Honda recalls more than 635,000 Pilot, MDX and TLX vehicles because a software bug can disable power‑steering assistance.
In a sweeping safety action, Honda has announced a recall that covers 635,808 vehicles across its lineup. The affected cars span the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot SUV as well as two Acura models – the MDX (model years 2022-2024) and the TLX sedan (2021-2025).
The root cause is a software error in the electric power-steering (EPS) control unit that can trigger a failsafe condition, stripping the driver of steering assistance and raising the likelihood of a loss-of-control event.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented one injury linked to the defect, but no fatalities have been reported since the issue first surfaced in November 2021.
Between May 2022 and October 22, 2026, Honda logged 146 warranty claims relating to the anomaly, prompting a decisive recall to protect owners and occupants.
Recall scope and affected models
The breakdown of the recall numbers is precise: 383,110 Honda Pilot SUVs, 177,100 Acura MDX crossovers, and 75,598 Acura TLX sedans are included.
These figures reflect the total population of vehicles that may exhibit the steering-assist malfunction under certain driving conditions. Owners can verify whether their car is part of the campaign by entering the VIN on the NHTSA website or waiting for the mailed notification scheduled for December 14, 2026.
All affected units share a common component: a software module supplied by Robert Bosch Automotive Steering. The module contains a miscalculated routine tied to the Driver Attention Monitor, which, when activated, can command the EPS to disengage. Although the vehicle remains drivable, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, especially at low speeds, creating a scenario where driver input may be insufficient to avoid an accident.
Technical cause and safety implications
The defect stems from an improper configuration of the EPS software. Under specific straight-line travel conditions, the erroneous calculation forces the system into a failsafe mode, disabling power assistance and illuminating a warning indicator on the instrument cluster. This abrupt loss of assist does not affect the hydraulic or mechanical steering linkage, but the increased torque required by the driver can lead to delayed reactions or inadvertent lane departures, especially for drivers who rely on the assistance for precise maneuvering.
Consequences of the failure can be severe. While the steering remains operable, the sudden increase in effort may surprise the driver, particularly in emergency avoidance situations, elevating crash risk. The NHTSA has emphasized that the loss of assist could compromise vehicle stability, prompting the recall to mitigate any potential injuries.
How owners can resolve the issue
Honda advises owners to schedule a service appointment at an authorized Honda or Acura dealership. Technicians will reprogram the EPS control unit with updated software, a procedure that is performed free of charge. The repair typically takes less than an hour, after which the steering system returns to normal operation. Owners will receive a formal notice by mail on December 14, but they may also call Honda’s dedicated recall line at 866-784-1870 for faster assistance.
Until the update is applied, drivers are urged to remain vigilant for any loss of power-steering assist, especially when the warning light appears. Maintaining a firm grip and allowing extra distance for lane changes can help avoid an incident. Once the software patch is installed, the EPS will function as designed, restoring full steering support and peace of mind for all affected motorists.
