NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
160 reportsClear category filter3,000 miles · Nov 20, 2017
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT FROM 2-3 GEAR GIVES A JERK TO THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THIS IS USUALLY PROBLEMATIC WHILE ACCELERATING SPECIALLY IN HEAVY/BUSY TRAFFIC OR AT TRAFFIC SIGNALS. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. THE SERVICE CENTER CLAIMS THE "INTELLIGENT CAR" WILL LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS AND ADAPT. HOWEVER, THI…
Read full complaint
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT FROM 2-3 GEAR GIVES A JERK TO THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THIS IS USUALLY PROBLEMATIC WHILE ACCELERATING SPECIALLY IN HEAVY/BUSY TRAFFIC OR AT TRAFFIC SIGNALS. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. THE SERVICE CENTER CLAIMS THE "INTELLIGENT CAR" WILL LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS AND ADAPT. HOWEVER, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGH THE VEHICLE AND MULTIPLE VISITS TO ACURA SERVICE CENTER HAS NOT RESOLVED THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11047481
7,500 miles · Oct 26, 2017
Power TrainService BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED BETWEEN GEARS VERY ROUGHLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE TOOK AN EXCESSIVELY LONG TIME TO STOP AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 15 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A R…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED BETWEEN GEARS VERY ROUGHLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE TOOK AN EXCESSIVELY LONG TIME TO STOP AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 15 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE COSMETIC DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AGAIN. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DCH MONTCLAIR ACURA (100 BLOOMFIELD AVE, VERONA, NJ 07044) WHERE THE COSMETIC DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAMSEY ACURA (65 NJ-17, RAMSEY, NJ 07446) WHERE THE DEALER UPDATED UNSPECIFIED SOFTWARE ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500. *BF UPDATED 8/3/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11039990
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2017
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IS SKIPPING. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. I BOUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AND THE SALESPERSON. THE SKIP IS HAPPENING BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR CHANGE; JERKING BETWEEN THE TWO. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ALL 2015 TLX OWNERS. …
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION IS SKIPPING. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. I BOUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AND THE SALESPERSON. THE SKIP IS HAPPENING BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR CHANGE; JERKING BETWEEN THE TWO. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ALL 2015 TLX OWNERS. I AM REACHING OUT FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO GET THIS RESOLVED. THEY SEEM TO BE AVOIDING RESPONSIBILITY TO DO THESE REPAIRS. ANY RE?COMMEND DEALERS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS
NHTSA ODI #11021146
50 miles · Aug 9, 2017
Power Train
HARSH SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11014070
28,000 miles · Jun 12, 2017
Power Train
VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO PARK WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA ODI #10994437
61,185 miles · May 17, 2017
Power TrainService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY PARKING INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE, AND RESTARTED THE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY PARKING INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REPEATED THE PROCESS AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESULTS. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER WHO HAD THE CONTACT RESET THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V779000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,185.
NHTSA ODI #10986127
17,000 miles · Apr 25, 2017
Power Train
AFTER DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOUT 5 HOURS TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND A TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. NUMEROUS BIG RIGS WERE AROUND ME AT THE TIME THAT CAME CLOSE TO COLLIDING WITH MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10980769
13,000 miles · Mar 30, 2017
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE PURCHASE MADE ON 2/28/2016. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR VARIOUS ISSUES SINCE THEN, MOSTLY FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE ISSUES INCLUDE JERKY SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, AND 2ND TO 3RD. ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FOURTH VISIT/COMPLAINT. THE ROUGH SHIFTING HAS SOMEWHAT…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE PURCHASE MADE ON 2/28/2016. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR VARIOUS ISSUES SINCE THEN, MOSTLY FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE ISSUES INCLUDE JERKY SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, AND 2ND TO 3RD. ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FOURTH VISIT/COMPLAINT. THE ROUGH SHIFTING HAS SOMEWHAT IMPROVED, BUT IT IS STILL THERE. MY LAST VISIT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND A TEST DRIVE WITH DISTRICT MANAGER(DM) YIELDED: A) THIS IS PERFECTLY NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE NEW 9-SPEED TRANSMISSION. A FEATURE THAT COMES WITH WONDERFUL FUEL ECONOMY. B) VIBRATION FROM VCM (VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT). I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. YET AGAIN, DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL TO SHOW THIS 'CHARACTERISTIC'. DM'S RESPONSE TO MY QUESTION, "HOW/WHY DID I NOT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE ON MY FIRST FULL YEAR?" WAS, "WHAT GAS DO YOU PUT IN? COSTCO? THEY GOT LESS ADDITIVES. THERE'S CARBON BUILDUP FORMING IN THE ENGINE". THAT WAS THE RESPONSE ON A 13-MONTH OLD VEHICLE. C) CHIRPING NOISE FROM ENGINE ROOM. FROM RESEARCH, IT MAY BE RELATED TO 'HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP' OR 'INSUFFICIENT BELT PLACEMENT', WHICH ACURA HAS TSB OUT FOR SERVICING. BUT, DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE, EVEN WITH A RECORDING OF THE SOUND. (IT HAS TO BE AUDIBLE DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THEY SAY)
NHTSA ODI #10969468
23,000 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control
NEW CAR PURCHASED IN 2015. CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 23K MILES. ERROR LIGHTS FLASH ON DASH INCLUDING "TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEMS, BLIND SPOT INFO SYSTEM PROBLEMS, VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST PROBLEM, ALL WHEEL STEERING PROBLEM, FORWARD COLLISION WARNING PROBLEM, LANE DEPARTURE WARING PROBLEM". THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENE…
Read full complaint
NEW CAR PURCHASED IN 2015. CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 23K MILES. ERROR LIGHTS FLASH ON DASH INCLUDING "TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEMS, BLIND SPOT INFO SYSTEM PROBLEMS, VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST PROBLEM, ALL WHEEL STEERING PROBLEM, FORWARD COLLISION WARNING PROBLEM, LANE DEPARTURE WARING PROBLEM". THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME, NO VIDEO EVIDENCE OF IT BUT WE DID TAKE IT IN TO ACURA TO LOOK. NO ISSUE FOUND. SECOND TIME WE HAD A VIDEO, THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPGRADE. NOW AGAIN. ALONG WITH THIS, CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED, STEERING RACK AND PINION, SUB FRAME, POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY, LIST GOES ON.
NHTSA ODI #10967211
23,000 miles · Jan 23, 2017
Power TrainSuspension
POWERTRAIN: IN 19 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, MY 2015 ACURA TLX'S TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED (10 MONTHS), IT WOULD NOT ENTER INTO REVERSE, DRIVE OR NEUTRAL UPON STARTING. IT TOOK SPECIAL TOWING TOO. THE SECOND TIME IT FAILED (19 MONTHS, 22K MILES), I WAS DRIVING IN RURAL TEXAS AT 70 MPH AND THE TRANSMIS…
Read full complaint
POWERTRAIN: IN 19 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, MY 2015 ACURA TLX'S TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED (10 MONTHS), IT WOULD NOT ENTER INTO REVERSE, DRIVE OR NEUTRAL UPON STARTING. IT TOOK SPECIAL TOWING TOO. THE SECOND TIME IT FAILED (19 MONTHS, 22K MILES), I WAS DRIVING IN RURAL TEXAS AT 70 MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL, WARNING LIGHTS EXPLODED AND I HAD TO SAFELY WORK MY WAY TO AN EXIT RAMP AND ONTO THE FRONTAGE ROAD. I THEN HAD TO WAIT FOR 2.5 HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK WHICH THEN RESULTED IN A 2 HOUR RIDE IN A TOW TRUCK TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. SUSPENSION: WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO OF BUYING THE ACURA TLX, THE CAR BEGAN TO DEVELOP A VIBRATION THAT I COULD FEEL THROUGH THE ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL. I COULD VISUALLY SEE IT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AS IT WOULD SHAKE SUBSTANTIALLY (NEARLY VIOLENTLY). ON A DRIVE, THE CAR SHIFTED VIOLENTLY AND MOMENTARILY IN A LATERAL MOTION AT 80 MPH WHILE PASSING ANOTHER CAR WHICH SCARED THE WITS OUT OF MY PASSENGER AND ME. DEALER CHANGED THE TIRES, INVESTIGATED THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE SHUDDER/VIBRATION WOULD NOT GO AWAY. I GOT SICK OF TAKING IT INTO THE DEALER ONLY FOR IT TO RETURN TO ME IN THE SAME CONDITION. AFTER 1 YEAR, THE ROAD NOISE IN THE CABIN GREW AND MY PASSENGERS WOULD COMPLAIN. FINALLY THE DEALER IDENTIFIED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. ONCE REPLACED, THE ROAD NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY. HOWEVER, WHEN I DRIVE A LOANER FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT DRIVES MUCH SMOOTHER THAN MY CAR SO THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FULLY FIXED. OTHER: IN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS, I NOTICED THAT A TORRENT OF WATER WOULD RUN DOWN THE INSIDE OF MY REAR WINDOW AND INTO MY BACK SPEAKER COMPARTMENT AFTER A HEAVY RAIN. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE BACK WINDOW WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. A BRAND NEW CAR THAT HAS NUMEROUS SIGNIFICANT MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY PROBLEMS! UNACCEPTABLE!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10947269
Official recalls
6Dec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Nov 13, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Jan 29, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Sep 6, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX 2WD and 4WD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the transmission wire harness connections may have insufficient crimps, and, as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Acura has notified owners, and dealers will, based on the automatic transmission serial number, update the transmission software to prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral due to a faulty crimp, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC2.
Dec 8, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX V6 2WD vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to November 12, 2014, and certain 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to November 10, 2014. The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated or the park rod may become dislodged or broken. This may prevent the transmission from shifting into the Park position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift indicator displays "Park" but the park lock does not engage, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JM8.
Oct 1, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to September 20, 2014. The affected vehicles may have incorrect values for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear printed on the safety certification label. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle is loaded to the specifications listed on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 21, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK6.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA25004 · No Restart After Auto Start/stop Engages
Opened Mar 26, 2025 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.