Honda recalls nearly 564,000 crossovers in salt-belt states for frame corrosion

WASHINGTON — American Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 564,000 older CR-V compact crossovers in states that use roadway de-icing agents, which could cause frame corrosion in those vehicles.

The recall covers 2007-11 CR-V vehicles that were sold or ever registered in salt-belt states including Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and water, could enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes when the vehicle is driven through flooded areas or puddles at high speeds,” according to a recall report submitted March 30 to NHTSA.

Over time, the accumulated mixture could cause corrosion to the frame’s internal structure, and the rear trailing arm could fall off.

There have been no reports of frame corrosion on vehicles sold outside the salt-belt region, according to the report.

Honda told NHTSA, as of March 23, it had received 61 customer complaints in the U.S. between September 2018 and March 2023. The automaker said it had not received any reports of death or injuries related to this issue.

Dealers will inspect the rear frame for corrosion and determine the fix based on whether the rear trailing arm bolt can be removed. If the bolt is removable, dealers will attach a support brace to the rear frame.

Dealers will either further repair the frame or offer to repurchase the vehicle if the trailing arm bolt falls off with the support brace or if the bolt cannot be removed.

Honda notified dealers March 31. Owners will be notified starting May 8.

So far this year, Honda has issued seven recalls affecting nearly 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S., according to NHTSA data.