Honda and Acura recall more than 42,000 vehicles in Canada over steering software defect

OTTAWA — Canadian authorities have announced a recall of 42,868 Honda and Acura vehicles because of a software defect in the electric power steering system that can suddenly make the steering wheel harder to control, increasing the risk of traffic collisions.

The recall covers three Honda and Acura models built in various years between 2021 and 2025.

According to the recall notice filed with Transport Canada, the defect can cause the electric power steering assist to stop working normally, which requires an update to the software that runs it.

Which vehicles are included in the recall?

The recall covers the following vehicles:

• Honda Pilot: model years 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Acura MDX: model years 2022, 2023 and 2024
• Acura TLX: model years 2021 to 2025

The total number of affected vehicles in the Canadian market is 42,868.

The listing of a model and model year does not necessarily mean that every vehicle of that model is included. The vehicle identification number must be checked to determine the status of each vehicle.

The recall notice was first published on October 29, 2026, and was updated on Friday, November 13.

A software defect that can make the steering wheel harder to turn

Officials said the problem is linked to the electric power steering (EPS) control unit.

The system helps the driver turn the steering wheel easily by reducing the force needed to steer the wheels.

However, a defect in the software that runs the system may cause it to switch to a fail-safe mode.

In that case, the electric assistance can drop suddenly, forcing the driver to use more force to move the steering wheel.

This change can be dangerous, particularly during manoeuvres that require a quick response or when driving in complex traffic conditions.

Regulators warned that the increased effort needed to steer the vehicle may raise the likelihood of a collision.

Can the driver lose control of the vehicle?

The defect does not necessarily mean the steering wheel stops working completely.

The main problem is the possible loss of the electric assistance that makes steering easier, which makes the steering wheel heavier than usual.

This change can surprise the driver, especially if it happens unexpectedly while driving.

The danger is that the driver may need extra force to control the direction of the vehicle while having limited time to respond to traffic.

The recall notice states that this possibility poses a safety risk, which is why the company is taking corrective action.

How will Honda fix the problem?

Honda said it will contact owners of affected vehicles by mail to tell them to take their vehicles to authorized dealers.

The remedy involves reprogramming the electric power steering control unit with an updated version of the software.

The update will be done free of charge at authorized dealers.

According to the information released about this recall, the repair does not require replacing the entire steering system, only updating the software that runs it.

Owners of affected vehicles are advised not to ignore recall notices, even if they have not noticed any difficulty while driving.

How can you tell if your vehicle is included in the recall?

Honda and Acura owners in Canada can check the status of their vehicles using the 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN).

The number can be found at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, on the label at the driver's door, or on the vehicle registration documents.

Once owners have the number, they can enter it into the company's official lookup tool to find out whether their vehicle needs to be repaired.

The lookup service is available through:

• Honda Canada recall lookup

• Acura Canada recall lookup

Owners can also contact an authorized dealer to arrange a service appointment.

More than 635,000 vehicles recalled in the United States

The recall is not limited to the Canadian market. U.S. authorities have announced a similar action covering 635,808 vehicles of the same models.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the defect relates to the electric power steering software.

According to U.S. documents, the company recorded 146 warranty claims related to the problem and one report of an injury, with no deaths linked to the defect as of October 22, 2026.

However, these figures relate to data submitted to the U.S. regulator and do not represent the number of collisions or injuries in Canada.

The recall underscores the importance of owners following official notices and carrying out the required updates to keep vehicles safe and avoid potential risks while driving.