Honda revealed on Tuesday that it is recalling about 256,000 Accord Hybrid cars in the U.S. because of a software issue that may lead to a sudden loss of power while driving, raising the potential risk of accidents or injuries.
According to a press release from the company, the recall affects specific Honda Accord Hybrid models from the 2023 to 2025 model years.
“Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated.
Honda dealers will fix the issue by updating the software at no cost, NHTSA added.
Honda stated that the problem originates from incorrect software programming by a supplier, which may cause the Integrated Control Module (ICM) to reset while the car is being driven.
The NHTSA report notes that the supplier did not fully grasp the intended operation of the ICM, causing the software to interpret routine internal communication glitches as major CPU faults.
Added features in the ICM further increased electrical load and generated more electrical ‘noise,’ exacerbating these communication issues.
The defective software interpreted this interference as CPU errors, prompting unnecessary system resets that could unexpectedly disable critical functions, including engine power.
At the time of filing, Honda reported receiving 832 warranty claims related to the defect. However, the automaker said it had not received any claims or reports involving accidents or injuries. Regulators also confirmed that owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent on January 5.
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