Honda is recalling 635,808 vehicles in the United States due to an electric power steering software defect that can cause an unexpected loss of power assist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published safety recall notices covering 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2022-2024 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot models. Honda confirmed in its safety filing: "The software for the electric power steering assist may cause the system to enter a failsafe mode, resulting in a loss of power steering assist."
Automotive engineers determined that incorrect algorithmic sensor interpretations can trigger an abrupt deactivation of steering motor assistance. As of late October, the manufacturer had received 146 warranty claims associated with the defect, including one report of an injury. Federal regulators warned that sudden increases in steering effort impair vehicle control and elevate crash hazards in congested traffic.
Authorized Honda and Acura dealerships will reprogram the electric power steering control software free of charge for affected owners. The software flash procedure requires approximately one hour of diagnostic time without requiring mechanical hardware replacement. Official owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning December 14, 2026, under recall campaign codes KQB and TQA.
Honda customer care portals have been updated to allow drivers to check individual vehicle identification numbers.
