Defective pivot pin may impact braking and increase crash risk
Honda is recalling 259,000+ vehicles in the United States due to a potentially dangerous brake pedal defect. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affected models include:
- 2023–2025 Honda Pilot
- 2021–2025 Acura TLX
- 2023–2025 Acura MDX
The issue involves a brake pedal pivot pin that may not have been properly secured during manufacturing. If the pin shifts out of place, it could interfere with the brake pedal’s functionality, leading to unintended brake application or failure to brake entirely. The defect may also trigger warning lights, abnormal pedal feel, or keep brake lights illuminated when the pedal is not engaged.
Manufacturer response and safety actions
Honda has announced that authorized dealers will inspect affected vehicles and replace the brake pedal assembly if needed — at no cost to the owners. The automaker estimates that roughly 1% of recalled vehicles are affected by the defect.
Dealerships were first notified on June 13, and Honda plans to mail official recall notices to vehicle owners starting July 28. In the meantime, drivers can check the NHTSA recall portal or Honda’s own lookup tool to see if their vehicle is included.
Investigation and manufacturing changes
The issue first came to Honda’s attention in April 2024 after a vehicle report revealed a loose brake pedal. An internal investigation traced the defect to a U.S.-based supplier plant, which has since shut down. Production has now been moved to a facility in Mexico, where the supplier uses camera-based sensors to verify proper pivot pin installation.
As of June 5, Honda had received three warranty claims tied to the defect but reported no injuries. The company urges owners of affected vehicles to take action as soon as possible to avoid potential safety hazards.
