Honda Recalls 880K Vehicles Over Rust Risk

Wouter Smit · 2026-06-10

Honda just dropped a massive recall that's affecting nearly 880,000 vehicles across the U.S. We're talking about the Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, and Acura MDX models. The issue? Rear subframes that can rust way faster than they should, leading to a serious suspension failure. If you own one of these vehicles, this is not something to ignore. A failing subframe can cause the rear suspension to collapse while driving, which could lead to a loss of control. That's a big deal, and Honda is stepping up to fix it for free. ### Which Models Are Affected? The recall covers specific years of these popular vehicles: - Honda Pilot: 2016 through 2021 - Honda Passport: 2019 through 2021 - Honda Ridgeline: 2017 through 2020 - Acura MDX: 2016 through 2020 If you're not sure whether your car is included, don't panic. You can check using your vehicle identification number, or VIN, on Honda's recall website. It's a quick way to get peace of mind.  ### Why Is This Happening? Here's the technical bit: the rear subframe is a key structural part that supports the suspension. On these models, it can rust prematurely, especially in colder states where road salt is used during winter. Over time, that rust can weaken the metal enough to cause cracking or separation. Think of it like a chain link fence that starts to rust at the base. At first, it looks fine, but eventually, a strong wind can snap it. Same idea here, but with your car's suspension.  ### What Should You Do? First, don't keep driving if you notice any strange noises from the rear, like clunking or creaking. That could be a sign the subframe is already compromised. Otherwise, your dealer will inspect it and, if needed, replace the subframe at no cost to you. Honda will start notifying owners by mail in early 2025. But you don't have to wait. You can call your local dealer or check online now. The fix takes about a day, and they'll likely give you a loaner car if yours is in bad shape. ### A Quick Word on Recalls Recalls can feel scary, but they're actually a good thing. They mean the manufacturer caught a problem and is fixing it on their dime. The real danger is ignoring them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, millions of vehicles on U.S. roads have unfixed recalls. Don't be one of those stats. ### How to Stay Safe Here are a few practical steps: - Check your VIN on Honda's recall site or the NHTSA database - Set a reminder to check for recalls every six months - If you get a recall notice, schedule the repair right away - Keep an eye out for rust on your vehicle, especially if you live in a snowy area This recall is a big one, but it's manageable. Honda has a solid track record of handling these issues. Just make sure you take action and get your car checked out. Your safety is worth the hour it takes to make that phone call.