Yahoo Autos Honda Recalls Odyssey, HR-V, and Acura MDX to Fix Brake Problem
Honda and Acura are recalling 64,785 cars in the United States for poor braking performance, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2016 and 2018–2019 Honda HR-V, 2017–2019 Acura MDX, and 2018–2019 Honda Odyssey minivan are affected, including those that may have replacement brake parts from a prior service. Hydrogen gas may become trapped in the brake lines due to "insufficient coating" of the rear brake calipers, Honda said. When bubbles form in the brake fluid, the hydraulic circuit becomes compromised. Under braking, pressure in the line compresses the gas and decreases the force of fluid rushing to the calipers, which causes the pedal to feel soft and can reduce stopping power.
Honda said it launched an investigation in July 2018 and by October found that, during production of the brake pistons, the plating on the piston surface "trapped high levels of hydrogen," which was then unknowingly introduced into the braking system upon assembly. No accidents or injuries have been reported, but the company said it has received at least 170 warranty claims and 90 owner complaints.
Starting in mid- to late December, Honda and Acura dealers will bleed the brake system, including the parking brake, on the recalled vehicles. Any hydrogen gas on the piston surface will have since dissipated into the atmosphere, Honda said. The automaker assures customers that the pistons themselves are not damaged or defective.
In September, Acura recalled the NSX for brake light failures due to a short circuit that thankfully did not affect the supercar’s braking performance. Also in September, Honda recalled 232,000 Accord and Insight models for backup-camera failures.
('You Might Also Like',)
