Recall 13V092000: Sudden Inadvertent VSA Application

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: March 14, 2013

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V092000

COMPONENT(S): Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Traction Control System

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 183,576

ALL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL

VEHICLE MAKE MODEL MODEL YEAR(S)

Honda Pilot 2005

DETAILS

2 Associated Documents

MANUFACTURER: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.

CONSEQUENCE:
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, April 12, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

NOTES:
Honda's recall campaign numbers are S87, S88, and S89. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.