If they drive a 2023–2025 Accord Hybrid, they need to know Honda recalled about 256,000 vehicles because a software error in the Integrated Control Module can reset while driving and cause a loss of power, increasing crash risk. Honda is asking owners to get the ICM reprogrammed at an authorized dealer to fix the issue at no charge.
This post explains why the recall happened, which models and model years are affected, and the exact steps owners should take to check VIN eligibility and schedule the free software update with a dealer.
Why Honda Recalled Over 250,000 Vehicles
The recall targets a specific software defect that can interrupt vehicle power and affect braking behavior on certain recent models. Dealers will update control software free of charge to fix the problem.
The Specific Issue: Software Error and Crash Risk
Honda identified improper software programming in the Integrated Control Module (ICM) supplied by a third-party vendor. The flawed ICM software can reset while the vehicle is in operation, which may cause the vehicle to lose drive power or otherwise behave unexpectedly.
Regulators flagged the issue because a sudden reset or loss of power increases the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the recall listed as a safety campaign due to that crash risk.
Affected vehicles receive a reprogramming of the ICM to updated firmware. Dealers will perform the reprogramming at no cost to owners. American Honda reported no confirmed crash-related injuries tied to this defect at the time of the recall announcement.
What Models and Years Are Affected
The recall covers approximately 256,000 U.S. vehicles, primarily 2023–2025 model-year Honda Accord Hybrid cars. Owners can confirm whether a specific VIN is affected by checking Honda’s recall lookup or contacting an authorized dealer.
Other media reports mention related recalls for different Honda and Acura models with separate software or mechanical issues, but this specific campaign focuses on Accord Hybrid vehicles with the ICM programming error. Registered owners will receive mailed notifications instructing them to schedule the reprogramming.
Dealers will update the ICM software; no hardware replacement is generally required for this program. For immediate verification, owners can call Honda’s recall line or use the vehicle-specific online lookup referenced in Honda’s recall notice.
How the Software Glitch Puts Drivers at Risk
When the ICM resets in use, the vehicle can experience a loss of power while driving or reduced engine response. That sudden loss of drive power can leave a driver unable to accelerate or maintain speed, which raises the likelihood of a collision in merging, passing, or stop-and-go situations.
Loss of power may also affect vehicle systems that rely on the ICM for coordinated control, potentially degrading braking or stability assistance during the reset event. The unpredictability of when the reset occurs makes the issue hazardous because drivers cannot reliably anticipate or compensate.
Honda’s remedy—reprogramming the ICM with corrected software—directly targets the improper software programming by the supplier. Owners are advised to schedule the update promptly with an authorized Honda dealer to remove the elevated risk of losing power while driving.
How Owners Can Respond to the Recall
Owners should confirm whether their specific VIN is affected, schedule a free dealer appointment if needed, and expect a software reprogram that dealers will perform at no charge. They can use official online tools and call Honda for help if they prefer phone assistance.
Checking If Your Vehicle Is Involved
They should start by entering their 17-character VIN into Honda’s recall lookup tool to confirm status. The recall lookup on the Honda Owners site will show whether the 2023–2025 Accord Hybrid VIN is included and list the remedy if open.
If owners prefer the federal database, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN search also shows open recalls and includes the NHTSA recall ID.
If the VIN shows an open recall, owners will receive a mailed notice. They can also call Honda at the recall number listed on the manufacturer page for help locating their VIN or interpreting the recall details.
What to Expect During the Software Fix
Authorized Honda dealers will perform a reprogram of the Integrated Control Module (ICM) software free of charge. The procedure typically involves connecting the vehicle to a dealer scan tool, downloading the updated calibration, and applying the reflash; it usually takes under an hour, though appointment times vary by dealer.
Dealers will verify the VIN, complete the repair, and update the vehicle’s service records. Owners should bring proof of ownership and the recall notice if they have it. If a vehicle shows symptoms (stutter, loss of drive power), owners should avoid driving it to reduce risk and request priority service.
Timeline and Owner Notification Details
American Honda began making the improved software available to dealers immediately, and owner notification letters were scheduled to be mailed in early January according to regulatory filings. Dealers can already apply the fix; owners need not wait for the letter if the VIN lookup shows an open recall.
For follow-up, owners should check the Honda recall lookup or the NHTSA site periodically until their VIN shows “remedy available” and then call their nearest authorized Honda dealer to schedule the free repair. If dealers report delays, owners can escalate by contacting Honda customer service or filing an inquiry through the NHTSA portal.
Relevant links: Honda’s recall lookup is available at the Honda Owners recall search and federal recall details are on the NHTSA recall report coverage.
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