Winter weather can be harsh, but winter maintenance issues can be even harsher. This is why Honda made the decision last week to recall over 563,000 CR-V SUVs due to potential corrosion resulting from de-icing chemicals used in certain regions. This recall affects CR-Vs manufactured between 2007 and 2011 that have ever been registered in almost half of all U.S. states.
(To name a few, those states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. Consider yourself warned.)
Honda mentioned that an accumulation of road salt could amass in the rear frame by infiltrating drainage apertures and causing corrosion. In some instances, the rear trailing arm might detach. In Canada, Honda issued a recall in 2019 for the same vehicles and issue, but initially concluded that cars in the U.S. did not require the same measures due to the smoother roads and reduced use of road salt. However, after discovering similar complaints of the issue in the U.S., the company altered its stance last month.
Honda has been made aware of 61 complaints regarding this matter in the U.S., all without any reported injuries. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notifications in May to have their cars inspected, during which dealers will assess the potential corrosion of the rear frame. If corrosion is found, a bracket will be affixed to the trailing arm. If the bracket is unable to secure the trailing arm adequately, Honda will undertake frame repairs or repurchase the vehicle. Likewise, if the rear trailing arm bolt proves non-removable, dealers will attempt to rectify the frame issue or repurchase the vehicle.
Honda has confirmed that CR-Vs in states outside the recall list will not be subjected to recall actions. This recall is the latest in a series of recalls for Honda in the early stages of 2023. Earlier this year, the company initiated investigations into steering problems with its Civic sedans, recalled the Civic Type R hatchback due to incorrect seat welds, and called back 330,000 vans and SUVs for faulty sideview mirrors.