Quick Facts:
- Honda Pilot recall: NHTSA campaign 26V721, published Nov. 10, 2026.
- Pilot model years: 2023 to 2025, 383,110 SUVs, listed by model year with no trim exclusions.
- Also covered: Acura MDX 2022 to 2024 and Acura TLX 2021 to 2025.
- Problem: faulty software might disable power steering assist and raise steering effort.
- Fix: a dealer reprograms the steering control unit at no cost.
- Owner letters: scheduled for about Dec. 14, 2026.
- Do this now: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, then call a dealer to book the free fix.
- Honda’s count: 146 warranty claims, one injury report, no death reports through Oct. 22.
5 min read
In This Article
What the Honda Pilot Recall Covers
The Honda Pilot recall sends 383,110 SUVs to the dealer for a software fix. Honda told NHTSA its steering software might switch off power steering assist, which makes the wheel harder to turn. NHTSA published the campaign, numbered 26V721, on Nov. 10, 2026.
The recall covers Pilots from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 model years. Honda counts 75,087, 67,193 and 240,830 vehicles in those years. Production ran from Sept. 13, 2022 through Dec. 23, 2025, and Honda estimates 100% of the covered vehicles carry the flaw.
Two Acura models share the software. The MDX covers 2022 to 2024 with 177,100 SUVs, while the TLX covers 2021 to 2025 with 75,598 sedans. Together, the three models total 635,808 vehicles.
Trail drivers should note the filing names no terrain trigger. If you own a Pilot TrailSport, the TrailSport section below answers whether yours is in scope.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| NHTSA campaign | 26V721 (Honda codes KQB and TQA) |
| Honda Pilot 2023 | 75,087 vehicles |
| Honda Pilot 2024 | 67,193 vehicles |
| Honda Pilot 2025 | 240,830 vehicles |
| Acura MDX 2022 to 2024 | 177,100 vehicles |
| Acura TLX 2021 to 2025 | 75,598 vehicles |
| Remedy | Free steering control unit software reprogram at a Honda or Acura dealer |
| Owner letters | About Dec. 14, 2026 |
Until the dealer visit, keep roadside basics in the cargo area. The picks below are general roadside gear for any SUV, not Honda parts, and they back up the dealer repair. A CARTMAN three-pack of warning triangles helps other drivers see you, and a NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter revives a dead battery. Finally, a 100-piece mini first aid kit covers minor injuries.
Roadside gear for any SUV
CARTMAN 3PK DOT Approved Foldable Road Safety Warning Triangles | H…
NOCO Boost GB40 12V 1000A UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter |…
What Happens When the Pilot Loses Steering Assist
Honda’s filing describes a failsafe mode. In this mode, power steering assist switches off, and the steering warning lights come on in the instrument cluster.
Without assist, steering effort rises. The filing also warns the added effort might reduce control of the SUV and raise the risk of a crash or injury.
Honda traces the cause to software from the steering supplier. A Driver Attention Monitor road-condition compensation error triggers an internal fault, and the software then responds by disabling assist. Specifically, the code sometimes divides by zero under certain operating conditions.
Honda first heard about the problem on Nov. 29, 2021. However, the dealer or supplier deleted error codes, so returned parts showed no fault. Honda reproduced the issue in December 2025 by studying dashcam footage, and it decided on Oct. 22, 2026 to recall the vehicles.
Does the Honda Pilot Recall Include the TrailSport?
Yes, by model year. NHTSA’s recall report lists the Honda Pilot as 2023 through 2025 and names no trim exclusions, so every Pilot TrailSport built in this range is in scope.
Honda’s filing does not tie the fault to terrain. Its timeline says Honda confirmed the issue only under certain operating conditions while driving straight. However, Honda has not published those conditions, so you should not rule out your Pilot because you mostly drive slowly off-road.
Some Hondas fall outside the lists. For example, the 2026 Pilot and the 2025 MDX are not in the model-year ranges, so this campaign does not list them.
How to Check Your Honda Pilot Recall Status
Owner letters do not arrive until about Dec. 14, so you do not need to wait for the mail. First, find your 17-character VIN on the driver’s side dashboard or the driver’s door jamb sticker. Then work through these steps:
- Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, type all 17 characters with no spaces, and look for campaign 26V721 in the results.
- Call a Honda dealer’s service department and quote the campaign number.
- Ask for the first date the dealer will reprogram the steering control unit.
If your VIN does not show the campaign yet, call a dealer anyway and quote 26V721. Our Ford Explorer airbag burn guide walks through the same NHTSA lookup, and the Jeep power steering pump recall coverage shows the VIN steps for a different steering campaign.
What This Means for You
Plan the dealer visit first. Honda’s remedy is a software reprogram, so no parts have to arrive. Our Rivian camera recall guide covers another free fix.
Weigh the risk against the data. Honda logged 146 warranty claims, one injury report and no death reports from 2022 through Oct. 22, 2026. The recall covers 635,808 vehicles, so treat the figures as reports, not a failure rate.
Still, a heavy wheel is harder to manage on a rutted trail or with a trailer behind you. Ask your dealer whether to drive the Pilot before the repair, and book the first slot offered. If a remote trip is coming, call the service department before you leave.
While you wait, carry the basics. This gear backs up the repair and does not replace it. Our off-road recovery field guide explains how to size up a disabled vehicle, and the overland tool kit guide covers the repair side. An ARB 17,600 lb recovery snatch strap, a pair of X-BULL traction boards and KING-PRO 3/8-inch soft shackles cover recovery for a midsize SUV. Attach recovery gear only to rated recovery points, and check your owner’s manual for their location.
Recovery gear for a trail-going Pilot
ARB 4x4 Accessories ARB705LB Recovery Snatch Strap Orange 30' x 2 3/8"
X-BULL New Recovery Traction Tracks Sand Mud Snow Track Tire Ladder…
Final Thoughts
Honda does not need to ship a part for this recall, the repair is free, and the covered models are clearly listed. I would run the VIN check today instead of waiting for the Dec. 14 letter, because the lookup is free.
The trade-off is timing. Letters are weeks away, and Honda has not named the conditions behind the fault. Therefore, calling a dealer now to get on the schedule is a sound plan.
If you own a Pilot TrailSport, book the repair before your next long trail weekend. Likewise, owners of an MDX or a TLX should run the same check. After the repair, you return to the trail without this concern. A free fix and a short phone call buy steady steering, and I hope your next trip goes well.
Honda Pilot Recall FAQ
Which model years does the Honda Pilot recall cover?
The recall covers 2023, 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilots, 383,110 SUVs in total. Production dates run from Sept. 13, 2022 through Dec. 23, 2025.
Is the Acura MDX part of this recall?
Yes. It covers 2022 to 2024 models, 177,100 SUVs. The Acura TLX is also included from 2021 to 2025.
What does the Honda Pilot recall fix cost?
Nothing. A Honda or Acura dealer reprograms the steering control unit with corrected software, and no parts are replaced.
When will Honda send recall letters?
Honda plans to notify owners by mail on or about Dec. 14, 2026. Dealers were scheduled for notice on or about Oct. 30.
What caused the steering problem?
Honda says the supplier’s software has a Driver Attention Monitor road-condition compensation error. The software responds to the resulting fault by disabling steering assist.
Is it safe to drive before the repair?
Ask your dealer when you book. Call first before a long trip or a tow.