Honda has issued a major safety recall affecting 256,603 Accord Hybrid vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a software bug in the hybrid system’s Integrated Control Module (ICM) could cause the car to suddenly lose drive power while driving, potentially creating a crash risk.
What’s the Problem?
According to the recall documents filed with NHTSA, the issue stems from “improper software programming by a supplier” that miscommunicated internal component specifications.
- The ICM’s CPU (central processing unit) may reset unexpectedly during operation, causing loss of drive.
- While Honda says only about 0.3% of the recalled vehicles are expected to be affected by the bug, that still represents more than 256,000 cars.
- As of November 6, 2025, Honda has received 832 warranty claims, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported to date.
Consumer Reports also confirms that Honda dealers will reprogram the software free of charge under the recall.
Timeline & Scope of the Recall
- The affected models were built between November 2022 and October 2025, based on Honda’s service bulletins.
- Honda received the first customer report about this issue in March 2024 and began investigating.
- On November 6, 2025, Honda officially confirmed the defect and filed the recall.
- Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting January 5, 2026.
- However, Honda says the updated ICM software is already available now at authorized dealerships.
Other Related Recalls for the Accord Hybrid
This isn’t the only recall affecting newer Accord Hybrids. Service bulletins show that some 2023–2024 models are also subject to a separate recall due to high-pressure fuel pump leaks.
- According to Honda’s own documents, certain high-pressure fuel pump assemblies may crack and leak, increasing the risk of engine compartment fires.
- This fuel-pump issue covers both hybrid and non-hybrid Accords built during that timeframe.
There is also a previous recall affecting 2018–2020 Accord Hybrids over a faulty fuel pump motor impeller, which could seize and disable the vehicle.
How to Check If Your Honda Accord Hybrid Is Affected
- Use Honda’s Official Recall Lookup
- Visit the Honda Owners website and go to the “Recalls” section.
- Enter your 17-character VIN (you can find it on your windshield, registration, or inside the driver-side door) to check for active recalls.
- If your vehicle shows up, the recall repair is free at any authorized Honda dealer.
- Check with the NHTSA
- Use the NHTSA VIN lookup tool on their website to verify recall status. (Recall campaign number for this issue: 25V-785, per Consumer Reports.)
- You can also call Honda’s customer service at 1-888-234-2138 for help.
- Other Third-Party Tools
- Services like VinAudit or VINCheckPro let you run a free recall check. Just input your VIN.
- These tools pull from public NHTSA data, so they often reflect up-to-date recalls.
What Owners Are Saying — Real-World Feedback
- Some Reddit users say their recall alerts appeared in the HondaLink app, but disappeared later, causing confusion.
- Others report issues beyond the software: “My 2024 Hybrid Touring … the high-pressure pump … fix it under recall,” one user posted.
- Another owner of a 2023 Accord Hybrid EX-L reported a fault with the hybrid battery’s PCU, though the part was covered under warranty.
These real-world reports highlight the importance of proactively checking your VIN, even if your app or dealership status seems ambiguous.
What to Do If Your Car Is Affected
- Schedule a Dealer Visit: If your VIN is flagged, make an appointment with your Honda dealer ASAP. They can apply the software update or inspect any fuel pump issues.
- Bring Documentation: Take your recall letter (if you’ve received one), and note any symptoms you’ve experienced (like power loss or strange noises).
- Ask About Parts: For fuel pump recalls, some users report slow parts availability. Confirm with your service center how soon they expect to fix it.
- Stay Informed: Monitor Honda and NHTSA recall sites — additional recall campaigns or updates may follow as investigations continue.
Why This Matters
- Safety Risk: Sudden power loss while driving can be dangerous, especially on highways. Even though Honda says the risk is low (0.3% of recalled units), the potential consequence warrants quick action.
- Free Repairs: Recall services like the ICM software fix or fuel pump replacement are performed at no cost, protecting owners from large out-of-pocket expenses.
- Used-Vehicle Buyers: Anyone looking to buy a used Accord Hybrid (2023–2025) should run a VIN check. Open recalls can significantly affect resale value and safety.
- Regulatory Trust: Honda’s responsiveness reflects ongoing pressure from regulators like NHTSA to maintain high safety standards — but owners must remain vigilant too.
Bottom line: If you own a 2023–2025 Honda Accord Hybrid, there’s a high chance you might be affected by this recall. Use Honda’s or NHTSA’s VIN lookup tools to confirm, and visit your dealer soon — the software fix is free, and getting it done could prevent a dangerous on-road power loss.
