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Honda and Acura SUVs: timing belt can lose teeth

NHTSA campaign 19V298000 · Reported 2019-04-12 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious — an engine that stalls in traffic raises the risk of a crash, and while Honda has not told owners to stop driving, you should get the inspection done as soon as you can.

What's wrong, in plain English

Your vehicle's timing belt is a toothed rubber belt that keeps the engine's internal parts turning in step. On these vehicles, the teeth can break off the belt. If that happens, the engine can shut off while you are driving, and the belt failure can also damage other engine parts. Dealers will check the belt and replace it at no cost, and will also inspect the engine and replace anything that was damaged.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included. 2. Call your Honda or Acura dealer and schedule the inspection, referring to recall L4M (Honda) or Z4L (Acura), or call customer service at 1-888-234-2138. 3. Have the belt and any damaged engine parts replaced — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (7)

2018 Acura MDX
2018 Honda Pilot
2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura TLX
2019 Honda Odyssey
2019 Honda Pilot
2019 Honda Ridgeline

Who to contact

Acura — official Acura recall lookup

Customer service: 1-888-234-2138

Honda — official Honda recall lookup

Customer service: 1-888-234-2138

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Honda engine recalls keep centering on rod bearings and oil leaks · all 11 Honda recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Safety risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.