Any backyard mechanic understands that while power tools can can help you get a job done faster, their speed and, well, power, can get you into trouble. Surprisingly, this lesson was learned by one of Honda’s suppliers as well.
JTEKT Automotive North America, which makes electronic power steering components for Honda, decided to modernize its manufacturing by replacing a torque wrench with a torque gun. That led to steering gearbox assemblies that might have been improperly fastened and cross threaded.
The company alerted Honda to the issue on November 11, 2023, and, after an investigation, the automaker determined that the issue could affect 2023–2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX models made last summer and fall.
Read: Mazda CX-90 Recalled Again, Now It’s The Steering
Fortunately, the issue was relatively limited in scope, and Honda estimates that it only affects 186 vehicles in all. Even so, it has issued a stop sale and launched a recall campaign on certain Odysseys and RDXs. It also says that it is not yet aware of any warranty claims, injuries, or deaths relating to it.
That may partially be because the fault is likely to develop over time. Honda reports that the cross-threaded fasteners could allow water to seep into the reducer steering gear box assembly, which could ultimately lead to corrosion and binding gears.
If that happens, a driver’s ability to steer the vehicle could be affected, and the risk of a crash is increased. Owners are advised to look out for any abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel, as this may be an indication that a problem is developing.
Honda and will start reaching out to owners on April 1 – for real. They will be asked to return their vehicle to a nearby dealership, where the electric power steering rack will be replaced with a non-defective part.
