Recall of 1.2 million Honda vehicles in the U.S. due to rear camera problems
Honda is recalling some Odyssey and Pilot models from 2018-2023.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda Motor is recalling 1.2 million vehicles in the United States due to a potential rearview camera issue.
Some 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles may not display the rearview camera image due to a faulty communication coaxial cable connector.
In 2021, Honda extended the warranty to vehicles affected by the issue. Between May 2017 and June this year, the automaker said it received 273,870 warranty claims related to the recall issue. However, no injuries or deaths have been reported.
To connect the audio display unit properly, dealers will install an improved cable harness between the existing audio display unit and vehicle terminal connections and a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector.
The recall of 1.2 million Honda vehicles in the U.S. due to rear camera problems primarily focused on issues with the rearview camera system's display. These problems could cause the camera's image to either not appear or display distorted images when the vehicle is in reverse. This malfunction could potentially increase the risk of accidents or collisions, especially in situations where drivers rely heavily on the rearview camera for parking or maneuvering.
The specific problems reported with the rear camera systems varied but generally included:
1. **Blank or Black Screen:** In some cases, the rearview camera screen would remain blank or show a black image instead of displaying the view from the camera.
2. **Intermittent Display:** The camera's image could flicker or show up intermittently, making it unreliable for assisting drivers in backing up safely.
3. **Distorted or Pixelated Image:** Another issue was with the quality of the displayed image, which could be distorted, blurry, or pixelated, making it difficult for drivers to judge distances accurately.
4. **Delay in Image Display:** Some vehicles experienced a delay in the rear camera image appearing on the display screen after shifting into reverse, causing potential confusion for drivers.
These problems collectively led to the recall of affected Honda vehicles to address and rectify the rear camera system's functionality, ensuring that drivers have a clear and reliable view when using the backup camera feature.
As part of the recall process, Honda dealerships were tasked with inspecting and, if necessary, repairing or replacing the rear camera systems in the affected vehicles. This typically involved updating software, fixing hardware issues, or replacing faulty components to ensure that the rearview camera functions as intended.
Customers who owned the affected Honda vehicles were advised to contact their nearest Honda dealership to schedule an appointment for the inspection and potential repair of their rear camera systems. Honda also provided information to help owners identify if their vehicle was included in the recall based on the model year and specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
Recalls of this nature are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road. Rearview cameras have become an integral safety feature in modern cars, aiding drivers in avoiding accidents, especially when reversing or parking. Addressing any issues promptly through recalls helps maintain trust and confidence in the brand's commitment to vehicle safety.
