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.
