The problem
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
The risk
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 13V-092 (13V092000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | S87, S88, S89 |
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Component | Traction control system |
| Report date | March 14, 2013 |
| Owners notified | April 22, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 183,576 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the stability & traction control
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 13V-092 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 183,576 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.