NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
341 reports6,000 miles · Aug 22, 2016
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE CRASH SITE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE CRASH SITE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10897587
400 miles · Aug 14, 2016
Power Train
EXTREMELY INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF 9 SPEED ZF TRANSMISION. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE THEY ADMITTED THE ROUGH SHIFT BUT SAID IT WAS PERFORMING PROPERLY. ISSUES WITH TRANSMISION ARE AS FOLLOWS. LAGS WHEN UP SHIFTING IN FIRST TWO GEARS BEFORE NECK SNAPPING UP SHIFT TO NEXT GEAR. IN MIDRANGE GEARS VIBRATATIN CAN BE …
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EXTREMELY INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF 9 SPEED ZF TRANSMISION. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE THEY ADMITTED THE ROUGH SHIFT BUT SAID IT WAS PERFORMING PROPERLY. ISSUES WITH TRANSMISION ARE AS FOLLOWS. LAGS WHEN UP SHIFTING IN FIRST TWO GEARS BEFORE NECK SNAPPING UP SHIFT TO NEXT GEAR. IN MIDRANGE GEARS VIBRATATIN CAN BE FELT WHILE UP SHIFTING. TRANSMISSION IS SLOW IN DOWN SHIFTING, SOMETIME STARTING OFF IN SECOND GEAR. CAR DRIFTS BACK A FOOT IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI #10895776
12,000 miles · Jul 31, 2016
Power Train
WITH ONLY 12000 MILES AND LESS THAN A YEAR OF HAVING THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND LEFT ME STRANDED. IT WAS ACTING A BIT FUNNY THAT MORNING DRIVING, WHEN I WENT TO START IT AGAIN, ALL WARNINGS WENT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10891925
3,000 miles · Jul 7, 2016
Power Train
PLEASE INVESTIGATE ACURA ON THEIR 8 AND 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES AND JERKS BETWEEN SHIFTS, IS UNRESPONSIVE TO DOWNSHIFTS (UNLESS IT IS IN SPORT MODE), RELUCTANT TO UP SHIFT AT TIMES, GRINDS AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND YOU CAN MOVE THE CAR A HALF FOOT IN PARK. MOST TIME, THIS IS FRUSTRATING AND UPSETTING FOR AN …
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PLEASE INVESTIGATE ACURA ON THEIR 8 AND 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES AND JERKS BETWEEN SHIFTS, IS UNRESPONSIVE TO DOWNSHIFTS (UNLESS IT IS IN SPORT MODE), RELUCTANT TO UP SHIFT AT TIMES, GRINDS AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND YOU CAN MOVE THE CAR A HALF FOOT IN PARK. MOST TIME, THIS IS FRUSTRATING AND UPSETTING FOR AN UPMARKET VEHICLE, SOME TIMES IT IS CONCERNING AS YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE CAR AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO ACURA 5 TIMES AND DESPITE SOFTWARE UPDATES AND A "NEW" TRANSMISSION, NOTHING HAS CHANGED. I MET WITH THE ACURA MID-ATLANTIC REP AND HE SAID THIS IS THE WAY THE TRANSMISSIONS BEHAVE SO HONDA CAN MEET THE GOVERNMENT FUEL ECONOMY REQUIREMENTS. I HAD A HIGH-GEAR TRANSMISSION BEFORE THIS CAR AND NEVER HAD THESE ISSUES. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER SITES AND IN CAR MAGAZINES YET HONDA/ACURA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT BESIDES "SOFTWARE UPDATES." THIS TRANSMISSION, PRODUCED BY ZF AND INSTALLED IN OTHER VEHICLES SUCH AS CHRYSLER/FIAT HAS THE SIMILAR ISSUES. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT A PRODUCT THAT IS CLEARLY FAULTY? THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10883466
23,031 miles · Jun 16, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineService Brakes
2 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING I75( 30-45MPH HEAVY TRAFFIC) AND THEN I16 (55 -60 MPH RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC) THE CAR STALLS ALL LIGHTS FLASH OFF THEN BACK ON AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP FIRST SAYING BREAKS THE TRANSMISSION, STABILITY CONTROL. FIRST TIME TECH SAID FLUKE LOW VOLTAGE, SECOND SAID CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO 4TH GEAR AND GETS STUCK.
NHTSA ODI #10874581
11,000 miles · Jun 13, 2016
Power Train
HI, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION AND I CAN PUSH THE CAR A FEET OR SO WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. OR IF PARKED IN AN INCLINE I THE CAR MOVES BACK ATLEAST ONE FOURTH TO HALF TIRE ROTATION. I SAW A RECALL NHTSA RECALL NO. : 14V-779 THAT HAD VIN RANGES FROM BEGIN :[XXX] END :[XXX] MY VIN NUMBER IS WELL WITHIN THIS RANGE A…
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HI, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION AND I CAN PUSH THE CAR A FEET OR SO WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. OR IF PARKED IN AN INCLINE I THE CAR MOVES BACK ATLEAST ONE FOURTH TO HALF TIRE ROTATION. I SAW A RECALL NHTSA RECALL NO. : 14V-779 THAT HAD VIN RANGES FROM BEGIN :[XXX] END :[XXX] MY VIN NUMBER IS WELL WITHIN THIS RANGE AND NEITHER DEALERSHIP OR ACURA HAS ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL APPLIED. I ALSO DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS LISTED IN SAFECAR.GOV AS FOR THIS CAR AS WELL. NEED ASSISTANCE IS MAKING SURE EITHER THE RECALL IS APPLICABLE OR IF ITS DONE ALREADY NEED NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10873985
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2016
Power Train
MY 2015 ACURA TLX HESITATES WHEN CHANGING GEARS, DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED AND THE SHIFTING OUT OF PARKING POSITION IS NOISY AND HARSH. ACURA HAS PROVIDED A DEFECT CODE FOR MY COMPLAINTS (03214) AND SOFTWARE UPDATES (OPERATION NUMBER 1255A2 AND 1255C9), WHICH HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. NONE OF THESE H…
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MY 2015 ACURA TLX HESITATES WHEN CHANGING GEARS, DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED AND THE SHIFTING OUT OF PARKING POSITION IS NOISY AND HARSH. ACURA HAS PROVIDED A DEFECT CODE FOR MY COMPLAINTS (03214) AND SOFTWARE UPDATES (OPERATION NUMBER 1255A2 AND 1255C9), WHICH HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. NONE OF THESE HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. LEMON LAW FAVORED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S SIDE AND THE ARBITRATORS SAY IT IS NOT A NONCONFORMITY. HONDA'S LAWYER SAYS THAT I DID NOT TAKE IT IN ENOUGH TIMES AND THAT HESITATION FOR A MOMENT IS NOT A CONCERN. ACURA SAYS THEY WOULD NOT CHANGE MY CAR BECAUSE THEY ALL DRIVE THE SAME AND THAT I AM JUST NOT USED TO DRIVING A VEHICLE LIKE THIS ONE. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS THAT AS IT COMES TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT LURCHES FORWARD EXTREMELY HARSHLY AS IF I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. THIS IS SO BAD THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING LOWER BACK PAIN AND HAVE TO TAKE PAIN KILLERS AT TIMES. AND OF COURSE, I HAVE TO TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT EVERY TIME I HAVE TO BRAKE, IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. YOU MUST KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING IT IS TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS EACH AND EVERY TIME I AM REACHING A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT.. THE CAR DOES IT SOMETIMES AND OTHERS IT DOESN'T, SO I HAVE TO TRY AND PREDICT HOW IT IS DRIVING THAT PARTICULAR DAY. THIS TAKES AWAY FROM ME THE ABILITY TO CONTROL MY CAR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.ALSO, THERE WAS ONE TIME WHEN I NEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND MY CAR FELT AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL, DID NOT ACCELERATE AND THEN AFTER A MOMENT DECIDED TO DRIVE FORWARD. THANKFULLY NO CAR WAS COMING, IF NOT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TO NOW MAKE SURE THAT CARS ARE FAR ENOUGH SO THAT IF IT DOES HESITATE AGAIN I WON'T BE PUTTING MY FAMILY AND I AT RISK. I HATE HAVING TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #10872926
1,000 miles · May 26, 2016
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE 2015 ACURA TLX WITH THE 9SP TRANSMISSION? THERE IS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SLOWING DOWN, UNANTICIPATED SURGING, AND UNEXPECTED HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITHIN HONDA BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR PUBLIC FIX FROM HONDA. I INCLUDED THE PURCHASE DATE OF …
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CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE 2015 ACURA TLX WITH THE 9SP TRANSMISSION? THERE IS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SLOWING DOWN, UNANTICIPATED SURGING, AND UNEXPECTED HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITHIN HONDA BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR PUBLIC FIX FROM HONDA. I INCLUDED THE PURCHASE DATE OF THE CAR BUT THE ABOVE HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES. HTTP://ACURAZINE.COM/FORUMS/5G-TLX-PROBLEMS-FIXES-420/9AT-HARD-SHIFT-1-2-2-3-A-919230
NHTSA ODI #10870927
4,514 miles · May 19, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM ACURA AUTOMOBILE DIVISION DATED MARCH 2016. I WAS ON VACATION WHEN THE LETTER WAS MAILED. UPON RETURING HOME AND READING THIS RECALL NOTICE I CALLED ACURA CLIENTS RELATIONS ON MARCH 24, 2016. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALER SERVICE MANGER WHERE I PURCHASE MY CAR. I WENT TO …
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TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM ACURA AUTOMOBILE DIVISION DATED MARCH 2016. I WAS ON VACATION WHEN THE LETTER WAS MAILED. UPON RETURING HOME AND READING THIS RECALL NOTICE I CALLED ACURA CLIENTS RELATIONS ON MARCH 24, 2016. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALER SERVICE MANGER WHERE I PURCHASE MY CAR. I WENT TO THE DEALER ON MARCH 30, 2016. I HAD TO SIGN ACURA TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE RETENTION/STORAGE OWNER INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT. I WAS GIVEN A PURCHASE TO TAKE TO ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL FOR A RENTAL CARD. I WAS GIVEN A FORD FOCUS UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 2016 WHILE MY BRAND NEW ACURA IS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY SINCE MARCH 2016 WHILE I AM MAKING A $398 MONTHLY CAR PAYMENT ON A BRAND NEW ACURA ILX THAT I CANNOT DRIVE UNTIL MID OR LATE SUMMER OF 2016. I THINK MY CAR PAYMENTS SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FROM THE DATE OF THE RECALL NOTICE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRS AND MY CAR IS REPAIRED AND SAFETY TO DRIVE AGAIN. IF I WANT TO DRIVE A FORD FOCUS IN THE FIRST PLACE. AT LEAST ACURA COULD HAVE PROVIDED A CAR IN THE SAME CLASS AS MY ACURA ILX 2015. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN A HONDA OR ACURA VEHICLE AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING OVEN 30 YEARS. I AM VERY UNHAPPY THAT I HAVE TO PAY A MONTHLY CAR PAYMENT ON A CAR THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE. UNHAPPY ACURA CUSTOMER MEM
NHTSA ODI #10865886
5,000 miles · May 17, 2016
Power TrainService Brakes
I HAVE A 2015 ACURA TLX 4CYL. IT IS A VERY NICE LOOKING CAR HOWEVER THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG HOWEVER THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT. ALL THEY TELL ME IS THAT THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP TELLING THEM WHAT IT IS. THE…
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I HAVE A 2015 ACURA TLX 4CYL. IT IS A VERY NICE LOOKING CAR HOWEVER THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG HOWEVER THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT. ALL THEY TELL ME IS THAT THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP TELLING THEM WHAT IT IS. THEY JUST TELL ME THAT EVERYTHING IS DOCUMENTED SO IF AND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL I HAVE PROOF THAT IT HAS BEEN ONGOING. WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED AND THEN PROCEED TO GO THE CAR WILL JERK AND HESITATE TO SHIFT TO NEXT GEAR. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING ALSO, IF YOU HAVE TO BRAKE AND THEN START AGAIN. ITS VERY UPSETTING I HAVE OWNED ACURAS BEFORE, THE ACURA TL AND THE ACURA INTEGRA, BOTH CARS HAD A HIGH PERFORMANCE. THIS CAR NOT SO MUCH. WHEN IS ACURA GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS?? THERE HASN'T BEEN JUST ONE EPISODE THIS IS AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA ODI #10865435
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.