More than 500 Honda Pilot models from the 2023 and 2024 model years have been recalled in the U.S. due to an issue with the transmission that could cause the steering to lock up.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall notice reveals that Honda had taken some gearboxes off the main assembly line for rework during the assembly process. However, the rework could have resulted in a loose ball bearing getting misplaced within the transmission before it was reassembled.
Honda says that if a ball bearing is to fall into the gap of a rotating part within the gearbox, the vehicle could completely lose steering. That obviously increases the risk of a crash and is a fault that needs to be remedied as soon as possible.
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A total of 519 units are impacted, all of which were manufactured between June 30, 2023, and September 25, 2023. Honda started to notify dealers of the recall on November 3 and customers will be alerted around December 18 and asked to take their vehicle to a dealer where the electric power steering rack will be replaced. Those who have already paid to have the issue fixed will be reimbursed.
The car manufacturer was alerted to the problem on August 30 when the steering of a vehicle became locked at a factory while it was being moved for shipping. Two similar incidents occurred on September 21 at a Honda factory. The carmaker has not received any warranty claims nor any reports of injuries or deaths related to the issue.
Honda lifted the veil on the fourth-generation Pilot in November last year. The 2024 model range starts from $38,465 including a $1,375 destination charge for the LX 2WD variant and climbs to $40,565 for the LX AWD. Other versions sold include the Sport (from $40,975), EX-L (from $43,775), Touring (from $48,275), the Trailsport priced from $50,275, and the flagship Elite priced at $53,855.
