Why Did Honda Recall Hood Latch?

In 2021, Honda Japan has just issued a recall for 789,000 cars worldwide related to the hood latch problem. Why did Honda recall hood latch and which Honda models have been recalled? Let’s find out in the article:

The Honda Models Have Been Recalled

The issue was identified in Honda Passports in February 2019 when corrosion testing revealed corrosion in the engine compartment. This indicates that salt is leaking through the gaps between the hood and the grill. Online checks and adjustments were made on Passports, Pilots, and Ridgelines models. Another investigation was launched in September 2019. The final result: Honda has confirmed the source of the faulty hood latch and the recall has been issued. Specifically, the Japanese automaker announced that 788,931 vehicles globally are being recalled.

The majority of the affected cars are located in the US market, which includes approximately 725,000 vehicles. Honda says the hood latch recall is related to models: 2016-2019 Pilot mid-size SUVs, the 2019 Honda Passport SUV, and its Ridgeline trucks with models from 2017 to 2020. The recall has also been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has issued an official notice. 

The Reason Honda Recalled Hood Latch.

As posted in the NHTSA announcement, “Honda hood latch can become damaged and separate from the hood, which could result in the hood opening while driving.” If this happens, the hood can obscure the driver’s view and increase the risk of a crash, Honda says.

The gap in the front gasket between the hood and the grille allows air to enter. Strong air pressure can be forced through this opening, causing the hood vibration. Over time, vibrations can form cracks along with the hood strikers, and dispatch causing the hood to open when driving.

CBS News notes that owners of Honda models must not ignore any noise or vibrations in the hood while driving cars. Because it can be a signal that the hood latch is loose and can lead to the sudden opening of the hood.

Solutions from Honda Manufacture

The Office of Traffic Safety indicates that the remedy method for this problem is to either repair the hood latch or replace the entire hood if needed. Works must be done at an authorized dealer and owners of Honda hood latch recall do not have to pay any fees.

Honda issued a cease-and-desist order to dealers in November, asking them to inspect and reinforce the hood latch or, in some cases, replace the hood on unsold cars. Honda sent an announcement to all owners by email on 17 January 2022. Or drivers can contact the customer support department of Honda if they need a consultation or contact Honda at 888-234-2138.

They said there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to the problem with the hood. Finally, the recall is only for the United States. It is said that over 55,000 more cars are also subject to recall worldwide.

>> Read more: How To Adjust Hood Height? The Comprehensive Guide

Check if your vehicle has an open recall. The NHTSA website will let you know if your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed. If you write a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) of your car into the NHTSA website and the recall doesn’t appear. It means your car doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls frequently, and for many older vehicles. We recommend that you check back regularly to see if your vehicle has been recalled.