American Honda is recalling 635,808 vehicles in the United States because a software error can disable electric power steering assistance while driving. The recall covers certain Honda Pilot SUVs, Acura MDX SUVs, and Acura TLX sedans.
The vehicle can still be steered mechanically, but turning the wheel can suddenly require more effort. Honda reported 146 warranty claims, one injury report, and no reported deaths associated with the issue through October 22, 2026. American Honda’s safety recall filing.
Own a Pilot, MDX, or TLX? Check your 17-character VIN for NHTSA campaign 26V721. An authorized Honda or Acura dealer will reprogram the electric power steering control unit for free. Owner letters are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. You can check your VIN before the letter arrives. NHTSA recall lookup and official recall notice.
Which Honda and Acura Vehicles Are Being Recalled?
| Model | Model Years | Vehicles Potentially Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 2023–2025 | 383,110 |
| Acura MDX | 2022–2024 | 177,100 |
| Acura TLX | 2021–2025 | 75,598 |
| Total | 635,808 | |
The table gives the model-year ranges. Use your VIN to confirm whether your individual vehicle is included and still needs the repair. Honda’s campaign codes are KQB and TQA. Federal filing with the vehicle counts and NHTSA campaign acknowledgment.
Why Can the Power Steering Assistance Shut Off?
Honda traced this campaign to a calculation error in the electric power steering software. Under certain conditions, including while traveling straight, the error can trigger a failsafe mode that switches off steering assistance and illuminates a warning in the instrument cluster.
With assistance unavailable, the driver has to apply more force to steer. That can make the vehicle harder to control and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Honda’s description of the defect and safety risk.
If steering suddenly becomes heavy while you’re driving, slow down smoothly and pull over as soon as you can do so safely. Once stopped, contact roadside assistance or your dealer for guidance. Tell them what the steering felt like and which warning appeared.
How to Check Your VIN and Get the Free Steering Repair
- Find your 17-character VIN. Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side, the driver-door jamb, or your registration.
- Check for an open recall. Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall website or use the official Honda recall lookup or Acura recall lookup. NHTSA listed November 11, 2026, as the start date for VIN searches for this campaign.
- Call an authorized dealer if the campaign appears. Give the service department your VIN and campaign number 26V721. The remedy is a free update to the electric power steering control unit software.
- Ask about any steering symptoms when you book. If the wheel has become difficult to turn or the steering warning is on, describe the symptoms and ask how to get the vehicle to the shop safely.
NHTSA’s acknowledgment lists 1-866-784-1870 for questions about this campaign. The December 14 date is the expected mailing date. Check your VIN now if you own one of the listed models. NHTSA repair, contact, and notification details.
Does This Recall Include the Honda CR-V?
The CR-V is covered by a separate steering campaign, 24V744. That 2024 recall addresses excess friction in the steering gearbox and includes certain 2023–2025 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid vehicles, along with other Honda and Acura models. The 2026 campaign described here covers the Pilot, MDX, and TLX and addresses loss of steering assistance caused by software. NHTSA’s 2024 steering gearbox recall.
Where can you find current Honda recalls by year?
Search NHTSA by year, make, and model to see which campaigns apply to that model range. Then search by VIN to see which recalls remain open on the specific car. The VIN tool generally shows unrepaired recalls and may omit very recent campaigns while affected VINs are still being identified. For a used car, ask the seller for repair records as well. NHTSA search and coverage details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda models or CR-V years should you avoid buying used?
For a used purchase, check the individual VIN, ask for proof that applicable steering recalls were completed, and arrange an independent inspection. If the steering binds, feels unusually heavy, or shows a warning, ask the seller to resolve the issue or have it diagnosed before you commit.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Honda involving the CR-V?
There have been CR-V class actions involving specific alleged defects. For example, the court-authorized notice in Cadena v. American Honda describes a case involving the collision mitigation braking system on certain 2017–2019 CR-Vs. It concerns different vehicles and a different issue from this steering software recall. Check the case notice for the covered vehicles and eligibility before drawing conclusions about your car. Court-authorized Cadena case website.
What was Honda’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2025?
The CR-V led Honda’s U.S. lineup, with more than 400,000 sold in 2025. The Civic led Honda’s passenger-car sales. American Honda’s 2025 U.S. sales report.
Related Recall and Ownership Guides
Check a recall and arrange service
- How to Check for Vehicle Recalls by VIN
- Vehicle Safety Recalls and Alerts
- Are Car Recall Repairs Free? Who Pays for Parts, Labor and Towing?
- Car Recall With No Fix Available: Can You Get a Buyback?
- Paid for a Repair Before a Recall? How to Get Your Money Back
- Does the Manufacturer Have to Provide a Rental Car During a “Do Not Drive” Recall?
Other safety alerts and ownership resources
- Airbag Recall Check
- Takata Airbag Recall List
- Cars With Fire-Risk Recalls: Should You Park Outside?
- Which Car Recalls Need Immediate Attention?
- Subaru “Do Not Drive” Recall
- Subaru Windshield Keeps Cracking?
- Toyota and Lexus Recall Alert
- Car Ownership in Canada: Repairs, Recalls, and Winter Prep
- Is Kia Reliable? Problems, Recalls, and Used-Car Risks
- Pickup Truck Ownership Guide
Additional reporting: Motor1 coverage of the Honda and Acura steering recall.
No comments:
Post a Comment