Honda Recalls 635,808 Acura and Honda SUVs Over Steering Software
Honda is recalling 635,808 Acura TLX, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles because a software error can cut power steering assist. The fix is free.
Honda is recalling 635,808 vehicles in the United States because faulty software can switch off power steering assistance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as reported by Motor1. The fix is a free software update at dealers.
The recall covers certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2022-2024 Acura MDX and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. Honda reported the problem to NHTSA on Oct. 29 under recall number 26V721000.
What goes wrong with the steering
Under certain operating conditions, the electric power steering (EPS) software can hit an internal error and put the system into failsafe mode, which disables steering assistance. Honda told NHTSA that a supplier developed the software, and that the error sits in a calculation in the Driver Attention Monitor that compensates for road conditions. In some conditions the software may try to divide a number by zero. The EPS software was set up to shut off assistance when that happens.
The mechanical link between the wheel and the tires stays in place, so drivers can still turn the car. It takes considerably more force, mostly noticeable at low speeds such as parking or tight maneuvering. NHTSA warns that the loss of assistance could reduce control of the vehicle and raise the risk of a crash or injury. Warning indicators light up in the instrument cluster when the system enters failsafe mode.
Which vehicles make up the recall
The 2025 Pilot is the largest group, with 240,830 vehicles, almost 38 percent of the total, according to Motor1.
The fix and the timeline
Authorized dealers will reprogram the EPS control unit with corrected software. No steering rack or other hardware is replaced. The repair is free whether or not the original Honda or Acura warranty still covers the vehicle.
Dealer notifications were scheduled to begin around Oct. 30. Honda expects to start mailing owner letters on Dec. 14. NHTSA says the affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) become searchable in its database on Nov. 11.
What this means for owners
The recall notice carries no Do Not Drive warning, and Honda is not telling owners to stop driving, according to Motor1. Motor1 reports that anyone who sees a steering warning or loses assistance unexpectedly should have the vehicle inspected rather than wait for the letter. Because the recall spans three models across both brands, the cause is shared software and not a single body style.
Source: Motor1
