by Software Issue
Honda’s Prologue and Acura’s ZDX electric vehicles, jointly developed with General Motors, are being recalled in the United States due to a potential problem affecting the instrument panel and the central infotainment display. The malfunction is related to software glitches.
The ZDX, whose production was halted just a year after launch, and the Prologue, which is still on sale but has not seen high demand, have not achieved the success Honda likely hoped for. This latest recall only adds to these models’ troubles.
A notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the instrument panel and infotainment screen may turn off while the vehicle is in motion, posing a safety hazard and, obviously, causing inconvenience.
Cause of the Malfunction
According to Honda representatives, the operation of the displays is affected by six separate software defects in the Radio Control Module (RCM). Any of them can trigger a processing error inside the module, potentially hindering the proper transmission of data to the displays.
If the instrument panel goes dark while the vehicle is moving, the driver loses access to key information such as vehicle speed and warning indicators. A malfunction affecting the infotainment display could also prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when reverse gear is engaged.
Number of Vehicles Involved
In total, the recall involves 65,135 vehicles. This figure includes 19,573 Acura ZDX models from the 2024 model year, manufactured from December 19, 2023, to January 22, 2025. Also involved are 45,562 Honda Prologue models from the 2024 model year, produced from October 10, 2023, to December 21, 2024. Honda estimates that the issue may affect approximately one percent of the recalled vehicles.
Manufacturer’s Actions and Safety
Honda reports that it is not aware of any injuries or fatalities related to this issue, although the company has received 148 warranty claims. Dealers have been instructed to update the Radio Control Module software to prevent processing errors. Owners of the affected vehicles will begin receiving recall notifications starting April 20.
This recall situation highlights the complexity of integrating advanced software systems into modern vehicles, especially within joint projects between automakers. The problem, although technical, directly impacts safety by depriving the driver of critical real-time information. The swift response from NHTSA and the initiation of the recall procedure demonstrate an established system for responding to potential threats. For the owners of these electric vehicles, the software update process should be free of charge and, hopefully, will definitively resolve the issue, restoring full functionality and trust in these models.
