by Honda recalls nearly 900,000 vehicles due to rear suspension corrosion issues
Honda has announced a massive recall of 880,514 vehicles in the USA. The cause is corrosion, which can affect the rear suspension mounting points and lead to a loss of vehicle control. This is not the first such incident for the manufacturer in recent years.
The campaign affects vehicles operated in so-called “salt belts” — states where road de-icing agents are heavily used in winter. These chemicals can penetrate the smallest gaps and affect the metal parts of the vehicle.
The following models are included in the recall:
Cause of the defect and its consequences
The problem lies in the insufficient paint protection on some rear subframes. Due to manufacturing defects, the coating can begin to peel off, exposing the metal to road salt and moisture. Over time, corrosion destroys the metal at the suspension component mounting points, making it brittle.
The consequences can be serious. According to Honda, corrosion in the rear trailing arm or lower arm mounting area can cause the component to fail. In such a case, the rear wheels could lose their correct alignment, affecting handling, stability, and braking effectiveness. In the worst-case scenario, the arm can completely detach.
Drivers may notice unusual noises from the rear suspension, vibrations, or changes in handling before complete failure occurs, Honda warns.
Different models, similar problems
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Honda has faced corrosion issues. In 2023, the company already recalled over 560,000 CR-V vehicles (2007-2011 model years) because corrosion of the rear frame could lead to the detachment of the trailing arm. And a year earlier, over 112,000 Ridgeline vehicles (2006-2014 model years) were recalled due to the risk of rust damaging the fuel tank mounts, which could cause a fuel leak. Both recalls were concentrated in the same northern states where road salt accelerates corrosion.
Honda first noticed differences in the paint quality of subframes back in late 2021. Over several years, the company monitored vehicles in the USA and Canada before concluding that a safety-threatening defect existed.
Honda
Action plan for owners
The manufacturer states that dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and install a special reinforcement kit for the rear subframe. In more serious cases, additional repair work or even a complete subframe replacement may be necessary. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on July 7.
This recall is another reminder of how aggressive operating environments can affect vehicle longevity, even from reliable manufacturers like Honda. Although the company identified the problem in time and is offering a free fix, the scale of the campaign indicates a systemic defect affecting models from different years and brands. Owners of vehicles included in the recall should take this notice seriously and not delay visiting a dealer, as ignoring the problem could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
