Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module in your vehicle helps control the brakes when you're cornering or losing traction. It's a computer that uses sensors to apply the brakes for you. In some of your 2005 Honda Pilot, 2005-2006 Acura MDX, or 2005 Acura RL models, this computer might have a faulty capacitor that can cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the VSA system fails while you're driving, your vehicle could slam on the brakes suddenly, without warning, and without the brake lights turning on. This could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will install a new wiring harness with a capacitor to fix the problem, and they'll also tighten the ground connection on your 2005 Pilot. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →