Honda Recalls 635,808 Vehicles Over Power Steering Software Defect

Honda is recalling 635,808 Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States because a software error can switch off power steering assistance under certain driving conditions.

The recall covers certain 2023-2025 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2022-2024 Acura MDX SUVs and 2021-2025 Acura TLX sedans. Drivers can still steer if the assistance stops, but turning the wheel requires more effort. Honda's recall filing says that can reduce control and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The problem is in the electronic power steering software. An error in a calculation connected with the Driver Attention Monitor can trigger an internal fault. The software was incorrectly configured to respond by putting the steering system into failsafe mode and disabling assistance. Warning indicators would illuminate on the instrument panel.

Honda says authorized dealers will reprogram the electronic power steering control unit with corrected software. The recall repair is free. The company plans to begin mailing notices to affected owners around December 14.

According to the recall report, Honda had received 146 warranty claims and one report of injury connected with the issue as of October 22. No deaths were reported.

Not every vehicle in the listed model years is necessarily included. Owners should check their individual vehicle identification number through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact an authorized Honda or Acura dealer.

The campaign is listed as NHTSA recall 26V721000. Owners who notice a steering warning or a sudden change in steering effort should have the vehicle checked rather than assume the warning will clear on its own.