongoing U.S. government investigation over Honda cars braking on their own, as reported. This could result in future Honda CR-V recalls.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension to see if removing the bolt that holds the trailing arm in place is possible. Should this be possible, they will install a bracket, which will provide additional structural support. 

Otherwise, they will either repair the rear frame or “offer to repurchase the vehicle”  from the owner. The same will happen if the rear suspension breaks apart after the additional bracket is fitted. 

All repairs will be free of charge. Owners should receive letters with additional information starting May 8, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda rear trailing arm recall affects more than 500,000 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 recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE: HMC) vehicles whose steering wheels may become difficult to turn. This reduced the driver’s ability to adequately maneuver at the moment, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 238,271 vehicles, including the following: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Honda Civic 
  • 2022 Honda Civic Si

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on March 17 following 145 complaints about what was described as sticky steering

Based on the complaints, the steering wheel would occasionally become noticeably harder to turn, requiring much more effort from the driver. In most reported cases, this would happen after driving at highway speeds for some time.  

Risks

Steering that suddenly requires more effort to operate than usual could affect the driver’s ability to precisely maneuver the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Honda recalls 

Just recently, in November 2022, Honda recalled a large batch of their Ridgeline pickups over an issue with rearview cameras

As for previous major Honda Civic recalls, the one from April 2021, caused by faulty fuel pumps that may lead to stalling, was the most recent

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This sticky steering investigation may eventually lead to a Honda recall, possibly affecting nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. In the meantime, to see if your vehicle is under a recall or to do a Honda recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

Honda recalls pickup trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Torrance, CA – December 2, 2022 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 117,445 2017 – 2019 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation. Honda reports that there have been 3,437 warranty claims related to this rearview camera issue as of November 17, 2022.

Recall summary

Opening and closing the tailgate may lead to fatigue or breakage of the rearview camera’s tailgate wire harness, which protects and guides the wires. This can cause the rearview camera not to transmit an image to the screen as it should. The cause of the recall is an out-of-specification tailgate wire harness, with part number 32109-T6Z-A000.

Recall risks

An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle when backing up, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

This recall comes after an investigation was launched by the U.S. government in February 2022. At the time, there had been 42 complaints and 10 reports of “severe damage to the tailgate wire harness” from regular opening and closing of the tailgate.

Other recent Honda recalls and investigations

There was another Honda Ridgeline recall in July, when 112,060 vehicles from “salt belt” states were recalled over a risk of fuel leaks.

Prior to that, in June, the U.S. government launched an investigation into Honda over engines that may fail to start after being shut down. The investigation could lead to a recall of nearly 200,000 2016-2020 Honda Pilot SUVs.

The repair

To remedy the issue, owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Honda dealer for a replacement of the rearview camera tailgate harness. Owners can expect to be notified about the repair program on or around January 16, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 120,000 vehicles are included in this Honda rearview camera recall. To check for Honda truck recalls, please, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHonda recalls pickup trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Honda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak

Torrance, CA – July 07, 2022 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 112,060 vehicles over a potential fuel leak and increased risk of fire.

This recall includes 2006 – 2014 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks and affects only those sold or registered in “salt belt” states.

Recall summary

On the underside of the truck, straps attach the fuel tank to part of the vehicle’s frame called a “crossmember.”

In states where salt is used to de-ice roadways, salt and dirt may build up underneath the vehicle. This buildup may corrode the crossmember, eventually causing the fuel tank to detach.

An improperly secured fuel tank may come into contact with the ground, causing damage to the tank and possible fuel leaks.

The component in question is the crossmember (component C: floor middle), with part number 65730-SJC-A00.

Recall risks

Since fuel is flammable, a leaking fuel tank increases the risk of a fire, which could cause injuries and property damage.

Safety tips

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Warning signs

Drivers may hear noise from the Honda Ridgeline fuel tank or its straps dragging on the ground.

Other recent Honda recalls and investigations

In February, the U.S. government launched an investigation into defective rearview cameras on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The inability to show an image when reversing increases the risk of a crash and injury.

In December 2021, there was a Honda SUV and pickup truck recall that affected more than 700,000 vehicles. This was over hoods that may fly open while the car is in motion and block the driver’s view. Included in the recall were the 2017 – 2020 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. 

Prior to that, in early December, there was a 2021 Honda Ridgeline recall over a child seat safety concern, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Honda dealers will conduct an inspection of the rear frame. Depending on the extent of the damage, they will attach reinforcements, repair the corroded frame or offer to repurchase the vehicle. Repairs will be completed at no cost to the owner.

Owners can expect to receive information regarding the repair program by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Honda frame rust recall. To perform a Honda recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHonda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak