Statement by Honda Canada Regarding Vehicle Stability Assist Recall: 2005 Honda Pilot; 2005-2006 Acura MDX and 2005 Acura RL

MARKHAM, ON, March 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Honda Canada will recall approximately 3200 Honda Pilot vehicles , 700 Acura RL vehicles and 3800 Acura MDX vehicles from the 2005 model year, and 100 Acura MDX vehicles from the 2006 model year in Canada to address potential malfunctions of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system of these vehicles. Honda has received several complaints about such malfunctions in these vehicles. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

If an electrical capacitor on the VSA control unit was damaged during manufacture, the VSA system could malfunction and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second, without any input by the driver. Further, if the driver applies the brakes during a VSA system malfunction, the amount of brake force applied could exceed the driver's intended input. In either instance, unexpected brake activation could increase the risk of a crash. To remedy this potential defect, Honda and Acura dealers will install a new electrical sub-harness, free of charge.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notifications to customers are expected to be sent in April 2013. In addition to contacting customers by mail, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require inspection by going on-line to www.honda.ca/recalls and www.acura.ca/recalls or by calling (888) 9HONDA9 for Honda owners or (888) 9ACURA9 for Acura owners.

SOURCE: Honda Canada Inc.

Maki Inoue 905-888-4416