Honda recalls 70K vehicles over brake issue that could increase crash risk

How car recalls get reported

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially start car recalls after receiving complaints from consumers.

TORRANCE, Calif. - American Honda is voluntarily recalling approximately 70,000 Acura ILX vehicles in the U.S. over a loss of brake function, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury, Honda and auto safety regulators said Wednesday.

2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles recalled

Big picture view:

According to the company, 70,000 model-year 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles in the U.S. were recalled over the vehicles' brake master cylinders. 

An investigation by Acura technicians found that residual plasticizer in the brake fluid reservoir hose can contaminate the brake fluid, causing the brake master cylinder secondary cup seal to swell and deform. 

2019 Acura ILX product photo (Credit: Honda Acura)

In certain conditions, radiant engine heat can further expand the seal, allowing fluid to bypass the seal during slow brake-pedal applications. This can reduce brake-pedal firmness and increase stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Acura dealers will replace master cylinder in recalled models 

What you can do:

The ILX has been out of production since 2022, but authorized Acura dealers will replace the master cylinder in affected models of registered owners free of charge.

Registered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Acura dealer when parts are available. The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder with an improved part.

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Honda said it was announcing the recall to encourage owners of affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification. 

Owners of these vehicles can also determine if their vehicles require repair by visiting www.recalls.acura.com  or by calling (888) 234-2138.

Ram trucks, Escape vehicles recalled

Dig deeper:

Earlier this month, Stellantis recalled 72,509 Ram trucks because of an instrument panel display issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

RELATED: Ford Escapes recalled over defective liftgate hinge, NHTSA says

The agency said in a recall notice that the trucks may have been built with a 12-inch instrument panel cluster containing software that might cause the cluster display to go blank "during startup or while driving."

Last week, Ford also issued a recall for 108,762 Escape vehicles due to liftgate hinge covers that may detach.