Honda is recalling 880,514 vehicles over a rear suspension issue that could cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected vehicles were sold in 23 states. Owners of affected vehicles have been advised to look out for abnormal noise or vibration from the rear suspension.According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, 110,070 units of the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline, 463,253 units of the 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 89,674 units of the 2019-2023 Honda Passport, and 217,517 units of the 2014-2020 Acura MDX have been recalled.The recall population was determined based on manufacturing records. Notably, the recall is limited to vehicles sold in the salt-belt region states, such as:AdvertisementAdvertisementConnecticutDelawareIllinoisIndianaIowaKentuckyMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontVirginiaWest VirginiaWashington, D.C.WisconsinCorrosion at the Rear Subframe Mounting PointsMentioning the description of the defect, the NHTSA report states:"Vehicles operated in regions where de-icing agents are heavily used may experience premature corrosion at the rear subframe suspension mounting points."As the corrosion progresses, material thinning may occur and could result in fracture and failure of rear suspension components."The report adds that if the mounting points for the rear control arm or lower arm fail, one or both rear wheels could go out of alignment, significantly impacting vehicle handling and braking performance.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe problem could prove detrimental, as compromised handling or braking could lead to a crash and result in injury. Thus, apart from abnormal noise and vibration, owners have been advised to notice any change in the way their vehicle handles.Addressing the cause of the issue, the NHTSA report stated:"Rear subframes manufactured with improper coating specifications may result in insufficient paint adhesion and premature paint peeling near the arm bracket weld area. In regions where de-icing salt is heavily used, the exposed area may corrode prematurely. As the corrosion progresses, material thinning and driving vibrations could cause the mounting area to fracture and fail."Remedy Program for Affected OwnersThe NHTSA report states that affected registered owners will be contacted by mail, asking them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will inspect the rear subframe and repair or replace affected components. In addition, the dealer will install a rear subframe reinforcement kit if necessary.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe remedy components have undergone an improved pre-paint treatment with increased coating thickness. "Owner notification is scheduled to begin and end on or about 7/7/2026," the report stated.
