Honda and Acura have recalled a total of 65,135 of their electric vehicles combined for a software glitch that affects the reverse camera display and blanks out the instrument cluster. Honda has recalled 45,562 2024 Prologue models, while Acura has ordered a recall of 19,573 2024 ZDX SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in its Safety Recall Report that “the instrument cluster and center infotainment display can go blank” when the vehicle is being driven due to “software defects.” As a result, the instrument cluster will stop displaying necessary information, including but not limited to the speedometer, tachometer, warning telltales, and indicator lamps.”
“Additionally, the center infotainment display will not display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This condition may occur intermittently and may recover after the vehicle is restarted.”
Why the Honda and Acura EV Recall is a Safety Risk
The NHTSA calls the software issue a potential safety hazard, as it may compromise the driver’s “situational awareness.” The problem with the rearview camera reduces rearward visibility, increasing the chances of an accident. The explanation reads:
“If the instrument cluster display goes blank while driving, the driver may be unable to view critical vehicle information, including vehicle speed and warning indicators, reducing the driver’s situational awareness and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. If the infotainment display does not display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the driver will have reduced rearward visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.”
The NHTSA report reveals six defects within the Radio Control Module as the cause of the problem. It stated: “The vehicle’s display control software for the instrument cluster and infotainment system contains six independent software defects within the Radio Control Module. Each defect can occur independently and result in a processing error within the Radio Control Module. When triggered, the Radio Control Module may fail to properly transmit data to the instrument cluster and/or infotainment display, resulting in a system restart or crash and both displays to go blank.”
To solve the problem, a software update will improve the Radio Control Module program. The upgraded software has been implemented into production at the start of 2025 for the Prologue, but not for the Acura ZDX, since it was discontinued after 2024.
Owners affected by the software problem will be notified via email to take their car to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer, where the vehicle’s Radio Control Module will be updated with the improved software.
