American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 183,576 2005 model-year Pilot, 2005-2006-MY Acura MDX, and 2005-MY Acura RL vehicles because of a potential braking problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module, causing intermittent, automatic and minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, a loose ground connection may result in some 2005 Pilots having a VSA system that could apply partial brake force without the illumination of the brake lights -- whether or not the driver is using the brakes.

The Pilot vehicles were manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005. The Acura MDX vehicles were manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005. The Acura RL vehicles were manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005.

To remedy the problem, dealers will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator. There will be no charge for this service. In addition, the affected 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened.

The recall is expected to begin about April 12.

Honda owners can reach Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009 and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com. Acura owners can call 1-800-382-2238 and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.