NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
341 reports32,450 miles · Mar 26, 2018
Steering
MY 2015 ACURA TLX WITH JUST OVER 32,000 MILES STOPPED STEERING AFTER BEING PARKED IN MY GARAGE. RESTARTING VEHICLE DIDN'T CORRECT PROBLEM. CAR WAS ILLUMINATING A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE ACURA DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A CRACK IN IT THAT WAS A RESULT OF PHYS…
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MY 2015 ACURA TLX WITH JUST OVER 32,000 MILES STOPPED STEERING AFTER BEING PARKED IN MY GARAGE. RESTARTING VEHICLE DIDN'T CORRECT PROBLEM. CAR WAS ILLUMINATING A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE ACURA DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A CRACK IN IT THAT WAS A RESULT OF PHYSICAL DAMAGE. CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED PRIOR.ACURA MECHANIC COULD NOT EXPLAIN HOW THE STEERING COLUMN GOT CRACKED OTHER THAN I RAN OVER SOMETHING WHICH HAD NOT HAPPENED BECAUSE HAD I RUN OVER SOMETHING TO DAMAGE THE COLUMN, THE LIGHT WOULD HAVE ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHEN IT STOPPED STEERING AND THAT PRIOR TO THIS THE CAR WAS EASILY PARKED IN A 2 CAR GARAGE THAT ALREADY HAD MY HUSBAND'S CAR IN IT. NO LIGHTS INDICATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ON AND ONCE THE LIGHTS CAME ON THE CAR WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THEREFORE, IT HAD TO BE TOWED FROM MY GARAGE. ACURA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN INSISTING THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY PHYSICAL DAMAGE. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND WHEN THE INVESTIGATOR CALLED, SHE ASKED NO QUESTIONS. SHE ONLY CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT THE $3000. PART WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL DAMAGE. ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS LIKELY THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BEEN CRACKED FOR A WHILE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AND IT WAS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT THE STEERING COLUMN CRACKED OVER TIME DUE TO SOME MALFUNCTION OF THE PART. IN HIS ESTIMATION, THE CRACKED PORTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN IS WELL PROTECTED AND DIFFICULT TO BREAK UNLESS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. RUNNING OVER SOMETHING WOULD NOT HAVE LIKELY CAUSED THE TYPE OF DAMAGE SEEN ON THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA ODI #11081404
51,000 miles · Mar 19, 2018
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 ACURA TLX THE CAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL COMPLETELY BY ITSELF WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE FORWARD AS I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE IT WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ALMOST GETTING HIT BY A S…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 ACURA TLX THE CAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL COMPLETELY BY ITSELF WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE FORWARD AS I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE IT WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ALMOST GETTING HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED AND I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I GAVE ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE A CALL SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE LIST FOR CURRENT RECALL TO FIX THE EXACT ISSUE I AM REPORTING AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #11080310
45,000 miles · Feb 23, 2018
SteeringStructureWheels
VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION THAT SHAKES PASSENGER SEAT BETWEEN 65-75 MPH. SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS AT THE SPEED LISTED.
NHTSA ODI #11074473
40,000 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN HER FOOT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN HER FOOT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAVIS ACURA (2051 E LINCOLN HWY, LANGHORNE, PA 19047), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11060675
42,750 miles · Jan 3, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train
BATTERY ACID FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S ORIGINAL BATTERY LEAKED, AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, WHICH SITS UNDERNEATH THE BATTERY. UNTIL DETECTED, THIS CAUSED SPORADIC WARNINGS AND MULTIPLE MALFUNCTIONS WHILE DRIVING THAT WOULD APPEAR, BUT THEN GO AWAY. SOME MONTHS LATER, THE CAR STARTED BUT THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT SHI…
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BATTERY ACID FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S ORIGINAL BATTERY LEAKED, AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, WHICH SITS UNDERNEATH THE BATTERY. UNTIL DETECTED, THIS CAUSED SPORADIC WARNINGS AND MULTIPLE MALFUNCTIONS WHILE DRIVING THAT WOULD APPEAR, BUT THEN GO AWAY. SOME MONTHS LATER, THE CAR STARTED BUT THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM PARK. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LISTED NUMEROUS, UNRELATED SYSTEM ISSUES: "ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM" ; "STOP DRIVING WHEN SAFE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SEE MANUAL." ; "ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM" ; "EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM" ; "TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM" ; "TRANSMISSION PROBLEM APPLY PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKED" ; "VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) PROBLEM" ; "PRECISION ALL WHEEL STEER PROBLEM" ; "COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM" ; "ROAD DEPARTURE MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM" ; "BLIND SPOT INFO SYSTEM PROBLEM." THIS VEHICLE HAS A SHIFT-BY-WIRE DRIVE SELECTOR, AND THERE IS NO MECHANICAL WAY FOR A CONSUMER TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE DRIVETRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN PARK AND NEEDED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO BE SAFELY MOVED ONTO A TOW-TRUCK, WHICH TOOK THE MANUFACTURER'S ROADSIDE SERVICE TWO DAYS TO ADDRESS. THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT TOOK SEVERAL DAYS FOR A REPAIR. THE 2015 ACURA TLX SEEMS TO BE KNOWN FOR REACTING IN THIS WAY FOR ANY TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OR VOLTAGE VARIABILITY FROM ANY NUMBER OF ITS ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11058197
36,000 miles · Dec 27, 2017
Power Train
WENT IN FOR A RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED FOR MY 2015 ACURA TLX SPECIFYING A POSSIBLE FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN CAR - WENT TO GO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. DETERMINED BY TECH THAT CAR WAS NOT EXPERIENCING EXACT ISSUE IN RECALL BUT CAR SHOULD HAVE A TCM SOFTWARE UPDATE SINCE IT WAS JERKING AT THE 2-3 SHIFT. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK IT WAS …
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WENT IN FOR A RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED FOR MY 2015 ACURA TLX SPECIFYING A POSSIBLE FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN CAR - WENT TO GO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. DETERMINED BY TECH THAT CAR WAS NOT EXPERIENCING EXACT ISSUE IN RECALL BUT CAR SHOULD HAVE A TCM SOFTWARE UPDATE SINCE IT WAS JERKING AT THE 2-3 SHIFT. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK IT WAS 10 TIMES WORSE! STILL JERKING BUT NOW WAS JUMPING ON EVERY DOWNSHIFT EVERY SINGLE TIME THE CAR DECELERATES ON EVERY SHIFT! THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT IS VERY SERIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY ACURA - A NEW TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE CALLED FOR SINCE THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR ALSO JUST GOES TO 2-3 RPM'S JUST WHILE SITTING IDLE IN PARK NOW - MY CAR'S TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY WRECKED DUE TO THIS TCM SOFTWARE UPDATE. ALREADY CALLED ACURA TO REQUEST A FORMAL COMPLAINT - THEY TOLD ME TO NOTIFY YOU AS WELL. - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
NHTSA ODI #11056829
13,000 miles · Dec 14, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE LOANER VEHICLE. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK, LOWER BACK, AND HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO T…
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TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE LOANER VEHICLE. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK, LOWER BACK, AND HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER (MILE HIGH ACURA, 2799 S HAVANA ST, DENVER, CO 80014) AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH ANOTHER LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
NHTSA ODI #11054710
29,752 miles · Nov 28, 2017
Power Train
AS THE CAR IS DOWNSHIFTING AND COMING TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION JERKS FORWARD JUST AS THE CAR IS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT STOPS. DOES THIS EVERY SO OFTEN AND THE DEALER DID RESET THE TRANSMISSION FOR IT TO RELEARN BUT STILL DOES IT SINCE AND BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DRIVE IT ENOUGH TO DUPLICATE IT THERE HAS B…
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AS THE CAR IS DOWNSHIFTING AND COMING TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION JERKS FORWARD JUST AS THE CAR IS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT STOPS. DOES THIS EVERY SO OFTEN AND THE DEALER DID RESET THE TRANSMISSION FOR IT TO RELEARN BUT STILL DOES IT SINCE AND BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DRIVE IT ENOUGH TO DUPLICATE IT THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO RESOLVE IT.
NHTSA ODI #11051099
21,500 miles · Nov 20, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART DURING 'AUTO IDLE-STOP/START' AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD. IN ORDER TO RESTART I HAD TO PRESS THE 'START' BUTTON MULTIPLE TIMES AND RETURN THE CAR TO 'PARK' BEFORE BEING ABLE TO RESUME OPERATION.
NHTSA ODI #11047571
3,000 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…
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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
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.