Honda Recalls 635,808 Vehicles Over Steering Software Failure, Check If Your Pilot, Acura MDX or TLX Is Affected

Honda is recalling 635,808 vehicles in the United States because a software defect can unexpectedly disable electric power-steering assistance, making affected vehicles harder to steer and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers certain 2023–2025 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2022–2024 Acura MDX SUVs and 2021–2025 Acura TLX sedans.

Honda has received 146 warranty claims and one injury report tied to the issue, and no deaths, as of October 22, 2026. Authorized dealers will fix affected vehicles free of charge by reprogramming the power-steering control unit.

Owners do not need to wait for a letter. Honda plans to mail notices on December 14, 2026, and VINs are searchable on NHTSA.gov now. The official campaign is NHTSA 26V721000, with Honda recall numbers KQB and TQA.

Honda Steering Recall 2026: Quick Facts

Detail	Official recall information
Manufacturer	American Honda Motor Co.
NHTSA campaign	26V721000 (26V721)
Honda recall numbers	KQB, TQA
Vehicles affected	635,808
Affected Honda model	2023–2025 Pilot
Affected Acura models	2022–2024 MDX; 2021–2025 TLX
Defect	Electric power-steering (EPS) software error
Safety hazard	Sudden loss of power-steering assistance
Reported injuries / deaths	1 / 0
Warranty claims	146
Remedy	Dealer reprogramming of the EPS control unit
Repair cost	Free
Filed with NHTSA	October 29, 2026
Public announcement	November 10, 2026
Owner letters scheduled	December 14, 2026
Official VIN lookup	https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Source: Honda’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report, filed with NHTSA on October 29, 2026. [1]

Which Honda Pilot and Acura Vehicles Are Included in Recall 26V721?

Vehicle	Model years	Potentially affected	Production dates
Honda Pilot	2023–2025	383,110	Sept. 13, 2022 – Dec. 23, 2025
Acura MDX	2022–2024	177,100	Dec. 10, 2020 – July 10, 2024
Acura TLX	2021–2025	75,598	Aug. 11, 2020 – Aug. 18, 2025
Total		635,808

The Pilot makes up the largest share. Other Honda models such as the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Ridgeline and HR-V are not part of this campaign.

A matching model year does not automatically mean a vehicle is recalled. Honda built the recall population from manufacturing records, so the only reliable confirmation is a VIN check.

What Is Wrong With the Honda Electric Power-Steering Software?

Honda’s NHTSA filing traces the problem to software in the electric power-steering system supplied by Robert Bosch Automotive Steering. The software contains an error in the road-condition compensation calculation used with the Driver Attention Monitor. Under certain conditions the calculation can attempt a division by zero, which triggers an internal software error.

Instead of preserving normal steering assistance, the system can enter a failsafe mode that disables power-steering assist. EPS warning indicators may illuminate on the instrument panel.

Does the recall mean the steering wheel locks?

No. The reported defect is a loss of power assist, not a mechanical lock. The wheel still turns, but the driver must apply much more force. That can make low-speed turns, parking and quick evasive steering significantly harder.

Can it happen while driving?

Yes. Honda’s investigation concluded in February 2026 that the failure occurs under specific operating conditions, particularly while the vehicle is traveling straight. A driver could experience heavy steering without any earlier warning. NHTSA states that the loss of assistance increases the risk of a crash or injury.

How to Check Honda Recall 26V721 by VIN

Step 1: Find your 17-character VIN. It is usually at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side, on the driver’s door-jamb label, and on your registration and insurance documents.

Step 2: Use the NHTSA lookup. Go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the full VIN. Look for campaign 26V721 or Honda numbers KQB/TQA. Newly announced recalls can take time to appear for every VIN. If your model and year match but nothing shows, check again or call a dealer.

Step 3: Use the manufacturer lookups.

• Honda owners: https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls/
• Acura owners: https://owners.acura.com/service-maintenance/service-maintenance/recalls

Step 4: Call an authorized dealer. Give the service department your VIN and ask about recall 26V721. You do not need to wait for the December 14 letter.

How to Get the Free Steering Recall Repair

The approved remedy is to reprogram the EPS control unit with corrected software at an authorized Honda or Acura dealership. No parts replacement is required under the standard remedy, and the repair is free.

1. Confirm your VIN on NHTSA or the Honda/Acura site.
2. Contact an authorized dealer and give recall number 26V721 or KQB/TQA.
3. Schedule the software reprogramming.
4. Keep the completed repair order for your records.

Honda’s filing does not identify an over-the-air update as the remedy. If you already paid for a repair of this same defect, keep the invoice and ask Honda about its reimbursement process. Eligibility and documentation requirements should be confirmed with Honda.

Is It Safe to Drive a Recalled Pilot, MDX or TLX Before the Repair?

The NHTSA report does not carry a formal “Do Not Drive” advisory, but the risk is real because steering effort can rise suddenly.

• If you see an EPS warning light or the steering becomes unusually heavy, slow down, avoid abrupt maneuvers and pull over safely when possible.
• If steering control is significantly impaired, stop driving and arrange assistance or towing.
• Do not try to repair or reprogram the steering controller yourself.
• Schedule the free repair as soon as a dealer can take you.

Reported Failures, Injuries and Investigation Timeline

As of October 22, 2026, Honda reported 146 warranty claims, 1 injury and 0 deaths. These cover reports between May 22, 2022 and October 22, 2026. One reported injury does not mean every affected vehicle has had a failure. The recall covers vehicles that potentially contain the faulty software.

Date	Development
November 29, 2021	Honda receives first report of the steering issue
August 22, 2025	Supplier identifies the failure through returned-component analysis
December 2025	Honda reproduces the reported problem
February 2026	Honda confirms the driving conditions linked to the failure
October 22, 2026	Honda determines a safety defect exists and decides to recall
October 29, 2026	Recall report filed with NHTSA
October 30, 2026	Dealer notifications scheduled
November 10, 2026	Honda publicly releases recall information
December 14, 2026	Owner notification letters scheduled

December 14 is the scheduled mailing date, not a repair deadline.

Your Legal Rights Under Federal Vehicle Safety Law

Vehicle recalls are governed by federal law. Knowing the rules helps owners understand what Honda must do and what they are entitled to.

• National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301). This is the main federal law. When a manufacturer determines a vehicle has a safety-related defect, it must notify NHTSA and owners (49 U.S.C. § 30118).
• Defect reporting (49 C.F.R. Part 573). A manufacturer must file a Part 573 report within five working days of deciding a defect exists. Honda decided on October 22 and filed on October 29, 2026, which fits that window.
• Owner notification (49 C.F.R. Part 577). Owners must be notified by first-class mail, generally within 60 days of the manufacturer’s determination. The December 14 mailing date falls within that period. The notice must describe the defect, the hazard, the remedy and how to get it.
• Free remedy (49 U.S.C. § 30120). The manufacturer must repair the defect at no charge. Under the statute, this free-remedy obligation generally applies to vehicles sold to the first purchaser within 15 calendar years before the notification.
• Reimbursement (49 C.F.R. Part 577). Manufacturers must have a plan to reimburse owners who paid to fix the defect before the recall under the conditions in the regulation. Keep receipts and repair orders.
• New vehicles and rental fleets (49 U.S.C. § 30120). Dealers may not sell or lease new vehicles under an open recall until the remedy is performed. Large rental fleets are covered by the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act, so renters should ask about open recalls.
• Penalties (49 U.S.C. § 30165). Manufacturers that fail to comply with recall obligations can face civil penalties from NHTSA.

Used-car buyers and sellers

The recall follows the vehicle, not the owner. If you are buying a used Pilot, MDX or TLX in the affected years, run the VIN before you buy and ask the seller or dealer for proof the repair was done. If you are selling, complete the free repair first so the recall does not complicate the sale.

Is there a lawsuit or cash settlement?

No cash settlement or claims process has been announced as part of this recall, and the sources reviewed did not identify one. The remedy is a free safety repair, and owners do not need to file a legal claim to receive it.

A recall is a regulatory obligation. It is separate from private legal claims. Owners who were hurt, or who paid for damage or repairs caused by a steering failure, may have other options depending on their state, such as product-liability claims, breach of warranty claims (including under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.) or state lemon-law remedies. Time limits and requirements vary by state, so anyone considering a claim should keep all records and consult a licensed attorney promptly.

Other recent vehicle-safety coverage on AllAboutLawyer: Ford Recalls 30,123 F-Series Trucks Over Tailgate Cable Failure, More Than 413K Volvo Vehicles Recalled Over Rearview Camera Failure and Rivian’s First R2 Recall. Each involves a separate defect and remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vehicles are in the Honda steering recall? 635,808 vehicles: 383,110 Honda Pilots, 177,100 Acura MDX and 75,598 Acura TLX.

What is the NHTSA recall number? NHTSA campaign 26V721000. Honda’s recall numbers are KQB and TQA.

Will I pay for the repair? No. The software reprogramming is free at authorized Honda and Acura dealers.

Do I need to wait for the letter? No. Check your VIN now and contact a dealer.

Is my Honda Accord, Civic or CR-V included? No. Only the Pilot, MDX and TLX model years listed above are covered. Always confirm by VIN.

Is there a cash settlement? Not as part of this recall. The remedy is a free repair.

Can I get reimbursed if I already paid for a fix? Possibly. Keep your invoice and ask Honda about its reimbursement process.

Where Honda and Acura Owners Can Get Official Help

Organization	Contact
Honda recall lookup	https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls/
Acura recall lookup	https://owners.acura.com/service-maintenance/service-maintenance/recalls
Honda/Acura recall assistance	888-234-2138
NHTSA recall lookup	https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline	888-327-4236
NHTSA campaign	26V721000
Manufacturer recall numbers	KQB, TQA

Drivers who experienced a steering malfunction can also file a complaint with NHTSA through its vehicle-safety complaint system. Reports help NHTSA monitor whether a remedy works.

Bottom Line

Honda’s steering-software recall covers 635,808 vehicles, including certain 2023–2025 Pilot, 2022–2024 Acura MDX and 2021–2025 Acura TLX models. A software error can disable power-steering assistance and sharply increase the force needed to steer. The fix is free: check your VIN and book the dealer software update now rather than waiting for the December 14 letter.

Official Sources

[1] NHTSA: Honda Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Campaign 26V721 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V721-7592.pdf

[2] American Honda: November 10, 2026 EPS Software Recall Announcement https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/release-b26ae02ff5dca50cb32a1f4783135026-2022-2025-acurahonda-multi-model-electronic-power-steering-eps-software-recall

[3] NHTSA: Vehicle Recall Lookup https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

[4] Honda Owners: Recall Lookup https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls/

[5] Acura Owners: Recall Lookup https://owners.acura.com/service-maintenance/service-maintenance/recalls

Research and authorship: Researched and written by Israr Ahmad, legal content researcher for AllAboutLawyer.com, using Honda’s November 10, 2026 announcement and NHTSA Recall Report 26V721 dated October 29, 2026.

Verification note: Figures and repair details reflect the manufacturer’s federal recall filing as available on November 11, 2026. Confirm vehicle-specific status by VIN.

Disclaimer: AllAboutLawyer.com is an independent U.S. consumer legal-information website, not a law firm. This article provides general recall and safety information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines vary by state and change over time. Owners experiencing steering problems should contact an authorized dealer or qualified automotive professional, and anyone considering a legal claim should consult a licensed attorney.