Honda Recalls Certain Acura Vehicles Due to Risk of Taillight Failures: NHTSA

Manufacturer has received more than 3,000 reports of electrical issues related to a defect in the vehicle’s rear lighting system, which may increase risk of accidents.

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall impacting more than 150,000 Honda Acura MDX vehicles, due to a defect in the tailgate lid light system, which may cause other lights on the vehicle to stop working.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Honda Acura lid light recall on April 17, warning that certain 2014 through 2020 model year Acura MDX vehicles may have an uneven sealing surface on the tailgate lid lights, allowing moisture to enter the assembly, which could affect other parts of the vehicle’s lighting system.

In some cases, the wiring harness in the affected vehicles may short circuit and blow the fuse for certain interior and exterior lights, including lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Officials are warning that in the event of a loss of exterior lighting, the driver may have limited visibility in low-light conditions, increasing the risk of an auto accident.

While the NHTSA report (PDF) does not indicate that any accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported, Honda has received 3,871 warranty claims related to the issue.

Honda conducted a recall for the same issue on March 28, 2019, which included certain 2014 through 2019 model year Acura MDX vehicles. 

However, a few months later, the manufacturer received a new report of a taillight failure on a vehicle that should have been fixed in the original recall, prompting another investigation.

In March 2023, Honda identified that the problem was caused by moisture entering from different areas than those linked to the previous recall.

The manufacturer eventually determined that a safety risk existed, leading to a voluntary safety recall (PDF) on April 8, 2025.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters next month, with instructions on how to schedule a free inspection, installation of a fuse harness, replacement of the lid light, and repair of the body dust sealer, if necessary, at their local dealer. 

Honda is assuring customers that the new component has been redesigned and properly manufactured to prevent moisture intrusion.

Vehicle owners who have already had this service performed at their own expense may be eligible for reimbursement, in accordance with Honda’s reimbursement plan. The current recall also applies to vehicles that were previously repaired under the prior recall.

Honda’s number for this recall is FLI. Customers can also contact Honda customer service at 1-800-382-2238 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.