Honda has announced a recall of nearly 295,000 vehicles due to a software issue that could lead to engine stalls or a loss of power. The recall affects certain 2023-2025 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S SUVs, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S sedans. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from improperly programmed software in the fuel injection electronic control units (FI-ECU). This software glitch could cause the engine to lose power, hesitate, or stall, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries.
The automaker has stated that sudden changes in throttle input could trigger the check engine light and result in a loss of drive power. While no injuries or accidents have been reported as of January 16, Honda is taking proactive measures to address the issue. The company is urging owners of affected vehicles to visit authorized dealerships for a free software update to correct the problem. Honda plans to notify owners of the recall by mail in mid-March.
Details of the recall and repair process
The recall, which was officially issued on January 23, impacted a total of 294,612 vehicles. Honda identified the issue through telematics data monitoring, which revealed the improper programming in the FI-ECU. The company has assured customers that authorized Honda and Acura dealerships will reprogram the software at no cost. The updated software will include the correct control logic settings to prevent the engine from stalling or losing power.
Honda emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure driver safety. “We are announcing this recall to encourage owners of affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification,” the company stated in the recall report. The repair process is straightforward and involves a simple software update, which should resolve the problem without requiring extensive mechanical work.
Honda and Acura sales performance in 2024
Despite the recall, Honda and Acura continue to perform well in the U.S. market. Honda first introduced the Acura brand nearly four decades ago, and it has since become a key player in the luxury vehicle segment. In 2024, American Honda reported sales of over 132,300 Acura vehicles and 1.291 million Honda vehicles, marking a significant achievement for the automaker. Combined, the two brands sold more than 1.42 million vehicles in the U.S., representing an 8.8% year-over-year increase.
This recall reminds us of the importance of software reliability in modern vehicles, as even a small programming error can have significant safety implications. Honda’s swift response to the issue demonstrates its commitment to customer safety and maintaining its reputation for quality. Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to stay informed and take action as soon as they receive notification from the company.
