Category: recall

May 16

Overlooked Safety Recall Affects Numerous Honda CR-Vs

Recall Spotlight on Honda CR-Vs

In a recall that may have slipped under the radar amidst other high-profile automotive safety campaigns, over 600,000 Honda CR-Vs from the 2007 to 2011 model years have been called back due to a serious structural concern. Unlike the more commonly publicized airbag issues, this recall involves potential corrosion in the rear frame of vehicles, primarily in states where road salt is heavily used. This corrosion can critically weaken the frame, leading to the possible detachment of rear trailing arms.

A blue 2008 Honda CR-V driving on a city freeway the car is part of a rear frame recall released in 2023
2008 Honda CR-V | Honda

The Specifics of the CR-V Recall

The problem was brought to light by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in late March 2023, targeting vehicles that could be affected by excessive rust. This issue specifically affects the bolt holes that secure the rear trailing arms, which are crucial for maintaining proper alignment and stability of the vehicle’s rear suspension. If these arms were to detach, it could significantly impair the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedies and Recommendations for CR-V Owners

Honda’s response to this issue includes several potential remedies, ranging from the installation of a custom support brace to complete repairs of the affected rear frame or even a vehicle repurchase in extreme cases. For owners of the affected models or potential buyers, it’s crucial to verify whether the vehicle has been inspected or repaired under NHTSA campaign number 23V228000. Honda began notifying affected owners in May 2023, urging them to bring their vehicles in for inspection and necessary modifications to prevent any safety risks associated with this issue.

Nov 20

Honda Announces Massive Recall for 250,000 SUVs Due to Rod Bearing Issues

Critical Recall for Honda SUVs

Honda has issued a significant recall affecting 250,000 SUVs from model years 2015 to 2020, addressing a serious issue with rod bearings that could lead to engine failure. This defect primarily impacts the 3.5-liter V6 engine, known for its 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, found in several popular models. A malfunction in these rod bearings, which are crucial components connecting the connecting rod to the crankshaft, can cause the crankshaft to seize, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage.

What Owners Need to Know

The recall affects various models, including the Honda Pilot (2016, 2018, 2019), Acura TLX (2015-2020), Honda Ridgeline (2017, 2019), Acura MDX (2016-2020), and Honda Odyssey (2018-2019). Honda has identified a manufacturing flaw in the crankshaft machining process, which leads to inadequate lubrication of the rod bearings and subsequent engine issues such as unusual noises, stalling, or loss of power. Owners should be aware that Honda will address the problem at no cost, including a possible engine replacement, but the repair process will be time-consuming due to the need for thorough disassembly and inspection.

Jul 12

Urgent Recall Alert: Ram Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Order for Affected Older Pickup Trucks

Immediate Action Required for Older Ram Pickups

Stellantis has issued a critical “Do Not Drive” order for older Ram pickups following a tragic incident where a Takata airbag explosion resulted in a fatality. This decision comes as part of an extensive recall effort addressing the notorious Takata airbag defects, which have led to over 100 million vehicles being recalled globally. The recent fatal accident on May 13 has spurred this new round of urgent recalls, impacting nearly 30,000 2003 Ram trucks whose owners had previously ignored recall notices.

Impact and Next Steps for Affected Vehicle Owners

The Takata airbag recall remains one of the largest in automotive history, with over 385,000 2003 Ram trucks initially recalled in 2015. Despite this, approximately 84,000 trucks still have unreplaced airbags, with around 30,000 still on the road. The NHTSA strongly urges owners of these vehicles to halt driving immediately until their airbags are replaced, emphasizing that this free repair could prevent serious injuries or fatalities. For more information or to schedule a repair, vehicle owners should visit the Ram or NHTSA websites, or contact Stellantis’ customer service at 833-583-0144.