Honda Recalls 635,808 Pilot, Acura MDX and TLX Vehicles Over Power Steering: How to Check Your VIN and Get the Free Fix

Honda is recalling 635,808 vehicles in the U.S. because a software error can switch off power steering assist without warning. The recall covers the 2023–2025 Honda Pilot, 2022–2024 Acura MDX and 2021–2025 Acura TLX. Dealers will reprogram the power steering control unit for free. Owner letters are due around Dec. 14, 2026, and NHTSA says VINs become searchable on its recall site starting Nov. 11, 2026, so you can check your car today.

Below you’ll find which vehicles are included, what the problem feels like from behind the wheel, how to check your VIN and what to do while you wait for the fix.

Which Honda and Acura models are recalled?

According to Honda’s Part 573 safety recall report summary and NHTSA’s record for campaign 26V721000, three models are covered:

The per-model counts come from the filing as reported by Fox Business and Torque News, and they add up to Honda’s total. Honda estimates that 100% of the vehicles in the recall carry the faulty software. That means if your car is on the list, it needs the update even if you’ve never had a problem.

Honda’s recall numbers are KQB and TQA, which you may see on dealer paperwork or in the Honda and Acura owner apps.

What’s wrong with the power steering?

The problem is software, not a broken part. Honda says the electric power steering (EPS) software was developed by a supplier. Fox Business reports the filing names Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLC. The software has an error in a calculation tied to the Driver Attention Monitor’s road-condition compensation.

In plain English: under certain driving conditions the software can try to divide by zero. That triggers an internal error, and the system was set up to respond to that error by turning off power steering assist. Honda’s filing counts both of those as mistakes: the bad calculation and the overly drastic response to it.

What drivers would notice

Per Honda’s report, when the system goes into this “failsafe mode”:

• Power steering assist turns off, so the steering wheel suddenly takes much more effort to turn.
• EPS warning lights come on in the instrument cluster.
• You can still steer the car. It just feels heavy, a bit like an older car with no power steering, and it’s most noticeable at low speeds and when parking.

Honda says the extra steering effort “may reduce vehicle controllability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.” Torque News reports that Honda has said the issue happens under certain conditions while the vehicle is driving straight.

Have there been crashes or injuries?

Honda has received one injury report and no reports of deaths connected to the issue as of Oct. 22, 2026, according to USA TODAY. Fox Business reports the filing also lists 146 warranty claims. NHTSA’s record does not include a “park it” or “park outside” warning. Those warnings are reserved for recalls with fire risk or other urgent dangers.

How to check if your car is part of the recall

1. Find your 17-character VIN. It’s on the driver’s side of the dashboard (look through the windshield), on the driver’s door jamb sticker, and on your registration and insurance card.
2. Enter it at NHTSA.gov/recalls. According to NHTSA’s recall summary, VINs for this campaign become searchable starting Nov. 11, 2026. If your VIN doesn’t show up yet, check again in a day or two.
3. Check with Honda or Acura directly. You can use the recall lookup on the Honda or Acura owners website or call Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870.

The VIN search also shows any other open recalls on your car. It’s worth doing even if you think you’ve already handled everything.

How the fix works and what it costs

The repair is a software reprogram of the EPS control unit at a Honda or Acura dealer, and it’s free. NHTSA’s record says the update is not done over the air, so you’ll need to take the car in.

Here’s the timeline from the filing:

• Oct. 29, 2026: Honda reported the recall to NHTSA.
• About Oct. 30, 2026: dealers were notified.
• Nov. 11, 2026: VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov.
• About Dec. 14, 2026: owner notification letters go out by mail.

Dealers have already been notified, but the recall notice doesn’t say when the updated software will be ready at every service center. If you’d like to get it done before the letter arrives, call your dealer’s service department, give them your VIN and ask if they can do the EPS update yet. Ask how long the appointment will take, too. Keeping up with recalls is part of good upkeep, along with the basics in our guide to proper car maintenance for tough driving conditions.

What to do if your steering suddenly gets heavy

This isn’t official repair advice, but the recall filing and general driving sense point to a few practical steps:

• Stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel. You can still steer. It just takes more effort.
• Slow down gradually and pull over somewhere safe once you can.
• Note the warning lights and when the problem happened, then contact your dealer. Torque News points out that owners who see the EPS warning shouldn’t wait for the December letter to call.
• Report it to NHTSA at NHTSA.gov or through the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Reports help regulators track whether the fix works.

If someone else drives your Pilot, MDX or TLX, like a teen driver, an older parent or a spouse, tell them about the symptom now. A sudden heavy wheel is much less scary when you know what’s happening.

Buying or selling a used Pilot, MDX or TLX?

This recall affects a lot of popular used family SUVs and sedans, so if you’re shopping, run the VIN through NHTSA before you buy and ask the seller or dealer for proof the EPS update was done. Federal law bars new-car dealers from selling new vehicles with open safety recalls, but the rules for used cars are looser. That’s one more reason to do your own homework, along with the tips in our guide on how to protect yourself from lemon car purchases. If a vehicle keeps having the same defect after repeated repair attempts, state lemon laws may apply. Our explainer on the Ohio lemon law shows how one state handles it. Rules vary by state, so check yours.

FAQ

Is it safe to drive my Honda Pilot, Acura MDX or TLX before the fix?

Honda and NHTSA have not told owners to stop driving or park these vehicles. The risk is a sudden loss of power assist, which makes steering harder. Know the symptom, and contact your dealer to schedule the free update as soon as it’s available.

Does the recall include the 2026 Honda Pilot?

No. The recall lists 2023–2025 Pilots built through Dec. 23, 2025. Your VIN check is the final word for any specific vehicle.

Will I get a letter?

Yes. Registered owners are scheduled to get letters by mail around Dec. 14, 2026. Make sure your address is up to date with your state DMV and your Honda or Acura account.

Do I have to pay for the repair?

No. NHTSA’s recall record says dealers will reprogram the EPS control unit free of charge.

Sources: Honda/Acura Part 573 recall summary (Nov. 10, 2026); NHTSA recall 26V721000; USA TODAY; Fox Business; Torque News. We’ll update this article if Honda changes the recall population or the remedy schedule.

Featured image: 2023 Honda Pilot Touring, photo by Mr.choppers via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).

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