Honda recalls 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a steering defect that could lead to accidents, affecting popular models from 2022 to 2025.
At a Glance
- Nearly 1.7 million Honda and Acura vehicles are being recalled due to potential steering problems
- The recall affects models from 2022 to 2025, including Acura Integra, Honda Civic, CR-V, and HR-V
- A defect in the steering gearbox assembly may cause excessive internal friction, making steering difficult
- Honda will notify owners by November 18, and repairs will be made free of charge at authorized dealerships
- No crashes or injuries related to this defect have been reported so far
Honda’s Massive Recall: What You Need to Know
American Honda Motor Co. has initiated a significant recall affecting nearly 1.7 million vehicles in the United States. The recall stems from a potential defect in the steering gearbox assembly that could make steering more difficult, increasing the risk of crashes. This action underscores the company’s commitment to safety, even in the absence of reported incidents.
The recall encompasses several popular Honda and Acura models from the 2022 through 2025 model years. Affected vehicles include the Acura Integra, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, and Honda HR-V. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially recorded the recall on October 3, following an investigation that began in March after receiving complaints from Honda Civic drivers about steering difficulties.
Honda recalls 1.7 million vehicles over steering gearbox concerns https://t.co/ikV5Moc1IK
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The Technical Issue: Steering Gearbox Defect
The root of the problem lies in the steering gearbox assembly. Honda explained that the worm wheel spring preload was set too high during manufacturing, leading to excessive internal friction. Additionally, environmental factors such as heat and moisture can cause the steering gearbox worm wheel to swell, further reducing grease film thickness and increasing friction.
Owners should be alert for warning signs of this defect, which may include abnormal noise and a “sticky” feeling when turning the steering wheel. These symptoms could indicate that the vehicle is affected by the recall issue.
Honda’s Response and Customer Action
Honda is taking a proactive approach to address this potential safety hazard. The company will begin notifying vehicle owners by November 18, 2024. Owners are advised to take their vehicles to an authorized Honda dealer for inspection and repair. The fix involves replacing the worm gear spring and adjusting the grease as needed, all at no cost to the owner.
For those seeking more information, Honda customer service can be reached at 1-888-234-2138. When contacting Honda, reference the recall numbers SJS, MJU, QJT, and VJV, depending on the specific model affected.
Industry-wide Quality Control Measures
This recall is part of a broader trend of automotive manufacturers addressing potential safety issues proactively. In a separate but related development, Tesla recently announced a recall of over 27,000 Cybertruck vehicles due to rear-view image delays, which could potentially increase crash risk. Tesla’s recall will be addressed through a free over-the-air software update, with owner notification letters to be sent by November 25, 2024.
These recalls highlight the ongoing commitment of automotive manufacturers to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles, even as they push the boundaries of technology and design. It also underscores the importance of regulatory bodies like the NHTSA in identifying and addressing potential safety concerns in the automotive industry.