Acura and Honda have announced a recall affecting 294,612 vehicles due to a software malfunction related to the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU). This issue can potentially lead to engine stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving, posing safety risks to vehicle occupants and others on the road. The recall specifically targets the 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S, the 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, and the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot models.
The root of the problem lies in faulty software programming within the FI-ECU. According to government reports, abrupt changes in throttle position can trigger the engine to hesitate, lose power, or stall entirely. This malfunction can be particularly dangerous if it occurs during high-speed driving or in heavy traffic conditions.
Honda initiated an investigation into this issue in December 2023 after being alerted by Denso, a key supplier, in April 2024 regarding a potential problem. The automaker conducted extensive data collection and analysis over the following months, ultimately deciding to proceed with the recall earlier this year. As of January 16, Honda had received 674 warranty claims linked to this software defect. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or accidents associated with this issue.
Owners of the affected vehicles will begin receiving notification letters in March 2025. These letters will instruct them to visit an authorized dealership, where technicians will reprogram the FI-ECU software to correct the defect. This service will be provided free of charge to vehicle owners.
In a separate recall, Acura is addressing an issue with the infotainment system in 9,221 MDX models from the 2025 model year. The problem involves the center information display unit, which may go blank under certain conditions, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera display. This malfunction violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as a functional rearview camera is mandatory for vehicle safety compliance.
The issue arises when the transmission is shifted from reverse to another gear within a specific time frame, causing the display to turn black. If the driver then shifts back into reverse, the screen remains blank instead of showing the rearview camera feed. Honda became aware of this issue in October 2024 and, to date, has not received any reports of crashes, injuries, or warranty claims related to the defect.
Similar to the FI-ECU recall, owners of the affected MDX models will be notified in March 2025. The recall process involves replacing the entire infotainment system at no cost to the customer, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and restoring full functionality to the vehicle’s display system.