Honda is recalling more than 635,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a software defect that could cause drivers to lose power steering assistance, significantly increasing crash risk [1]. The recall affects 635,808 Honda and Acura vehicles, including 383,110 Honda Pilot SUVs from model years 2023-2025, 177,100 Acura MDX SUVs from 2022-2024, and 75,598 Acura TLX sedans from 2021-2025 [1]. The defect stems from improperly configured electronic power steering software developed by automotive supplier Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLC, which contains an error in a calculation associated with the vehicle's Driver Attention Monitor system [1]. Under certain driving conditions, this error can trigger a response that disables power steering assistance entirely, requiring drivers to exert significantly more effort to steer and potentially making vehicles harder to control [1].
As of October 22, Honda reported one injury and 146 warranty claims related to the issue, with no deaths reported [1]. The timeline reveals the defect was first reported in November 2021, with the supplier identifying the failure in August 2025, Honda reproducing the problem in December 2025, and the company confirming the issue occurs only under certain operating conditions while vehicles travel straight in February 2026 [1]. Honda determined the defect posed a motor vehicle safety risk on October 22, 2026, prompting the recall decision [1]. The remedy involves bringing affected vehicles to authorized Honda or Acura dealerships where technicians will reprogram the electronic power steering control unit with updated software [1]. Honda plans to begin mailing owner notification letters on December 14, and owners can check their vehicle's recall status by entering their vehicle identification number at NHTSA.gov/recalls [1].
The recall announcement coincided with a notable market reaction, as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (HMC) stock declined $0.96 per share, or -2.68%, closing at $34.88 [1]. This significant safety recall affecting over 635,000 vehicles represents a substantial operational and reputational challenge for the automaker, particularly given the involvement of a critical safety system like power steering.
CONCLUSION
Honda's recall of 635,000 vehicles for a power steering software defect represents a major safety issue affecting popular models across multiple model years, with the company identifying the problem stemming from supplier Robert Bosch's faulty software [1]. The market responded negatively, with HMC stock declining 2.68% on the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the scale of the recall and potential financial implications [1]. Owners will need to visit dealerships for software reprogramming, with notification letters beginning December 14, 2026 [1].