Honda’s recent recall of over 1.6 million vehicles highlights a steering defect affecting popular models. How will this impact vehicle owners? The reported models affected are the Acura Integra, Honda Civic, CR-V, and HR-V from 2022 to 2025. Many Honda owners detected steering issues in 2021. Honda owners are to receive notifications by mid-November for free repairs.
An Extensive Recall: The Models and the Defect
Honda has announced a significant recall of approximately 1.7 million vehicles due to a defect in the steering gearbox. The affected models, namely the Acura Integra, Honda Civic, CR-V, and HR-V, fall between the years 2022 and 2025. This defect arises from a manufacturing error in the steering gearbox, leading to increased internal friction. A mere 1% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to be affected, yet this issue can jeopardize vehicle handling.
The textbook cases for these recalls involve improper spring settings and insufficient lubrication within the steering gearbox. Market reports and documented claims suggest a possibility of increased steering difficulty. The parts supplier, Hitachi Astemo Americas, manufactured these components from early 2021 to late 2024, which aligns precisely with the scope of the recall.
Honda recalls over 1.6 million vehicles in the U.S. due to steering gearbox issue increasing crash risk. https://t.co/FEvR8V1UJS
— Automotive News (@Automotive_News) October 9, 2024
What Initiated the Recall: Timeline and Responses
Honda was first alerted to the potential steering issue back in September 2021 following several market and quality reports. Over two years and 10,000 warranty claims later, this concern caught the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s attention. In March 2023, a preliminary evaluation began, which eventually escalated to a full engineering analysis by November 2023. Facing the mounting evidence, Honda declared a voluntary recall by September 2024.
“Increased friction between the worm gear and worm wheel can increase steering effort and difficulty, increasing the risk of a crash or injury,” the recall states.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported, but Honda encourages affected vehicle owners to repair their vehicles as soon as possible. Owners are confirmed to receive notification letters outlining the procedure for addressing the steering issue by mid-November 2024. Importantly, Honda offers free repairs, including the replacement of faulty parts, and adding necessary lubrication to alleviate the problem.
Broader Impact and Prevention Measures
At the heart of this recall lies the responsibility for safety and quality. Hitachi Astemo Americas has since revised the steering gearbox to reduce friction, rolling out the updated unit on August 30, 2024.
The safety recall order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, potentially causing “excessive internal friction” that could make the vehicle difficult to steer and increase the likelihood of a crash.
This recall exemplifies diligence in consumer protection and engineering safety. Honda and its supply chain partner have set a precedence for addressing technical defects promptly, ensuring the safety of their customers. Dealerships are primed to handle the surge in repairs by replacing worm gear springs and replenishing lubrication where needed. Vehicle safety remains paramount, and owners are urged to expedite their repair appointments.
