Honda has issued a critical safety recall affecting over 259,000 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous brake pedal defect. This comprehensive guide explains which Honda and Acura models are affected, how to identify symptoms of the faulty brake pedal, and the exact steps you need to take to ensure your vehicle is repaired promptly and safely.
Understanding the Honda Brake Pedal Recall
On June 12, 2025, Honda Motor issued a safety recall for 259,033 vehicles in the United States due to a manufacturing defect in the brake pedal assembly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall after Honda identified a serious safety concern with the brake pedal pivot pin.
⚠️ Safety Risk Alert
The brake pedal pivot pin in affected vehicles was not properly secured during manufacturing. This defect can cause the brake pedal to shift out of position, potentially leading to unintended brake application or preventing drivers from safely slowing or stopping their vehicle.
According to Honda’s investigation, the issue stems from improper assembly at a parts supplier facility. The brake pedal pivot pin was not properly “staked” (secured) during production, which can allow the brake pedal to move laterally and potentially cause unexpected braking behavior.
Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
Use the official NHTSA recall lookup tool to verify if your Honda or Acura vehicle is included in this safety recall.
Affected Honda and Acura Models
The brake pedal recall impacts specific Honda and Acura models manufactured between 2020 and 2025. While Honda estimates only about 1% of these vehicles will actually have the defect, all vehicles in the following categories must be inspected:
| Model | Model Years | Production Dates |
| Acura TLX | 2021-2025 | October 23, 2020 – February 28, 2025 |
| Acura MDX | 2023-2025 | May 3, 2023 – November 13, 2024 |
| Honda Pilot | 2023-2025 | December 16, 2022 – November 6, 2024 |
Acura TLX
2021-2025 models manufactured between October 2020 and February 2025.
Acura MDX
2023-2025 models manufactured between May 2023 and November 2024.
Honda Pilot
2023-2025 models manufactured between December 2022 and November 2024.
How to Find Your Vehicle’s Manufacturing Date
Look for the manufacturer’s label on the driver’s side door jamb. This label includes the month and year your vehicle was manufactured, which will help determine if your vehicle falls within the affected production dates.
Warning Signs of a Faulty Brake Pedal
While many affected vehicles may not yet show symptoms, Honda has identified several warning signs that could indicate your vehicle has the brake pedal defect. Being aware of these symptoms can help you identify the issue before it leads to a dangerous situation.
Key Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Noticeable movement or shifting of the brake pedal when pressed
- Brake malfunction warning light illuminated on the dashboard
- Brake lights remaining on even when the brake pedal is not being pressed
- Unintended or unexpected brake application while driving
- Difficulty pressing the brake pedal or unusual resistance
- Changes in brake pedal height or position
⚠️ If You Experience These Symptoms
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact your Honda or Acura dealer immediately. Do not continue driving the vehicle if you experience unexpected brake application or difficulty stopping, as this significantly increases the risk of an accident.
Step-by-Step Guide: What Honda Owners Should Do
If you own one of the potentially affected Honda or Acura vehicles, follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is properly inspected and repaired. Honda is providing all recall-related repairs at no cost to vehicle owners.
-
Check if your vehicle is included in the recall
Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to verify if your specific vehicle is affected. The VIN is a 17-character code found on your insurance card, vehicle registration, or on the driver’s side dashboard visible through the windshield.
You can check your VIN through these official channels:
-
Contact your authorized Honda or Acura dealership
Schedule an appointment with your nearest authorized dealer for inspection and repair. Even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms, all affected vehicles should be inspected as soon as possible.
Find your nearest dealership:
-
Schedule your free repair
When contacting the dealership, mention the brake pedal recall specifically. The dealer will schedule an appointment to inspect and, if necessary, replace the entire brake pedal assembly at no cost to you.
What to Expect During Repair
The repair involves replacing the entire brake pedal assembly with a new one that has a properly secured pivot pin. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, though you may need to leave your vehicle at the dealership for a full day depending on their schedule.
-
Keep documentation of the repair
After the repair is completed, make sure you receive documentation confirming the recall work was performed. Keep this paperwork with your vehicle records.
Already Paid for Repairs?
If you previously paid for repairs related to this specific brake pedal issue, you may be eligible for reimbursement from Honda.
Honda’s Official Statement
“During production, the brake pedal pivot pin may not have been staked, which may allow the pedal to shift out of position. This can result in lateral movement of the brake pedal and may lead to unintended application. If this occurs, the driver’s ability to safely slow or stop the vehicle could be compromised.”
According to Honda’s investigation, the issue was first identified in April 2024 when the company received a report of a vehicle experiencing brake pedal movement. The problem was traced to a parts supplier that had moved manufacturing from the U.S. to Mexico in June 2024. After receiving additional reports, Honda conducted a thorough investigation and determined the root cause by April 2025.
Honda has implemented a camera-based quality control system at the supplier’s factory to ensure all future brake pedal assemblies are properly assembled, preventing this issue from occurring in newly manufactured vehicles.
Safety Recommendations Until Repairs Are Made
If you own an affected vehicle and are waiting for your repair appointment, Honda recommends taking these precautions:
⚠️ Driving Recommendations
- Be extra attentive to any changes in brake pedal feel or position
- Maintain greater following distance to allow more stopping time
- Avoid high-speed driving or challenging road conditions if possible
- If you notice any brake warning lights or unusual brake behavior, stop driving and contact your dealer immediately
While Honda has not reported any accidents or injuries related to this recall as of June 2025, the potential safety risk makes it essential to have your vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Brake Pedal Recall
Is my Honda safe to drive until it’s repaired?
If your vehicle is not showing any symptoms (unusual brake pedal movement, warning lights, etc.), Honda has not issued a “Do Not Drive” warning. However, they recommend having the recall repair completed as soon as possible. If you experience any brake-related symptoms, stop driving the vehicle and contact your dealer immediately.
How long will the repair take?
The actual repair procedure typically takes 1-2 hours. However, depending on the dealership’s schedule and parts availability, you may need to leave your vehicle for a full day. When scheduling your appointment, ask the service department for an estimated completion time.
Will I get a loaner vehicle while mine is being repaired?
Loaner vehicle policies vary by dealership. Honda’s official policy encourages dealers to provide alternative transportation for recall repairs, but availability is not guaranteed. When scheduling your appointment, ask about loaner vehicle or shuttle service options.
What if I already paid for a brake pedal repair?
If you previously paid for repairs specifically related to this brake pedal pivot pin issue, you may be eligible for reimbursement from Honda. You’ll need to provide documentation of the repair and payment. Contact Honda Customer Service or visit the reimbursement page on Honda’s website for details on submitting a claim.
How will I be notified about the recall?
Honda will mail recall notices to all registered owners of affected vehicles by July 28, 2025. However, you don’t need to wait for this letter to schedule your repair. You can check if your vehicle is affected using your VIN through the NHTSA or Honda/Acura websites and schedule a repair appointment immediately.
What if my dealer says they can’t perform the recall yet?
Honda began notifying dealers about the recall on June 13, 2025, and parts should be available at all authorized dealerships. If your dealer indicates they cannot perform the recall repair, contact Honda Customer Service directly for assistance.
Know Your Consumer Rights
As a vehicle owner affected by this safety recall, you have specific rights protected by federal law:
- You are entitled to a free repair of the recalled component, regardless of whether your vehicle is under warranty
- Dealers cannot refuse to perform recall repairs if your vehicle is affected
- There is no time limit on when you can have a recall repair performed
- You may be eligible for reimbursement if you previously paid for repairs related to this specific issue
Report Safety Concerns
If you experience any safety issues with your vehicle that you believe are not being adequately addressed, you can file a complaint with NHTSA.
Taking Action: Next Steps for Honda and Acura Owners
Summary of Key Actions
- Check if your vehicle is affected using your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls
- Schedule a free repair at your authorized Honda or Acura dealership
- Watch for warning signs including unusual brake pedal movement or warning lights
- Keep documentation of all recall-related repairs
- Contact Honda Customer Service with any questions or concerns
The Honda brake pedal recall affects a significant number of vehicles, but the company is taking proactive steps to address the issue and ensure owner safety. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help protect yourself and your passengers from potential brake-related hazards.
Remember that all recall repairs are provided free of charge, and your prompt action will help ensure your Honda or Acura vehicle continues to provide the safe, reliable transportation you expect.
Need More Information?
For additional details about this recall or other Honda safety information, contact Honda Customer Service or visit their official recall page.
