Photo of Acura MDX SUV courtesy of Acura.

Photo of Acura MDX SUV courtesy of Acura.

Honda is recalling approximately 19,500 Acura MDX SUVs and RLX sedans in the 2014 and 2015 model years because faulty software may lead the collision mitigation brake system (CMBS) to suddenly apply the brakes unnecessarily.

As a result, the CMBS software glitch may increase the risk of a rear-end collision. Though no related crashes or injuries have been reported in the U.S., the automaker said it is aware of one reported crash in Japan.

Specifically, the CMBS might be fooled into seeing potential for a forward collision if a vehicle traveling ahead is near a metallic structure, such as a metal guardrail or fence. To fix the problem, Acura dealers will update the system software. There will be no charge for this service.

The CMBS uses millimeter-wave radar to scan traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle. When the system detects an imminent collision with an object ahead, the CMBS takes emergency autonomous braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, Honda said. This response normally helps reduce the severity of a collision when drivers don’t take corrective action of their own.

“Acura is announcing this recall to encourage all owners who purchased an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura,” the manufacturer said. “Mailed notification to customers will begin in June.”

For more information, click here or call (800) 382-2238 and select option 4.

0 Comments