Having brake problems with your Honda or Acura? You might be one of the 259,033 vehicle owners affected by Honda’s recent brake pedal recall. This critical safety issue could compromise your ability to stop your vehicle properly. Keep reading to understand if your vehicle is affected, what warning signs to watch for, and how to get the free repairs you’re entitled to.
The Honda Brake Pedal Recall Explained
Honda’s latest recall (NHTSA campaign 25V391) centers on a potentially dangerous defect with the brake pedal pivot pin assembly. The pin wasn’t properly “staked” during manufacturing – meaning the end wasn’t correctly flattened or pressed to keep it securely in place.
What does this mean for you? The defective pivot pin can cause your brake pedal to shift out of position, creating several scary scenarios:
- Your brake pedal might feel loose or move abnormally
- The brake warning light could illuminate unexpectedly
- Your brakes might engage without you pressing the pedal
- Your brakes might not work properly when you need them most
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s a serious safety violation that breaches Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both brake systems (FMVSS 135) and lighting equipment (FMVSS 108).
Which Honda and Acura Models Are Affected?
The recall impacts three specific vehicle models:
| Vehicle Model | Model Years | Number Affected | Manufacturing Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot SUV | 2023-2025 | 184,253 | Dec 16, 2022 – Nov 6, 2024 |
| Acura MDX SUV | 2023-2025 | 67,448 | May 3, 2023 – Nov 13, 2024 |
| Acura TLX sedan | 2021-2025 | 7,332 | Oct 23, 2020 – Feb 28, 2025 |
While 259,033 vehicles are included in the recall, Honda estimates only about 1% (roughly 2,590 vehicles) actually have the defective brake pedal assembly that requires replacement.
How This Dangerous Defect Happened
The root cause traces back to a production transition at Honda’s brake pedal supplier, Otsuka Koki Co. Between June and October 2024, the supplier was moving production from a U.S. facility to one in Mexico. To maintain inventory during this transition, the U.S. facility hired additional staff who received inadequate training.
These new employees skipped the critical “staking” process when installing the brake pedal pivot pins. Making matters worse, the quality control system that should have caught these errors was malfunctioning and had been disabled, allowing defective parts to make it into vehicles.
The U.S. facility has since closed permanently, with production now handled by the Mexican plant, which uses a camera sensor system to verify proper staking of pivot pins.
Warning Signs Your Honda Has the Brake Pedal Defect
Pay attention to these red flags that could indicate your vehicle has the defective brake pedal:
- Unusual brake pedal feel – If your brake pedal feels loose, unstable, or moves sideways while braking
- Illuminated brake warning light – A warning light on your dashboard that stays on
- Brake lights stay on – Your brake lights remain illuminated even when you’re not pressing the brake pedal
- Difficulty stopping – Your vehicle requires more pressure than usual to stop normally
- Unintended braking – Your vehicle suddenly slows without you pressing the brake pedal
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop driving immediately and contact your dealer for assistance. This isn’t something to ignore – your ability to stop safely could be compromised.
Timeline: How Honda Handled the Brake Pedal Issue
Honda first became aware of this problem on April 4, 2024, when a customer reported unusual brake pedal movement. The company launched an investigation but didn’t take immediate action. Here’s how the timeline unfolded:
- April 4, 2024: First customer report of unusual brake pedal movement
- December 2, 2024: Second customer report reinforces concerns
- February 28, 2025: Honda begins systematic inspection of parts inventory
- April 2025: Supplier conducts analysis to determine scope of defective parts
- June 5, 2025: Honda formally determines the defect violates safety standards
- June 12, 2025: Official recall notification to NHTSA
- June 13, 2025: Dealer notifications begin
- July 28, 2025: Customer notification letters start going out
While Honda identified the issue in early 2024, the full recall wasn’t announced until mid-2025, raising questions about the response time for such a critical safety issue.
What Honda Will Do to Fix Your Vehicle
If your vehicle is part of the recall, here’s what you can expect:
- Honda will inspect your brake pedal pivot pin using specialized tools
- If your vehicle has a defective pin, dealers will replace the entire brake pedal assembly free of charge
- Honda dealers are instructed not to let customers drive vehicles that fail inspection
- If replacement parts aren’t immediately available, dealers should provide loaner vehicles
The repair process is straightforward but essential for your safety. The good news is that Honda covers all costs associated with the inspection and repair.
Already Paid for Brake Pedal Repairs? You Can Get Reimbursed
If you previously paid for repairs related to this specific brake pedal defect, Honda has a reimbursement program in place. You’ll need documentation showing you paid for repairs addressing this particular issue before the recall announcement.
To claim reimbursement, gather your repair receipts and contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 for instructions on submitting your claim.
This Isn’t Honda’s First Brake Recall
The 2025 brake pedal recall follows another significant brake-related recall from June 2023. That earlier recall affected 124,077 Honda and Acura vehicles from model years 2020-2023, including the Civic, Ridgeline, Passport, Pilot, and Acura MDX.
The 2023 recall involved improperly assembled tie rod fasteners connecting the brake master cylinder and brake booster. Like the current recall, it was caused by manufacturing errors at a supplier (Veoneer Brake Systems).
These back-to-back brake recalls suggest ongoing challenges in Honda’s brake system supply chain and quality control processes. Both recalls involved supplier manufacturing defects that went undetected during initial quality inspection.
Legal Implications and Your Rights as an Owner
The brake pedal recall has already triggered legal action. A class action lawsuit filed in September 2024 addresses Honda’s brake defects, alleging the company knew about problems but continued selling affected vehicles without adequate disclosure.
The lawsuit, Geddis-Wright v. American Honda Motor Company, Inc., claims Honda’s braking systems have fundamental design or manufacturing defects that cause premature failure.
If you live in California, you have additional protections under the state’s strong Lemon Law. Brake pedal defects that affect vehicle safety may entitle you to:
- Vehicle replacement
- Complete buyback
- Compensation for repair costs and related expenses
You don’t have to wait for recall repairs to fail before pursuing these remedies under California law. The safety-critical nature of brake systems means courts often view these cases favorably for consumers.
What Vehicle Owners Should Do Now
If you own a Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, or Acura TLX from the affected model years, take these steps immediately:
- Check if your vehicle is included – Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool or Honda’s recall portal and enter your VIN
- Schedule an inspection – Contact an authorized Honda or Acura dealer for a free inspection
- Watch for warning signs – Monitor your vehicle for any brake pedal abnormalities
- Stop driving if symptoms appear – If you notice any brake issues, don’t drive the vehicle
- Keep documentation – Save all paperwork related to the recall and any repairs
Even if your vehicle seems fine, getting it inspected promptly is crucial. With brake systems, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Long-Term Considerations for Honda and Acura Owners
Beyond addressing this immediate recall, consider implementing these practices to protect yourself:
- Schedule regular brake inspections as part of routine maintenance
- Register for Honda’s recall notification system to stay informed about future issues
- Document any unusual vehicle behavior, especially related to braking performance
- Respond promptly to recall notices rather than delaying repairs
- Research your vehicle’s recall history before purchasing used Honda or Acura models
Given Honda’s recent history of brake-related recalls, staying vigilant about your vehicle’s braking system is more important than ever.
The Industry Impact of Honda’s Recall
This recall highlights critical issues in automotive manufacturing quality control and supply chain management. When production transitions occur, proper training and quality verification become even more essential.
The improvements Honda’s supplier has implemented—like the camera sensor system now used at the Mexican facility—represent positive steps toward preventing similar issues in the future. However, the fact that defective parts made it into vehicles demonstrates how even established manufacturers can experience serious quality control failures.
For the broader automotive industry, Honda’s experience serves as a reminder that safety-critical components require multiple layers of verification and testing. As vehicles become more complex, maintaining rigorous quality standards throughout global supply chains remains a significant challenge.
