Honda's million-vehicle recall hits Pilot, other core SUVs and trucks

A rear subframe issue has led to over one million Honda and Acura SUVs being recalled, which could impact the stability, braking, and handling of affected models. Of the total recall population, 880,514 vehicles are in the U.S. and another 136,260 are in Canada.

The recall includes Honda's Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline pickup, along with the Acura MDX. Combined, these vehicles accounted for well over 100,000 U.S. sales between January and May 2026.

Although automotive recalls are not uncommon, the timing of this one is notable. The recall comes weeks after Honda reported a multibillion-dollar loss tied to discontinued EV projects. As it works through these losses, the automaker's core gas and hybrid models remain crucial for its North American business.

Honda recall hits over 1 million trucks and SUVs

According to information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall specifically applies to the following models and model years:

• 2016-2022 Honda Pilot
• 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline
• 2019-2023 Honda Passport
• 2014-2020 Acura MDX

Only vehicles sold in states where road salt and other deicing agents are used are affected. This can cause the rear subframe suspension mounting points to suffer corrosion. If these mounting points fracture, the rear control arm or lower arm can fail. Honda traced the problem to subframes with incorrect coatings, affecting paint adhesion. This, together with the road salt, leads to corrosion. If drivers notice unusual rear suspension noises, vibrations, or changes to handling, it could be linked to this recall.

If necessary, dealers will inspect the affected components and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit. Rear subframe components may also be repaired or replaced, free of charge, based on the inspection.

Honda's suspension recall goes beyond vehicle safety

The Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, and MDX are core models for American Honda. Over the first five months of 2026 alone, they combined for 117,225 sales. Three of these are midsize SUVs, the biggest vehicle segment in the U.S. behind only compact SUVs, according to a study by S&P Global.

Honda stepped away from multiple planned EV projects earlier in 2026 following weak demand and financial losses, particularly after the federal tax credit for fully electric models was removed in 2025.

Its sole EV in the U.S., the Prologue, saw sales plunge by 74% after this incentive fell away.

In May 2026, Honda recorded an operating loss of around $2.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended in March, reports Nikkei Asia.

Related: Another iconic auto brand is taken down by low EV sales

The automaker's focus on upcoming products has shifted back to gas and hybrid models, including plans for midsized hybrid SUVs that are roughly the size of the Passport, reports Autoblog.

Furthermore, conventional gas-powered models remain important for the brand's overall volumes. These segments currently make up the vast majority of Honda vehicle sales.

As the automaker revises its electrification strategy and delays the launch of new EVs, upholding customer confidence in household nameplates like the recalled Pilot and Passport becomes increasingly crucial.

What Honda owners should do next

Honda owners involved in the recall can expect notification letters to be mailed on July 7, 2026.

The automaker's customer service number is 1-888-234-2138, where more information about the recall can be obtained.

Alternatively, customers with one of the affected models can use their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if their specific model is involved in the recall; these numbers became searchable on the NHTSA's site on June 10.

Any unpredictable handling behavior or suspension noises from these vehicles could indicate a fault with the subframe.

As Honda refines its long-term electrification plans, models like the Passport and Pilot remain among its most important. Successfully resolving the recall is important for current Honda owners and maintaining trust in some of the brand's best-known models.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:12 PM.