Nearly 300,000 Honda and Acura Vehicles Recalled Over Faulty Software, Engine Stall Risks

More than 650 warranty claims have been filed involving Honda and Acura vehicles impacted by the improperly programmed software.

Federal highway safety officials are announcing a recall of 294,612 Honda and Acura vehicles, due to a software error that could cause engines to stall or lose power, increasing the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Honda and Acura recall on January 28, warning that a software issue with the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause the engine to lose power, hesitate, or stall while driving.

The FI-ECU controls the timing and amount of fuel injected into the engine’s cylinders to optimize performance, efficiency and emissions. If it malfunctions, the engine may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

While Honda has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue, the automaker has recorded 674 warranty claims.

Honda first launched an investigation into the issue on December 8, 2023, after detecting problems through vehicle telematics data that showed torque control failures causing irregular engine power.

On April 17, 2024, Denso, the supplier of the vehicles’ FI-ECU, informed Honda of potential on-board diagnostics (OBD) issues. The recall report (PDF) states that incorrect program settings for airflow and fuel injection could cause sudden throttle changes, affecting engine power.

Honda has continued its investigation into the engine problems, and on January 9, 2025, it identified engine stalling as a possible consequence of the issue.

On January 16, the company initiated a voluntary recall (PDF) affecting both Honda, and its luxury brand Acura vehicles. The recall impacts:

• 2021 through 2025 Acura TLX Type S vehicles
• 2022 through 2025 Acura MDX Type S vehicles
• 2023 through 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on March 17, 2025, with instructions on how to schedule a free reprogramming of the FI-ECU with improved software.

Any vehicle owners who have already had this repair performed at their own expense prior to receiving the Honda recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement.

Honda’s numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0. Customers may 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 may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.