Honda and Acura Recall Vehicles for Sudden Power Loss and Rollaway Risk
About 430,000 Honda Civic, Fit, Accord, and Acura ILX vehicles are included
Honda is recalling nearly half a million vehicles to replace an important driveline component that may fail and create a safety hazard. The automaker says that in certain Honda and Acura sedans and hatchbacks, the driveshaft—a part that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels—may not have been properly rustproofed during the manufacturing process. As a result, it may prematurely rust and break, which could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power while in motion or to roll away when parked.
Only vehicles registered or sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin—states where road salt is frequently used—are involved in the recall. A Honda spokesperson told CR that just visiting one of those states would be unlikely to result in a rusted driveshaft.
In a statement from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the automaker said it is aware of over 350 instances of driveshaft failures related to the recall, none of which have caused a crash or led to injuries.
The Details
Vehicles recalled:
• 2013 to 2015 Honda Accord sedans equipped with a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• 2013 through 2015 Acura ILX and 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid sedans
• 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid sedans
• 2009 to 2014 Honda Fit hatchbacks
• 2007 and 2008 Honda Fit hatchbacks equipped with manual transmissions
The problem: During the assembly process, certain driveshafts may not have received a rustproof coating. As a result, they may rust and break after exposure to road salt.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace rusted driveshafts free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Honda and Acura will contact owners of affected vehicles via first-class mail starting in February 2021, using state registration records to determine if cars have been sold and/or registered in affected states. If owners don't receive a recall notice and think they should have, a Honda spokesperson told CR that they should contact the company directly.
If replacement parts aren't immediately available for the repair, owners will be contacted twice: once to inform them about the recall and a second time when the vehicle can be brought in for repair. Owners may also contact Honda at 888-234-2138.
NHTSA campaign number: There are two separate recalls related to this problem. The 2013 through 2015 Honda Accord sedans are part of recall #20V769. The 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2014 Honda Fit vehicles are part of recall #20V770.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle by using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.
