Honda has announced the recall of more than 259,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that could impair brake pedal function and increase the risk of accidents. The issue, found in several of the automaker’s models, may cause the brake pedal to shift out of position, potentially making it difficult for drivers to slow down or stop safely.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects certain Honda Pilot models from 2023 to 2025, as well as vehicles from Honda’s luxury brand Acura: the TLX sedan (2021–2025) and the MDX SUV (2023–2025).
The report states that the problem stems from the brake pedal pivot pin, which in some cases was not properly secured during manufacturing. This could lead to unintended brake application, an abnormal feeling when pressing the pedal, continuous brake light activation, or the brake warning light appearing on the dashboard.
In a statement, Honda said that authorized dealers will inspect affected vehicles and replace the brake pedal assembly if necessary, at no cost to the owner. The company estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles are actually affected by the defect.
Notifications to dealerships began on June 13, and letters to vehicle owners will be mailed on July 28. In the meantime, drivers can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or using Honda’s recall lookup tool.
As of now, NHTSA has received three warranty claims related to the issue, but no injuries have been reported. Honda began investigating the defective brake pedal in April 2024 after receiving a report of the problem. The company later determined that the improper assembly occurred at a supplier’s plant in the U.S., which has since been shut down. Production was moved to a facility in Mexico, where the supplier now uses camera sensors to ensure the pivot pin is properly installed.
