Honda has recently announced a recall of several models due to a problem with the hood latch that poses a significant safety risk. The cause of the problem is a poor design that creates a large gap between the hood and the vehicle grille, which weakens and separates the hood latch striker when too much air enters this space. This can result in the hood opening completely while the vehicle is in motion.
This issue poses a risk to the safety of drivers and passengers, as the hood of the vehicle could unexpectedly open while driving, leading to a potential accident or injury. Honda has urged affected drivers to take immediate action by scheduling a visit to their local dealership to have their vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Honda Hood Latch Recall Overview
In December 2021, Honda recalled nearly 725,000 vehicles because the hoods of these vehicles can suddenly open while driving. The automaker says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the hood latch, however, over 116 relevant warranty claims have been filed by drivers. Honda has been investigating the hood latch problem since July 2016 and first issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding the issue in December 2017.
How do I know if my Honda is affected?
The Hood latch issues are primarily the result of poor hood latch design. There is a large gap between the hood and the vehicle grille in affected cars. If too much air enters this space, the hood latch striker can weaken and separate, which can cause the hood to open while the vehicle is moving. Honda attributes the problem to a possible manufacturing defect.
Which models are affected?
The following Honda vehicles are included in the Honda Hood Recall:
- 2016-2019 Pilot
- 2017-2020 Ridgeline
- 2019 Passport
To know if your Honda vehicle has any current recalls, you can insert your car’s digital vehicle identification number (VIN) into this tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can also check if your vehicle is included in any active recalls through Honda’s recall site. Note that Hood latch recall repairs do not cost any money if you have them performed at an authorized Honda dealer.
Can you drive with a hood not latched?
You should not drive with a hood that is not latched properly. The hood is an essential safety feature that covers and protects the engine, and if it’s not securely latched, it can fly up and obstruct your vision while driving, leading to a potentially dangerous situation for you and others on the road.
An unlatched hood can also cause severe damage to your vehicle’s engine, as it can bounce up and down while driving, allowing debris to get into the engine compartment and potentially cause significant damage.
It is critical to make sure that your vehicle’s hood is securely latched before driving. If you notice any issues with the hood latch, such as difficulty closing or a loose fit, it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to prevent any potential safety hazards on the road.
What should you do if your Honda has a faulty hood latch?
If you are experiencing issues with your hood latch, take your vehicle in for repairs to an authorized Honda service department. A faulty hood latch poses a substantial safety concern and you should present it for repairs. If you do present your Honda for repairs, make sure to get copies of any and all of your repair orders from the dealership and make sure that the service personnel accurately report your complaints on the repair orders.
If you have presented your Honda for 2 or more repairs related to the faulty hood latch on your Honda, you can consult with our team of Lemon Law Experts who will provide you with a free consultation to see if your case qualifies under the California Lemon Law.
What are my options?
If you own or lease a Honda vehicle with a faulty hood, it is important to understand your legal options to recover damages under the California Lemon Law.
Dealing with a car with manufacturing defects can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Fortunately, our lemon law firm can help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve. We have a team of experienced lawyers who specialize in lemon law cases and can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need.
What are the possible remedies under the California Lemon Law?
If your Honda is a lemon, you will be entitled to a repurchase or replacement vehicle from Honda. A refund consists of the reimbursement of all monies you spent on the Honda including your down payment, monthly payments and any incidental expenses related to the lemon vehicle.
Honda will be allowed to deduce a usage fee from the refund which is a value for the time that you drove the Honda without any issues. With the refund, Honda will also pay off any remaining loan balance on the vehicle and Honda will pay for 100% of your attorneys fees and costs. This makes pursuing a California Lemon Law claim a right and easy decision since you will not come out of pocket for your attorneys fees and costs.
Next Steps?
If you purchase or leased a Honda in California and are experiencing issues with your vehicle, the Lemon Law Experts may be able to help. We understand the complexities of lemon law cases and have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case, as one of the state’s top lemon law firms. Our team is here to review your case and confirm your eligibility, at no cost or obligation to you. Contact us today to find out more about your options.
