Honda Pilot, Acura MDX Recall Deals With Brake Problem
A new recall of certain 2005 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2005 and 2006 Acura MDX luxury SUVs, and 2005 Acura RL sedans is expected to isolate a problem that may cause the brakes to trigger without warning.
A notice on the Honda website details the approximate recall population of 182,600 vehicles as follows:
- 2005 Honda Pilot – approximately 101,000 vehicles
- 2005 Acura MDX – approximately 60,000 vehicles
- 2006 Acura MDX – approximately 800 vehicles
- 2005 Acura RL – approximately 21,000 vehicles
The problem
According to Honda, the problem is potential malfunctioning of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system in affected vehicles. Specifically, if the electrical capacitor on the system’s control unit was damaged during manufacture, the VSA system could malfunction “and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second, without any input by the driver.”
Also, if the driver applies the brakes during a VSA system malfunction, Honda said, “the amount of brake force applied could exceed the driver’s intended input.” Either scenario could increase crash risk.
The automaker said it has received complaints about malfunctions in the VSA in Pilot, MDX and RL vehicles from the listed model years but that there have been no reports of crashes or injuries due to the condition.
What Honda will do
Honda will begin notifying owners by letter in mid-April and dealers will install a new electrical sub-harness, at no charge on affected Honda and Acura vehicles.
In addition, some 51,000 of the included Honda Pilot SUVS will be inspected to ensure that an electrical ground bolt for the VSA system is properly tightened.
Owners of 2005 Honda Pilot, 2005-2005 Acura MDX and 2005 Acura RL vehicles with any questions or concerns may also contact Honda or Acura in mid-April by calling 1-800-999-1009 (Honda) and 1-800-382-2238 (Acura), and selecting option #4. Online checking of vehicle identification numbers (VINS) to determine if their vehicle is included in the recall will be available in mid-April as well. Go online to www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com.
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