The fuel filler neck and fuel tank junction in a small number of 2021-2023 Acura TLX vehicles may have an incomplete weld that could separate. An incomplete weld can cause separation, leading to a fuel leak while driving or parked. This defect poses a significant risk to vehicle occupants and bystanders, as fuel leaks can ignite and cause fires.

Background of the Issue

Honda first became aware of the issue in November 2023, when they received a warranty claim related to a fuel leak in an affected TLX vehicle. The company promptly launched an investigation, which revealed that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed. As a result, Honda decided to conduct a safety recall to address the problem. To date, the company has received two warranty claims related to this issue, but fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries, fires, or deaths.

Cause of the Defect

The root cause of the defect lies in the production process of the fuel tank assembly. During manufacturing, the fuel filler neck was improperly loaded into the gripper fixture, resulting in a tilted position and uneven contact between the fuel tank and fuel filler neck during the weld procedure. Additionally, the fuel filler neck melt depth was incorrectly set for the weld equipment, leading to a shallow melt weld depth between the components. This combination of factors created an incomplete weld that can separate over time, allowing fuel to escape.

Symptoms of a Fuel Leak

If you own a 2021-2023 Acura TLX, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of a fuel leak. One of the most common signs is a strong gasoline odor wafting through the vehicle while driving. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out seals, cracked fuel lines, or faulty fuel system components. As cars age, the rubber components in their fuel systems can deteriorate, allowing gas to escape. Common culprits behind these leaks include the fuel pump, filter, and injectors, as well as parts of the emissions system.

Risks Associated with Fuel Leaks

A gasoline smell is not just a minor annoyance; it can also be a sign that your engine is burning more fuel than necessary, which can hit you in the pocketbook. More alarmingly, prolonged exposure to gas fumes can have serious health consequences, including respiratory damage. Given the potential risks to both your wallet and well-being, it’s crucial to address any issues causing a gasoline smell in your TLX promptly.

Recall Details

To rectify the issue, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 10, 2025. Acura’s number for this recall is JKX, and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-950. If you receive a notice for this problem, it’s essential to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible to have the fuel tank assembly replaced.

connecting rod defectThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into certain Acura and Honda vehicles due to reports of failing connecting rod bearings. This issue affects model year 2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles equipped with the 3.5 liter V6 engine.

What’s Happening?

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 173 reports from vehicle owners about failing connecting rod bearings in these models. Although a recall (23V-751) was issued to address this type of failure, all 173 reports show failures that are consistent with those addressed in the recall but are not included in its scope.

Why is This a Concern?

The connecting rod bearing is a critical component in the engine, and its failure can lead to serious engine damage. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s essential to be aware of this potential issue.

What’s Being Done About It?

The ODI has opened an investigation (Recall Query RQ) to assess the severity of the alleged defect in vehicles not included in recall 23V-751. They will also review the scope of the recall to determine if it adequately addresses the problem.

What to Do Next

If you own one of these vehicles and have experienced a connecting rod bearing failure, it’s crucial to:

  1. File a report : Share your experience with the NHTSA by submitting a complaint on their website.
  2. Stay informed : Keep an eye on this investigation and any updates from the manufacturer or the NHTSA.

Your safety is paramount, and staying proactive can help prevent potential engine failures and keep you safe on the road.

Key Facts

  • Affected Vehicles: Certain Acura and Honda models (2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline)
  • Component: Connecting rod bearing
  • NHTSA Action Number: Recall Query (RQ)
  • Previous Recall: 23V-751

Remember, your vehicle’s safety is in your hands. Stay vigilant, and take action if you suspect any issues with your vehicle.

In a concerning development for Acura ZDX All-Wheel Drive owners, a potentially dangerous issue has been identified within certain 2024 models. The problem, rooted in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS), could lead to unexpected activation of the ABS, causing a release of brake pressure that significantly diminishes braking performance. This defect poses an increased risk of accidents, particularly during specific low-speed braking events.

The problem first came to light in July 2024 when Honda, Acura’s parent company, was notified by General Motors (GM) about the issue. GM had received reports of two minor accidents, both allegedly linked to a sudden loss of braking, which were suspected to be caused by a software glitch in the ABS. In addition to these accidents, GM also reported a field complaint regarding the issue, though no accident had occurred in that instance.

Honda quickly launched an investigation into the matter. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the issue was indeed related to a defect in the anti-lock brake system. Specifically, during certain braking events at speeds below 25 mph on dry surfaces, the ABS may activate with undue sensitivity. If this occurs and a specific sequence of wheel movements follows, the ABS will continue to release brake pressure in the service brake system. The result is a dramatic reduction in stopping performance, or in some cases, a complete failure of the brakes, greatly increasing the risk of a crash.

After confirming the defect, Honda determined that it posed a significant safety risk and initiated a safety recall. The company has emphasized that, as of now, no warranty claims, field reports, or incidents involving injuries or crashes related to this defect have been reported in Acura vehicles.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified of the recall and instructed to perform an iN VIN status inquiry to verify if their vehicle is eligible for the update. This notification is crucial for ensuring that all potentially affected vehicles, including those in new or used vehicle inventories, are addressed promptly.

To resolve this issue, Acura will be updating the electronic brake control module software. This update will be delivered either through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by visiting an Acura dealership. The update is designed to correct the sensitivity of the ABS, preventing the unexpected release of brake pressure and restoring normal braking function.

Acura has designated this recall with the internal number UJE, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 24VC-614.

Owners of the 2024 Acura ZDX All-Wheel Drive are urged to check whether their vehicle is affected by this recall. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s important to respond to the recall notice and ensure that the necessary software update is performed as soon as possible. This proactive step will help avoid the risks associated with the ABS defect and ensure your vehicle operates safely.

Honda and Acura have identified a potential issue related to the tie rod fastener in certain vehicle models. This manufacturing concern could lead to the separation of the brake master cylinder from the booster assembly, compromising brake function and potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The following Honda and Acura vehicle models have been identified as being potentially affected by this recall:

2020-2021 Honda Civic
2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline
2021-2023 Honda Passport
2021-2022 Honda Pilot
2020 Acura MDX

Honda first became aware of the problem in December 2020 when a missing nut was discovered in the brake booster tie rods. The company notified the component part supplier and initiated an investigation to identify the root cause. The investigation revealed that the brake master cylinder may have been improperly fastened to the brake booster assembly during the manufacturing process, resulting in the presence of loose or missing tie rod nuts. This assembly flaw could potentially lead to the breakage of tie rod studs, causing the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster assembly.

Potential Consequences and Safety Concerns: In the event of a separation between the brake master cylinder and the brake booster assembly, drivers may experience diminished or complete loss of brake function. This compromised braking capability significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Honda has taken immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

Recall and Repair Process: As a proactive measure, Honda has issued a recall for the affected vehicles. Authorized dealerships will inspect the brake booster assembly and perform the necessary repairs to rectify any potential issues. To facilitate the recall process, Honda has assigned the following identification numbers: VEU, AEV, and ZET. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-458 to this recall.

Honda has announced that certain 2018-2020 Honda and Acura vehicles have been found to have a seat belt safety defect. The defect relates to the seat belt buckle channel surface coating, which can degrade over time at low temperatures. This degradation can cause interference between the buckle channel and the release button, increasing friction and leading to issues with the seat belt buckle latching.

The affected vehicles include the 2019-2020 Acura RDX, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, 2018-2019 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2017-2020 Honda CR-V, 2019 Honda Insight, and 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey. If you are the registered owner of one of these vehicles, you will be contacted by the manufacturer and asked to return to your authorized Honda dealer for repairs.

The problem with the seat belt buckle latching issues was first noticed by Honda in June 2019. An investigation was opened, which included durability testing on new seat belt parts. It was during this testing that they noticed the trend of seat belt buckle latching issues in certain vehicles. The investigation ultimately found that the seat belt buckle channel for the driver and front passenger seat belts were manufactured out of specification.

As a result of this defect, Honda has received 301 warranty claims related to the issue between March 22, 2019, and January 16, 2023. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to this issue.

Honda’s recall numbers for this issue are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-158. If you own one of the affected vehicles, it is important that you take action as soon as possible to have the necessary repairs completed.

It is worth noting that if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle and feel that it may be a lemon, you may have legal recourse under California’s lemon law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased or leased a defective vehicle that the manufacturer has been unable to repair after a reasonable number of attempts. The lemon law applies to new and used vehicles and can provide for a full refund or replacement of the vehicle. So, if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle, it may be worth consulting with a qualified lemon law attorney to explore your legal options.

 Automotive Defect Investigation
Certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles with 3.5L engines and 9-speed automatic transmissions could experience a problem with the automatic Start/Stop feature. The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite vehicles are equipped with Auto Start/Stop capability to help improve fuel efficiency. When the driver enables the system and certain operating conditions are met, the Auto Start/Stop system will automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The engine should automatically restarted when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 221 complaints and several field reports claiming that there is an issue with the Auto Start/Stop feature on certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints say that the Auto Start/Stop function fails to restart the engine on its own after it has come to a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection. Some of the complainants allege that a jump was required for the vehicle to be restarted.

The ODI met with Honda on several occasions on this issue. Honda indicated that per the information provided from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) reports, they have found a correlation with customers’ allegations for the Auto Start/Stop failure to restart the vehicle when the system is activated. Honda also indicated other Honda models (Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX & Acura MDX) with the 3.5L engines equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmissions experience the same failure mode.

ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem as well as to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.

A manufacturing error affecting certain 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles will have approximately 106,439 owners returning to their dealership for repairs.

According to reports, during manufacturing of the A/C compressor clutch drive bolts, certain lots failed to receive the proper dielectric topcoat. As a result, the bolts are more susceptible to corrosion and could break during operation. In addition, some bolt lots did not receive sufficient curing of the e-coat which could result in low torque values and low hardness. The bolts could loosen and fall off during operation. Continue reading

Honda will be notifying owners of certain Acura MDX and RLX vehicles about a safety problem affecting the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). According to reports filed with the NHTSA, under certain driving conditions the CMBS may interpret roadside objects, such as metal fences and guardrails, as obstacles, and apply emergency braking. This unexpected braking could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading