Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
1% or approximately 2,950 Honda’s and Acura’s are estimated to have a defect that can cause the engine to stall.
Honda has recalled nearly 295,000 vehicles due to a software issue in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit (ECU), which can lead to sudden power loss or engine stalling.
The recall affects the 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S, 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot.
According to Honda, improper ECU programming can cause unexpected throttle response issues, triggering the check engine light and, in some cases, causing the vehicle to lose power or stall.
To address the 2025 Honda Engine Stalling Recall, Honda will reprogram the ECU with updated software.
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Which Vehicles Are Affected by the Recall?
The recall impacts several Honda and Acura models, including:
- 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S
- 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S
- 2023-2025 Honda Pilot
These vehicles are being recalled due to a software malfunction in the electronic control unit (ECU) of the fuel injection system. This issue can disrupt torque delivery, potentially causing the engine to stall, hesitate, or lose power.
According to Honda’s recall report to NHTSA, improper ECU settings in the affected vehicles’ fuel-injection systems are responsible for the problem, which can lead to a loss of drive power or engine stalling.
What Causes the Honda Engine Stall Issue?
The engine stall problem in certain Honda and Acura models is linked to a software error in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit (ECU).
This issue arises from incorrect programming, which can lead to various engine performance problems, including:
- Throttle Response: Sudden changes in throttle opening may trigger the check engine light and cause the engine to hesitate, lose power, or stall.
- Torque Control: Improper ECU settings can lead to a torque control failure, resulting in engine stalling.
Honda identified this issue after reviewing increased torque monitor data from telematics systems. The company began investigating in December 2023, and by January 2025, it concluded that a recall was necessary to address the stalling problem.
The fuel injection ECU, supplied by Denso, was found to have software errors, which prompted Honda’s response.
Honda has not received any reports of injuries or crashes but has documented 674 warranty claims related to the issue as of January 16, 2025.
To resolve the problem, dealerships will reprogram the ECU with updated software once recall notifications are sent out on March 17, 2025.
How Will Honda Rectify the Engine Stalling Issue?
Honda will resolve the engine stalling problem by reprogramming the electronic control unit (ECU) in the fuel injection system with updated software. This fix will address the improper ECU settings that are causing the engine to stall or lose power.
Affected vehicle owners will be notified starting March 17, 2025, and can have the software update performed at no cost at their local Honda or Acura dealership. If you’ve already paid for a related repair, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
Honda owners can contact the company at 888-234-2138 for more information. The recall numbers for this issue are EL1 and AL0.
Once notified, owners should bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer, who will update the ECU software to correct the issue.
How the Lemon Law Can Help with Repeat Engine Stall Problems
The Lemon Law offers protection for consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that are found to be defective.
If your vehicle experiences persistent engine stalling issues that affect its safety, value, or usability, and the manufacturer or dealer fails to fix it after multiple attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
Criteria for Lemon Law Claims
To qualify for a Lemon Law claim, the following conditions typically apply:
- Warranty Coverage: The vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Reasonable Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or dealer must have made several unsuccessful attempts to repair the engine stalling issue. In California, this usually means at least two to three attempts for the same defect.
- Significant Defect: The defect must significantly impact the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Steps to Take
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates, services performed, and any communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Inform the manufacturer of the ongoing engine stall issue and your intent to pursue a Lemon Law claim.
- Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: A Lemon Law attorney can guide you through the process, helping ensure you receive either compensation or a replacement vehicle.
If your Lemon Law claim is successful, you may receive a replacement vehicle, which means the manufacturer could provide you with a new vehicle of the same make and model.
Alternatively, you may receive a refund of the purchase price, minus a deduction for the vehicle’s usage before the defect was reported.
Consulting a Lemon Law attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you are compensated fairly for your persistent engine stall issues.
Give the Lemon Law Experts a Call!
Honda has acknowledged receiving hundreds of warranty claims related to the engine stalling issue caused by a software error in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit (ECU).
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail, with recall letters expected to be sent by March 17, 2025.
They will be instructed to bring their vehicles to an authorized Honda or Acura dealership for a free software update to correct the defect.
If you are dealing with repeated engine stalling issues in your Honda or Acura, a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney can help determine whether you qualify for a Lemon Law claim.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to a vehicle replacement, a refund, or other compensation for the defect.
At the Lemon Law Experts, we have been assisting consumers with automotive defect cases since 2009.
Our team has extensive experience handling Lemon Law claims and ensuring that manufacturers are held accountable.
If your Honda or Acura continues to experience stalling problems, contact us today to discuss your legal options.
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Safety Recall Report 25V031 (2025). Retrieved from https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V031-8273.PDF
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Safety Recall Report RCAK-25V031 (2025). Retrieved from https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V031-9774.pdf
Car and Driver. “Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX Stalling Engines Lead to Recall.” Car and Driver. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63620082/honda-pilot-acura-mdx-tlx-stalling-engines-recall/
Carcomplaints.com. “Stalled Engines Lead to Recall for Acura and Honda Vehicles.” CarComplaints.com. Retrieved from https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2025/stalled-engines-recall-acura-honda-vehicles.shtml
