Corrosion Risk Forces Recall of Over 65,000 Honda Accords, Potential Safety Hazard for Drivers

Owners of certain 2013 Honda Accords may soon be contacted by the manufacturer as the company initiates a safety recall affecting more than 65,000 vehicles due to a risk of drive shaft corrosion. The defect, which could lead to the failure of critical vehicle components, poses a heightened risk in states where road salt is commonly used, potentially leaving drivers stranded or causing their vehicles to roll away.

The issue stems from the use of a particular assembly lubricant during production that has been found to degrade the protective coating on the drive shafts. This deterioration makes the drive shafts vulnerable to damage from road debris and corrosion from de-icing agents, particularly in colder regions known as “salt-belt” states. Affected vehicles include only those equipped with 4-cylinder engines and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), manufactured between July 17, 2012, and February 26, 2013.

Although no injuries, deaths, or warranty claims have been reported in the United States as of June 12, 2025, Honda has chosen to proactively address the problem. The company confirmed that a corroded drive shaft could break under high torque, disabling power to the wheels or allowing the vehicle to move unintentionally if the parking brake is not set—both scenarios that significantly increase the chance of an accident or injury.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive mailed notifications starting August 11, 2025. Honda dealers will inspect the drive shafts and replace them if necessary, using components assembled with a different lubricant that does not lead to the same degradation. Those who already paid for similar repairs may be eligible for reimbursement through Honda’s recall reimbursement plan filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall, identified as NHTSA No. 25V422, builds upon an earlier investigation into similar issues (NHTSA No. 20V769). While the current recall addresses a separate batch of vehicles produced before those initially covered, it expands the safety net for consumers whose vehicles may not have previously been included.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Honda Motor Co.

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