Honda Accord Hybrid Recall Issued Due Amid Problems With Loss of Vehicle Drive Power

Hundreds of warranty claims have been filed involving a potentially dangerous software defect, leading to a massive recall of certain Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles.

Federal regulators are warning that more than 250,000 newer Honda vehicles could suddenly shut off while being driven, creating an increased risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Honda Accord Hybrid recall on November 17, indicating that the Integrated Control Module (ICM) in some vehicles may reset while being driven, resulting in an immediate loss of motor power.

The Integrated Control Module is the central computer that manages the vehicle’s power delivery and hybrid functions. When it malfunctions or resets, the system cannot maintain propulsion, which can cause the car to lose power without warning.

In the recalled vehicles, the affected ICM software may mistakenly interpret normal internal errors and extra electrical noise as problems, which can cause the system to reset unexpectedly and lose functionality.

According to the Safety Recall Report (PDF), Honda first became aware of the issue in March 2024 after a single vehicle reported a loss of drive power. Over the following months, the manufacturer investigated and determined that the supplier had not properly set up the ICM’s central processing unit (CPU).

Although Honda has not received any reports of crashes or injuries, the manufacturer indicates 832 warranty claims have been submitted in relation to the issue.

Due to the increased crash risks associated with the defect, Honda issued a voluntary recall (PDF) on November 13 for 256,603 model year 2023 through 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on January 5, which will include instructions for obtaining a free reprogramming of the ICM CPU software at a local dealer.

Honda’s number for the recall is TN2. Owners with questions can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138, or the company’s contact for this recall, Debora Crews, via email at debora.crews@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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