The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched three separate investigations into Honda vehicles simultaneously, signaling growing concern over potential safety defects across several models. The move follows closely on the heels of a recent probe into the Acura ILX for possible braking issues, suggesting that regulators are keeping a close eye on the automaker’s safety performance. Among the three new cases, one of the most troubling involves unexpected airbag deployments in 2018–2022 Honda Odyssey minivans—a problem that could have serious implications for driver and passenger safety.
According to official reports, NHTSA has received 18 complaints describing incidents where the side airbags deployed without warning while the vehicles were in motion. In many cases, these sudden activations were said to occur after hitting minor bumps or potholes—situations that should never trigger an airbag release. The unexpected deployment of airbags while driving poses a major risk, as it can startle drivers, obscure visibility, or even cause injuries. The agency confirmed that at least one such incident resulted in two reported injuries. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened a preliminary evaluation to determine how widespread and severe this issue might be, as well as to assess any broader safety implications for Odyssey owners.
The second investigation centers on the 2023 and 2024 Honda Pilot SUVs, focusing on a potential malfunction in the rear seat belt warning system. NHTSA has received six consumer complaints and several field reports suggesting that the system may not always function correctly. Some owners claim the alert system provides false warnings—both positive and negative. In practice, this could mean that a driver might be falsely warned that a passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled when it isn’t, or worse, be falsely reassured that all passengers, including children, are safely restrained when they’re not. Such errors could undermine trust in the vehicle’s safety alerts, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Like the Odyssey case, this too remains a preliminary evaluation, with investigators seeking to identify how widespread and dangerous the defect might be.
The third case involves the 2020–2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which has reportedly experienced sudden power losses at highway speeds. NHTSA has received 48 complaints and a few field reports describing how affected vehicles lose motive power after a flashing check engine light appears. Drivers report having to pull over, restart the car, and continue driving—only to find the warning light and diagnostic codes erased from the system, making it difficult for technicians to identify the underlying cause. This intermittent and elusive defect could affect approximately 124,795 vehicles.
Altogether, the three investigations encompass an estimated 708,369 Honda vehicles. The Odyssey case represents the largest share, potentially involving 441,002 units. While all three remain in the preliminary stage, the investigations reflect significant scrutiny of Honda’s quality control and may lead to recalls if safety defects are confirmed.