Honda recalls over 325,000 Odyssey minivans in US for rear camera defect

Honda is initiating a recall for 325,588 Odyssey minivans in the United States, covering model years 2018 through 2020. The recall addresses a defect in the rearview camera system that can prevent the display from showing an image when the vehicle is in reverse.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that water entering the rearview camera can lead to image failure on the vehicle's display. This malfunction reduces the driver's visibility, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and potential injuries.

The affected vehicles were manufactured between January 24, 2017, and July 22, 2020. According to documentation submitted by Honda to the NHTSA, the defect stems from water entering the camera assembly, which can corrode the printed circuit board. Honda attributes this issue to a combination of design and assembly factors in the camera housing, which may develop cracks and allow water penetration after environmental exposure.

Honda will offer a free replacement of the rear camera at dealerships with an upgraded part provided by Sony. This new recall supersedes a previous one and also includes vehicles that had already been repaired with redesigned cameras from a Canadian supplier, Magna. As of June 25, Honda had received 1,648 warranty claims related to this issue, with no reports of injuries or fatalities.