Honda known issues by model

Honda Civic problems

The Civic years with the most serious open-recall risk are 2001–2005, because of Takata air bag inflators; Honda told 2001–2002 owners with unrepaired inflators to stop driving. Newer Civics mostly have fix-and-forget recalls: fuel pumps (23V858), seat weight sensors (26V332) and, on 2022–2025 models, steering gearbox recall 24V744. Check any VIN for open work.

Honda Accord problems

The Accord years with the highest-stakes recalls are 2001–2007, because of Takata air bag inflators. Honda asked 2001–2002 owners with unrepaired Alpha inflators to stop driving. Later Accords carry repairable campaigns: 2013–2016 battery sensors (17V418), 2018–2020 body-control software and fuel pumps, and a 2023–2025 Accord Hybrid power-loss software fix (25V785).

Honda CR-V problems

By recall severity, the CR-V years to check hardest are 2002–2011. Those years have Takata air bag inflators, a 2002–2006 window-switch fire recall and a 2007–2011 frame-corrosion recall (23V228) in salt states. The 2017–2018 CR-V 1.5 turbo had an oil-dilution update. Newer models mainly need fuel pump, seat-sensor and steering-gearbox recall work.

Honda HR-V problems

No HR-V year stands out as one to avoid on recall severity. The HR-V has fewer recalls than Honda’s bigger SUVs, and none are Takata air bag recalls. The first generation’s main campaigns are 2018–2020 fuel pumps, a 2019–2022 rearview camera fix and seat weight sensors. The 2023-and-later HR-V’s largest campaign is steering gearbox recall 24V744.

Honda Pilot problems

By recall severity, the Pilot years to check hardest are 2003–2008, which have Takata air bag inflators; Honda told 2003 owners with unrepaired inflators to stop driving. The 2016–2022 Pilot has the most campaigns, including hood latch 21V932, V6 bearing recall 23V751 and salt-state subframe corrosion 26V365. Recall 25V031 covers 2023–2025 engine software.

Honda Passport problems

Among recent Passports, the 2019–2020 models have the most overlapping recalls: hood latch, camera and display software, fuel pump and seat weight sensor fixes. 2019–2023 Passports from salt states are also in rear subframe corrosion recall 26V365. The redesigned 2026 Passport has one recall so far, 26V424, for rear subframe bolts.

Honda Odyssey problems

By NHTSA recall count, the 2018–2020 and 2002–2004 Odysseys carry the most campaigns: 13–18 per year for 2018–2020 (sliding doors, rear cameras, air bags) and 9–14 for 2002–2004 (Takata inflators, transmission, ignition interlock). Every recall repair is free, so the used van to target is one with all campaigns completed.

Honda Ridgeline problems

By NHTSA campaign count, the 2012 and 2019 Ridgeline lead with 11 recalls each. First-generation 2006–2014 trucks carry Takata inflator and salt-state rear-frame corrosion recalls. Second-generation 2017–2023 trucks from salt states are in rear subframe recall 26V365, whose final remedy Honda expected in fall 2026.

Honda Prologue problems

NHTSA's Honda recall records list three Prologue campaigns: a 2024–2025 rearview camera replacement (26V306) whose remedy Honda expected in late 2026, a 2024 instrument panel and camera software update (26V112), and a 39-vehicle 2024 front control arm recall (24V540). The 2025 Prologue appears only in the camera recall.

Honda Fit problems

By NHTSA recall count, the second-generation 2009–2013 Fit has the most campaigns (10–12 per year), mostly Takata air bag inflators plus a 2009–2010 VTEC spring recall. The 2016 Fit has the fewest, with 1. Honda sold three US generations: 2007–2008, 2009–2013 and 2015–2020.

Honda Insight problems

By NHTSA recall count, the 2010–2011 Insight has the most campaigns (10 each), nearly all for Takata air bag inflators. The 2019 sedan follows with 8, including camera and body-control software fixes, and 2020–2021 cars have a DC-DC converter recall. We found no recall in the DOT dataset naming the 2000–2006 Insight.

Honda Element problems

Every Element year from 2003 to 2011 has Takata air bag recalls, so recall counts vary little: 2008 has the most NHTSA campaigns (11) and 2005 the fewest (7). Beyond air bags, 2005–2008 automatics have a transmission software recall and 2007–2008 cars a VSA brake fix. Honda sold more than 325,000 Elements in the US.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:

1. NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2. Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
3. Honda News — press releases — American Honda Motor Co.