Honda is recalling certain Honda and Acura vehicles because the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system may not operate as designed. During manufacturing of the VSA electronic control unit (ECU), one of the electrical capacitors on the circuit board may have been damaged. The damage may cause the VSA system to apply a small amount of braking force even if the brake pedal has not been applied. If the driver does not apply the brakes during the malfunction, the system could apply the brake assist feature to increase breaking force.

In addition to this problem, certain 2005 Honda Pilot vehicles may experience similar braking problems because one of the VSA system electrical ground connector fasteners may have not been applied to the correct torque specifications. An improperly torqued fastener could result in increased electrical resistance causing an incorrect signal to the VSA ECU.

Approximately 184,000; 2005-2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL, and 2005 Honda Pilot vehicles could be affected by these problems. For more information about the problem owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.