Recall and end of sales for Honda Odyssey and Acura RDX models – L’annual de l’automobile

A high-powered tool used when assembling a vehicle can strip fasteners in the steering box, allowing water to seep in and damage the gear.

Lack of judgment

JTEKT Automotive North America, which manufactures electronic control components for Honda, decided to improve its production by replacing the torque wrench with a torque gun. Experienced technicians know that a manual torque wrench has no equal in its accuracy. Too much force from the torque gun caused steering gears that may not have been properly secured and crossed threads.

A problem that appeared last year

The company notified Honda of the issue on November 11, 2023, and after investigation, the automaker determined that the issue may affect the 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX models manufactured in the summer and fall.

A few affected models

Fortunately, the problem is minor and Honda estimates it only affects 186 vehicles in total. Despite this, Honda has issued a notice to stop sales and launched a recall campaign for some Odysseys and RDXs. It also says it is not yet aware of any warranty claims, injuries or deaths related to this issue.

Delayed problem

This may be in part because the defect may occur over time. Honda says that threaded fasteners can allow water to enter the steering gear reducer, which can cause rust and seize the gear. If this happens, the driver’s ability to drive may be affected and the risk of an accident increases. Owners are advised to be alert for any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel, as this may indicate that the problem is ongoing. Honda and its partners will begin contacting owners on April 1 – literally. They will be asked to take their vehicle to the nearest dealer, where the power steering rack will be replaced with a non-defective part.

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about the author

Benoit Charette / Owner and editor-in-chief Benoit Charette has been working in automotive journalism for 30 years. He is the founder, owner and editor-in-chief of L’Annuel de l’automobile, which he has published since 2001. He edited the RPM and RPM+ episodes on V and Légendes de la route on History. On the radio since 1986, he hosts the program ça tête la route and participates for the second year in the program Passion Auto on RDS as well as putting the official website of L’Annuel de l’automobile online at annualauto.