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The Honda Motor Company has announced a new recall affecting more than 183,000 vehicles over a potential defect that could cause unintended braking. Covered are 101,000 Honda Pilot SUVs, 60,000 Acura MDX SUVs, and 21,000 Acura RL sedans from the 2005 model year, along with another 800 Acura MDX’s from the 2006 model year, all sold in the United States. Also included are a number of models sold internationally, 56,000 in Japan, 8,000 in Canada, 1,000 in Australia, 300 in Mexico, and 70 in Germany. The problem stems from an electrical capacitor in Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist system, which could malfunction and apply the brakes, even without inputs from drivers. Fortunately, as of the recall announcement, no accidents or injuries have been reported from owners who have submitted complaints of the issue. According to Honda’s internal investigation, the capacitors may have been damaged during the manufacturing process, which could lead an application of a small amount of brake force for a short time while vehicles are in motion. If this malfunction were to take place while a driver was applying the brakes, the amount of brake force being applied could exceed the desired amount. In either situation, drivers could find themselves slowing suddenly, potentially creating a panic situation that could lead to an accident. To fix the malfunction, Honda will instruct owners of affected vehicles to drive to their nearest Honda or Acura dealership, where a technician will install a new electrical sub-harness to prevent failure of the capacitor at no cost. Notices are set to be sent through the mail starting in the middle of next month, April. At the same time, 51,000 Honda Pilots included in the recall will also be inspected to ensure that an electrical ground bolt used in the VSA system is tightened fully. In some SUVs, the ground bolt was found to be loose, an error that could also lead to a malfunctioning of the system, and an unexpected engagement of the brakes. While already being inspected, technicians will torque the bolt to the correct specifications if necessary, again free of charge. Owners looking for more information about the recall, or to see if their vehicle is to be included or not are encouraged to consult Honda or Acura’s websites, or call their respective hotlines. Information can also be provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline. Responding to a recall in a timely manner is important, as driving with a known defect can expose drivers to the constant threat of accidents, even in normal driving conditions. Recalls are issued when a regular flaw is uncovered across a line of vehicles, presenting a potential danger large enough to merit the cost of widespread repairs for car makers. For owners affected, settling the issue quickly will be the best way to ensure that their vehicle continues to work as initially intended, and not as a machine suddenly capable of stopping without provocation. For drivers who have fallen victim to an accident as a result of a vehicle defect not yet covered by a recall, legal action may be available, through the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer, who can lead you through the legal process and get you the compensation you need to get back onto your feet.
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