Honda is recalling more than a quarter-million 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrids. The recall is voluntary, but the carmaker is urging buyers of cars from those years to check if their Accord Hybrid is impacted (via this link).
The issue is fairly basic, but the nitty-gritty requires visiting a dealer for a software update. Here’s what we know so far. Unfortunately, FYI, it’s been quite a messy year for recalls, and Honda hasn’t avoided the pain. In October, the carmaker issued a recall for its 2016-2021 Civic. Some of those cars are at risk of losing a wheel due to a manufacturing defect.
The Problem
According to documents registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda began investigating an error in one of the Accord Hybrid’s control modules back in March of this year. It’s unclear from NHTSA’s documents whether that report came from the parts supplier or from owners. However, no owner has reported an accident or injury caused by the fault.
What Could Happen?
The faulty module was apparently programmed incorrectly, and that means it can falsely read codes from the car’s CPU. In turn, the module then will “decide” to update itself, and can do so while the Accord Hybrid is running. Such a reset, according to Honda, is the big hazard.
“Due to improper software programming by a supplier, the Integrated Control Module (ICM) may reset while the vehicle is in operation, which can cause loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.”—American Honda
Think of it this way. If your phone decides to auto update mid-text, you can’t text anymore. That might stink, but it shouldn’t be a matter of life or death. If your car is in motion while it cycles power on and off, you could lose control, not be able to brake or steer, and very bad things could happen.
The Fix
Honda says the supplier’s component was out of spec, which is what has caused the glitch. The module “thinks” there’s a problem with the CPU, and it also gets overloaded with what Honda identified as “electrical noise,” which it also reads as CPU “…abnormality detections, and unintended resets.”
The solution will be software-based. A Honda dealer will reprogram the software module. Honda says they’ll mail all registered owners of the affected cars, but you can also use the above link from Honda, or check NHTSA’s recall database and enter your car’s VIN there, to see if your Accord Hybrid is part of the recall.
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