Torrance, CA – December 24, 2020– Honda (NYSE: HMC) is recalling 737,233 Accord and Insight cars with a programming error that increases the risk of malfunction of various components of the car while driving, upping the risk of a crash and injury. The recall includes:
- 2018- 2020 Honda Accord sedans
- 2018-2020 Honda Accord hybrids
- 2019- 2020 Honda Insight hybrids
Recall summary
Due to a supplier programming mistake, these Honda vehicles may experience a glitch that disrupts communication between the body control module (BCM) and other parts of the car. As reported, the BCM is the “core” of the car that is in charge of many of its operations. For the part numbers involved, please refer to the National Highway Safety (NHTSA) administration documents.
Disrupted communication between the BCM and other components may cause various warning lights to come on and several “electrical components” to malfunction. Some of the examples of what can happen are listed below:
- Rearview camera won’t work
- Windshield wipers and defrosters fail to function
- Car lights and turn signals won’t turn on
- Trunk won’t open
- Cruise control and lane keep assist lights will flash
Software issues
Software issues have prompted more than one Honda recall in 2020. In July, for example, the Japanese manufacturer recalled Odyssey minivans, Passport and Pilot SUVs because of “a programming glitch” that caused cars’ instruments panels to suddenly power off, “depriving drivers of vital information,” such as the speed of the vehicle.
Risks
Malfunction of various components of the car can seriously increase the risk of a crash, especially while driving. Warning lights that come without reason can distract the driver and cause him to take actions that may also augment the risk of a crash or injury for the car occupants, as well as other motorists and pedestrians.
The repair
The recall is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2021. The repair will be a software update but it is not clear when it is going to be available.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
Over 730,000 vehicles are included in this Honda recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
