1.6M Honda Minivans, SUVs Recalled Over Software Problems That Pose Safety Risk

Four separate Honda recalls have been issued this week, impacting more than 1.6 million minivan and sport utility vehicles that may have software related defects, which could cause the backup camera, speedometer and other key electronic components to fail unexpectedly.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced recalls for certain Honda Odyssey, Honda Passport and Honda Pilot vehicles, after the manufacturer recognized a series of issues related to incorrectly programmed software controlling the backup cameras and instrumental panel that could cause unexpected loss of essential vehicle systems, increasing the risk of an accident.

The largest Honda recall impacts an estimated 607,784 model year 2018 through 2020 Honda Odyssey minivans, 2019 through 2020 Passport SUV’s and 2019 through 2021 Pilot SUV’s equipped with a faulty instrument panel control module software which may cause critical dashboard function and indicators to fail.

The failure may result in complete or partial loss of the speedometer, engine oil light, rear view camera functionality and indicator of which gear position the vehicle is in, posing a roll away and crash hazard. Honda warned the failure of these functions will remain until the vehicles next ignition cycle.

The second Honda minivan and SUV recall includes 499,342 model year 2019 through 2020 Odyssey and Passport models and 2019 through 2021 Pilot SUV’s equipped with incorrect central network software programming. Officials warn customers that several errors may occur from this defect, including the delay or failure of the rear view camera, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury hazard.

Additional rear view camera issues resulted in a third Odyssey recall impacting 212,068 model year 2019 through 2020 Odysseys. These models were manufactured with rear view mounting camera holes that may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter the camera lens and cause a distorted image, or no image at all.

Honda indicates that when switching the rear view camera mode, the image could become extremely distorted in a bright environment, preventing drivers from seeing activity behind a vehicle.

A fourth Honda Odyssey minivan recall impacts 324,194 vehicles which may experience unexpected sliding side doors opening in freezing temperature climates. Officials indicated the outer door handle cables may freeze in cold temperatures and prevent the sliding doors from latching securely.

The series of recalls affects a total of 1,643,388 minivan and SUV’s manufactured by American Honda Motor Company, and distributed for sale throughout the United States to licensed dealers.

Honda plans to notify vehicle owners about the recalls, along with instructions on how to schedule a free inspection and repair at their local dealer for each of the defects. Some owners with vehicles containing more than one defect may receive multiple recall notices.

Each of the four recalls are expected to begin on September 23, 2020. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recalls may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.