Honda is once again facing a major corrosion-related recall in the United States, this time affecting more than 880,000 vehicles across its Honda and Acura brands. The automaker has announced the recall after identifying a defect that could allow rust to weaken critical rear suspension mounting points, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
The issue primarily affects vehicles operating in northern states where road salt is commonly used during winter months. Over time, exposure to salt, moisture, and harsh weather conditions can accelerate corrosion underneath vehicles, particularly when protective coatings fail.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall covers a wide range of popular Honda and Acura models manufactured between 2014 and 2023.
Affected vehicles include:
- 2016–2022 Honda Pilot (463,253 units)
- 2017–2023 Honda Ridgeline (110,070 units)
- 2019–2023 Honda Passport (89,674 units)
- 2014–2020 Acura MDX (217,517 units)
In total, 880,514 vehicles are included in the safety campaign.
According to Honda, some rear subframes were produced with coating defects that may have prevented paint from properly adhering to the metal surface. Once the protective layer begins to peel away, corrosion can gradually spread to critical suspension mounting areas.
How Serious Is the Problem?
While corrosion develops slowly, Honda says the consequences can become severe if left unaddressed.
The affected areas include the mounting points for the rear control arms and lower suspension arms. As rust progresses, the metal can weaken and eventually crack. In extreme cases, suspension components could detach from the vehicle altogether.
A failure of these mounting points may cause rear wheel misalignment, compromised handling, reduced braking stability, and an increased risk of losing control while driving.
Drivers may notice warning signs before a major failure occurs. These could include unusual noises from the rear suspension, excessive vibration, or noticeable changes in steering and vehicle handling.
Another Rust-Related Recall for Honda
This is not the first time Honda has dealt with corrosion-related safety issues.
In 2023, the company recalled more than 560,000 older CR-V models after rust was found to compromise rear frame components, allowing a trailing arm to separate from the vehicle. A year earlier, over 112,000 Ridgeline pickups were recalled because corrosion could damage fuel tank mounting brackets and potentially lead to fuel leaks.
Like the latest recall, those campaigns were largely concentrated in so-called “salt belt” states, where winter road treatments can significantly accelerate vehicle corrosion.
What Owners Can Expect
Honda says it first detected inconsistencies in subframe coating quality during internal testing in late 2021. Engineers subsequently monitored affected vehicles in both the United States and Canada before determining that the issue represented a safety defect requiring a formal recall.
Dealers will inspect affected vehicles and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit where necessary. Vehicles showing more advanced corrosion may require additional repairs, while severely damaged subframes could be replaced entirely.
Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on July 7.
For affected owners, the recall serves as a reminder of how environmental conditions can quietly impact vehicle safety over time. While rust is often viewed as a cosmetic issue, this latest campaign highlights how corrosion beneath a vehicle can eventually affect critical structural and suspension components.
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