Honda Civic, Pilot and Acura MDX Brake Failure Risk

NHTSA campaign 23V458000 · Reported 2023-06-29 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

critical How serious is it? About this label

Very serious, since losing brake function can cause a crash with little or no warning; the notice does not order owners to park the vehicle, but this should be inspected right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

A fastener that connects the brake pedal booster to the brake master cylinder may have been put together wrong at the factory. If it fails, the master cylinder can separate from the booster and you could lose the ability to stop the vehicle. A dealer will inspect the brake booster assembly and repair it if needed at no cost. Honda mailed owner letters on August 7, 2023, so the repair is available now.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is covered.
2. Call your Honda or Acura dealer now and ask for the brake booster inspection under recall VEU, AEV or ZET.
3. If you need help, contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138; the inspection and any repair are free.

Affected vehicles (12)

2020 Acura MDX
2020 Honda Civic
2020 Honda Ridgeline
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Honda Passport
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Ridgeline
2022 Honda Passport
2022 Honda Pilot
2022 Honda Ridgeline
2023 Honda Passport
2023 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

Acura brake recalls: leaks, loose pedals and sudden pressure loss · all 6 Acura recalls in this area
Honda and Acura brake recalls: leaks, weak stopping and shifting pedals · all 5 Honda recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Safety risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

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