In a significant move for vehicle safety, Honda has announced a massive recall affecting over 290,000 cars in the U.S. This action is necessary due to a software issue within the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU), which could cause certain models to stall or lose engine power unexpectedly. The recall involves several popular models from both Honda and Acura, including the 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S. While the risk of accidents has not yet been linked to this issue, the potential for such incidents has prompted the recall.
Cause of the recall
The recall centers around a software error in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit. The system, which is designed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine, can cause engine hesitation, stalling, or loss of power if the settings are misconfigured. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sudden changes in throttle opening could cause the Check Engine Light to turn on and the engine to lose power, hesitate or stall. This failure in the system could significantly reduce vehicle performance, increasing the likelihood of a crash or other dangerous driving situations.
The affected models include specific years of the Acura MDX Type-S, Honda Pilot, and Acura TLX Type-S, which were all manufactured between late 2020 and late 2024. While Honda has emphasized that no injuries have been reported so far due to this malfunction, the NHTSA’s warning underscores the risk this defect poses to drivers. The recall will address this issue by reprogramming the software in the affected vehicles’ FI-ECU at no cost to the vehicle owners.
Affected models and timeline for repairs
The recall specifically impacts the following models:
- 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S (manufactured between April 2021 and December 2024)
- 2023-2025 Honda Pilot (manufactured between September 2022 and January 2025)
- 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S (manufactured between December 2020 and November 2024)
Honda has stated that it will notify owners of these vehicles between January 28 and March 17, 2025, providing instructions on how to proceed with the necessary repairs. Owners are asked to bring their vehicles to authorized Honda or Acura dealerships where technicians will reprogram the FI-ECU to correct the software issue.
If any owners have already paid for repairs related to this problem, they may be eligible for reimbursement under NHTSA’s recall reimbursement plan. Honda has pledged to make the process as convenient as possible for affected customers by handling the software update for free at their local dealerships.
Why vehicle recalls matter
Vehicle recalls are essential for maintaining public safety. Even though the issue in this case has not yet caused accidents, the potential consequences of stalling or sudden loss of power could be severe, especially if they occur in high-speed driving or challenging road conditions. Recalls are vital for ensuring that vehicle manufacturers address safety issues before they lead to widespread harm.
When automakers identify a defect or safety concern, it’s crucial to act swiftly to correct the problem. In this case, the problem is a relatively simple one to address: a software update. However, for many other vehicle issues, repairs can be more complicated and costly. Regardless, recalls are an important tool to keep drivers safe, and manufacturers must follow through with timely notifications and fixes. For drivers affected by recalls, it’s essential to respond promptly to notifications and take their vehicles to dealers for repairs. Ignoring such notices can put both drivers and passengers at risk.
Honda’s recall of over 290,000 vehicles highlights how a seemingly small software issue can have wide-reaching effects on vehicle safety. While no injuries have been reported as a result of the engine stalling or loss of power, the potential for accidents makes this a serious safety concern. Vehicle recalls like this are crucial for identifying and fixing defects before they can cause harm, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance in the automotive industry to protect drivers and passengers alike.
