NHTSA’s ODI Expands Honda Auto Idle Stop Investigation //
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is informing consumers that on June 3, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated Preliminary Evaluation PE22005, which began after ODI received Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (“AIS”) feature in 2016-2019 Honda Pilot vehicles.
Complainants reported that the engine fails to restart automatically after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection when the AIS function was engaged. The affected vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 to address the AIS restart failures in multiple vehicle models, including:
- 2016-2019 Honda Pilot
- 2015-2020 Acura TLX
- 2016-2020 Acura MDX
- 2019-2022 Honda Passport
- 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s Two-Stage Repair Countermeasure
The service bulletins outlined a two-stage countermeasure consisting of a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update, and if the software update did not fix the issue, component replacement, which, depending on the model and year, may have included a starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment.
Honda also extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement.
ODI Expands Honda Auto Idle Stop Investigation
Despite Honda’s countermeasures, ODI reported that it has continued to receive complaints regarding the AIS failure to restart issue, with many complainants alleging Honda’s countermeasures had been completed.
To further evaluate the potential safety defect and the effectiveness of Honda’s service campaign, ODI expanded the Honda Auto Idle Stop investigation, classified as Engineering Analysis EA25004.
The scope of the investigation now includes all vehicles in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 and newer model years:
- Acura MDX 2016-2025
- Acura TLX 2015-2025
- Honda Odyssey 2018-2025
- Honda Passport 2019-2025
- Honda Pilot 2016-2025
- Honda Ridgeline 2020-2025
For additional informaiton, click NHTSA Action Number EA25004.
Questions About A Vehicle Defect or Recall?
Vehicle owners and lessess affected by automotive defects or safety recalls are encouraged to contact Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. by sending us a message below or contacting Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected], for a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.
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