Honda Recalls Many SUVs, Whose Hoods Open while Vehicles are Moving

Honda has recalled nearly 789,000 SUVs and pickup trucks worldwide, after the company discovered the hoods of some of their larger vehicles that were made between 2017 to 2020 open while the vehicles are moving: thereby increasing the risks of accidents.

Honda’s recall applies to: 2019 Passports, 2016 through 2019 Pilots, and 2017 through 2020 Ridgeline pickups.

Of the 788,931 vehicles the Japanese car company is recalling worldwide, 725,000 of them were sold in the U.S.

"Gaps in the front seal between the hood and the grill allow for air entry, potentially resulting in hood vibration at highway speeds,” Honda said in a notice posted on its website. “Over time the hood vibration could form stress fractures along the hood latch striker and separate the hood latch striker from the hood."

"A separated hood latch striker may allow the hood to open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash."

Drivers of Honda SUVs and pickup trucks, should consider vibration noises coming from their hoods, which may be loose, as potential warnings of failing hood latch strikers, the company cautioned.

Starting January 17, Honda will notify by mail owners of recalled vehicles, which Honda dealers will repair, at no cost to owners. 

Owners of the recalled vehicles can call any authorized Honda dealer to make appointments. Those with questions or who need help locating dealers can call Honda customer support at 1 (888) 234-2138.