Honda is issuing a recall for more than 259,000 vehicles across the United States due to a safety defect that could impair braking performance. The issue stems from a brake pedal pivot pin that may not have been properly secured during manufacturing, potentially causing the pedal to shift out of position and increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall affects select model-year 2023–2025 Honda Pilots, along with several vehicles from Honda’s luxury Acura brand, including 2021–2025 Acura TLX sedans and 2023–2025 Acura MDX SUVs.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the loose pivot pin could lead to unintended brake application, an abnormal pedal feel, illuminated brake malfunction warnings, or even cause the brake lights to remain on when the pedal isn’t pressed.
In a statement issued Wednesday, American Honda confirmed the defect and said affected vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, fitted with a new brake pedal assembly at no cost to owners.
Honda estimates that approximately 1% of the recalled vehicles may be affected by the defect. Dealers were notified beginning June 13, with owner notification letters scheduled to be mailed starting July 28. In the meantime, drivers can visit the NHTSA website or Honda’s recall lookup tool to see if their vehicle is impacted.
The problem first came to light in April 2024, when Honda received a customer report of brake pedal failure. An internal investigation revealed that the defect originated at a now-closed supplier plant in the U.S. Assembly has since shifted to a facility in Mexico, where improved quality control, including a camera system to verify correct pin installation, has been implemented.
So far, Honda has received three warranty claims related to the issue but no reports of crashes or injuries.
