Honda is recalling nearly 564,000 of its CR-V sport utility vehicles because of a determination that road salt can cause the frame to corrode while forcing rear suspension parts to come loose. Starting May 8, 2023, owners will be notified by letter.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in newly released documents that salt can accumulate and cause corrosion in CR-Vs made between 2007 and 2011, which can potentially cause the rear trailing arm—which connects the rear axle to the chassis—to detach. That can cause drivers to lose control.
The recalled CR-Vs were either sold or registered in “salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway,” according to NHTSA. Dealers will inspect the SUVs and either install a support brace or repair the rear frame, as needed. If the frame is badly damaged, Honda could offer to buy the vehicle.
The CR-Vs have already been recalled in Canada. In its documents filed to NHTSA, Honda noted that it has had 61 customer complaints in the United States, but no deaths or injuries.
CR-V owners who already paid to have corrosion repaired are eligible to have those costs reimbursed. Owners with questions can contact Honda at (888) 234-2138 or NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.
Source: NHTSA, https://www.scribd.com/document/636512851/NHTSA-Honda-CRV-recall.