The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced it has launched an investigation into 2,209,466 Honda and Acura vans, trucks, and SUVs. The affected models include popular ones like the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX.
The investigation is focused on the automatic start-stop feature in these vehicles. This system is designed to save fuel by automatically shutting off the engine at long stops or lights, restarting it once the brake is released or the accelerator is pressed.
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NHTSA Launches Investigation into Honda and Acura
The affected Honda models include the 2016-2025 Pilot, 2018-2025 Odyssey, 2019-2025 Passport, and the 2020-2025 Ridgeline truck. The Acura lineup is less impacted, with models including the 2015-2025 TLX and the 2016-2025 MDX SUV.
NHTSA filings show numerous customer complaints about the engine failing to restart after coming to a complete stop, such as at a traffic light or intersection, when the auto start-stop system is active. Some drivers reported needing a jump start to get their vehicles running again after the engine shut down.
Honda has been addressing this issue for some time, with NHTSA reports on the matter dating back to 2022. The administration’s Office of Defects Investigation first looked into the problem in the 2016-2019 Pilots.
In 2023, Honda issued service bulletins to address the same issue in the affected Pilot models and expanded the fix to include 2015-2020 TLXs, 2016-2020 MDXs, 2019-2022 Passports, and 2020-2023 Ridgelines. As part of the remedy, Honda extended warranties, replaced starters, and updated vehicle software where applicable.
Despite these efforts, the issue continued for some owners. NHTSA filings show that the problem persisted even after the software update and starter motor replacement, with 1,384 incidents reported to the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, including four crashes or fires and two customer injuries.
How-To Geek’s Take
Given the ongoing complaints despite Honda’s attempted remedies, along with the reported fires, crashes, and injuries, it’s not surprising that the NHTSA and Honda have expanded their investigation into the start-stop issue. While no new recall has been issued yet, it’s likely one will follow to address any additional issues uncovered during the investigation.
Source: NHTSA
