Light Wave

Lifestyle

Honda Recalled 880,000 SUVs Over a Rust Defect That Can Cause the Rear Suspension to Fail

By Curtis Jones · June 11, 2026

The recall covers 880,000 vehicles across 23 states and Washington DC. The defect is a rear subframe that can corrode to the point of structural failure — meaning the component that holds the rear suspension together can weaken enough to affect steering and braking. Honda says it could cause a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted the recall notice June 10 covering certain 2016-2023 Honda Pilot, 2017-2024 Honda Ridgeline, 2019-2024 Honda Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles registered or primarily operated in states that use road salt during winter. The corrosion is caused by salt exposure degrading the rear subframe over time — a process that accelerates in northern and midwestern climates where salt is applied heavily during winter months.

Affected models:

Affected states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington DC.

The subframe is the structural component that bolts to the underside of the vehicle and holds the rear axle, suspension, and related hardware in place. If it corrodes severely, the rear suspension can shift or partially detach — affecting vehicle handling, braking stability, and steering response. Honda said it has received reports of subframe corrosion but has not disclosed specific crash or injury counts tied to the defect.

What to do right now:

Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter the 17-character vehicle identification number found on your dashboard near the windshield, on your vehicle registration, or on your insurance card. If your vehicle is covered, Honda will replace or reinforce the rear subframe at no cost. Owner notification letters will be mailed starting July 7.

If you own one of the affected models and notice unusual handling, clunking sounds from the rear, or visible rust on the undercarriage near the rear axle, contact your Honda or Acura dealer before the letters go out. You do not need to wait for the letter to have the vehicle inspected.

The Pilot and MDX are among the most popular family SUVs in the affected states. If you own one and live in a salt belt state, two minutes on nhtsa.gov is worth your time today.