Honda has issued an urgent safety recall impacting close to 295,000 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous software defect that could cause engines to suddenly stall while driving. This widespread recall comes after Honda’s internal vehicle monitoring systems identified a programming error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) that substantially increases crash risk when affected vehicles unexpectedly lose power.
Engine Stalling: A Serious Highway Safety Threat
When an engine suddenly stalls while driving, particularly at high speeds, the consequences can be severe. Affected vehicles may experience:
- Complete loss of engine power without warning
- Disabled power steering systems
- Reduced braking capabilities
- Potential for dangerous traffic situations when a vehicle rapidly decelerates
“An engine stalling while driving is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard,” explained Honda in their recall documentation. The company noted that while no crashes or injuries have been reported yet, the potential severity of this defect prompted immediate action.
Honda and Acura Models Included in the Recall
The software defect affects three specific model lines spanning both Honda and its premium Acura brand:
- 2023–2025 Honda Pilot SUVs (all variants)
- 2022–2025 Acura MDX Type-S SUVs
- 2021–2025 Acura TLX Type-S sedans
Owners of these relatively new vehicles should take this recall seriously, as the defect relates to a recent software programming error introduced during manufacturing.
What Causes the Engine Stall Risk?
According to Honda’s technical explanation, the root cause is improper programming in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit. In practical terms, this means:
- Sudden changes in throttle position can trigger the software defect
- The engine may hesitate, lose power, or completely stall
- The check engine light typically illuminates when the issue occurs
- The problem can appear without prior warning or symptoms
The NHTSA has confirmed this defect creates a genuine safety concern for drivers of affected vehicles.
Honda’s Solution and Timeline
Honda announced the voluntary recall on January 29, 2025, and has developed a straightforward fix:
- Dealership technicians will update the FI-ECU software with corrected programming
- The repair is completely free for all affected vehicle owners
- The software update eliminates the stall risk without requiring mechanical repairs
- Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by mid-March 2025
Honda encourages owners “to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification,” highlighting the importance of addressing this safety issue promptly.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Needs the Recall Repair
If you own a Honda Pilot, Acura MDX Type-S, or Acura TLX Type-S from the affected model years, here’s how to verify your recall status:
- Visit Honda’s official recall website at owners.honda.com
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the recall lookup tool
- Call Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138 with questions
- Check the NHTSA’s recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls
This software-related recall is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, where increasingly computerized vehicles sometimes face programming issues that affect safety. The good news is that unlike mechanical problems, these software defects can typically be resolved with a simple update.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – if your vehicle is included in this recall, schedule the free repair immediately to ensure your safety on the road.
