Honda and Acura are in the midst of a recall for 64,785 cars in the United States. Vehicles that are affected are the 2016 and 2018-2019 Honda HR-V, 2017-2019 Acura MDX, and 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey minivan. While the issue is in regard to poor brake performance, the recall could still include the above models that have gotten replacement brakes previously.
The recall is due to insufficient coating of the rear brake calipers, leading to a reduction of stopping power. Specifically, hydrogen gas could get trapped in the brake lines because of this insufficient coating. When this happens, bubbles could form in the brake fluid, causing the hydraulic circuit to become compromised. The pressure in the line compresses the gas and decreases fluid force going to the calipers when the driver is braking; this will cause the pedal to feel soft and can actually reduce brake performance.
Honda’s investigation found that when the brake pistons were produced, the “plating on the piston surface trapped high levels of hydrogen”, so this was introduced to the braking system when the brakes were assembled. Honda is reporting that they have an available fix for the condition that will be at no charge to the consumer. Should your Honda or Acura dealer be unable to repair the condition or any other warranted issues within a reasonable number of attempts, state and/or federal lemon laws may protect you.
At Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®, we can provide you with the guidance you need to navigate your lemon law case. Our team can help you if you have purchased an inherently defunct vehicle. Please contact us at 1-800-875-3666 for a free case review.