In states where de-icing agents are used on roads, American Honda is recalling 564,000 older CR-V compact crossovers, as the chemicals could cause corrosion to the frame of the vehicles.
The recall covers 2007 to 2011 CR-Vs sold or registered in salt-belt states, which include Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The recall report submitted to NHTSA on March 30 reports that de-icing agents used on roadways, along with mud and water, can enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes “when the vehicle is driven through flooded areas or puddles at high speeds.”
Gradually, the combination of elements could lead to corrosion of the frame's inner structure, and eventually the rear trailing arm could detach, according to the report.
The report says that no vehicles sold outside the salt-belt region have experienced frame corrosion up to this point.
The car manufacturer, however, mentioned it had gotten 61 customer complaints in ice-belt states from September 2018 to March 2023. The automaker reported no fatalities or injuries had been linked to the matter.
Dealers will inspect the rear frame of recalled vehicles for corrosion and determine the fix based on whether the rear trailing arm bolt can be removed. If the bolt can be taken out by technicians, a support brace will be affixed to the rear frame by dealers.
Dealers will either repair the frame or offer to repurchase the vehicle if the trailing arm bolt falls off with the support brace or the bolt can't be removed.
Honda notified dealers on March 31. Owner notifications will start May 8.
