The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal engineering analysis into a serious safety issue involving more than 2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles. The defect centers around the Auto Start/Stop system, a feature designed to save fuel by temporarily shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop—at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy traffic. However, instead of saving drivers money at the pump, this feature is leaving many stranded in the middle of the road.
Thousands of drivers have reported that their vehicle’s engine fails to restart after engaging the Auto Start/Stop function, leaving them immobile in traffic and sometimes requiring a jump-start just to move again. NHTSA has already received 1,348 official complaints related to this defect, including reports of four crashes and two injuries. While Honda has acknowledged the issue in part, recent developments indicate that previous solutions have not been effective—forcing the government to escalate its investigation.
This is more than just a mechanical issue—it’s a public safety concern that affects families, commuters, and anyone relying on their vehicle for daily life. If your car stalls in the wrong place at the wrong time, it could put you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. Unfortunately, many owners only discover the defect once they’ve already experienced a dangerous situation. At The Barry Law Firm, we believe consumers should never be blindsided by avoidable defects—especially in vehicles sold under the promise of safety and reliability. That’s why we’re watching this investigation closely and helping California drivers understand their rights under the state’s Lemon Law.
Affected Honda and Acura Models Span Nearly a Decade 
What makes this investigation particularly alarming is the sheer number and range of vehicles involved. The defect spans model years from 2015 all the way to 2025, covering both current vehicles and those that have been on the road for nearly a decade. That means millions of drivers—many of whom bought their cars for their reputation of safety and reliability—could be unknowingly at risk.
The Auto Start/Stop defect affects some of Honda and Acura’s best-selling and most trusted models, including:
- 2016–2025 Honda Pilot
- 2018–2025 Honda Odyssey
- 2019–2025 Honda Passport
- 2020–2025 Honda Ridgeline
- 2015–2025 Acura TLX
- 2016–2025 Acura MDX
These vehicles have become staples of family transportation, commuting, and business use across the country. Minivans like the Odyssey, SUVs like the Pilot and Passport, and crossovers like the MDX are popular for their space, reliability, and performance. Many owners use these vehicles for school drop-offs, rideshare driving, long-distance road trips, and more. The idea that such a wide range of consumers could be impacted by a recurring defect—one that stalls engines in traffic—is deeply troubling.
Because this issue affects both older used vehicles and brand-new models, it also impacts a diverse group of drivers. People who bought certified pre-owned Hondas, drivers who recently leased a new Acura, and even those who just drove a 2025 model off the lot are now realizing they could be affected. The age range also creates complications for warranties, as older models may fall outside standard coverage—leaving some owners to shoulder the cost of repairs themselves.
The widespread nature of this defect raises serious questions about quality control, engineering oversight, and how long the problem has existed without a permanent fix. It also increases the likelihood that additional models could be added to the investigation in the future, depending on the data NHTSA continues to collect. The engineering analysis is expected to dig deeper into whether Honda’s proposed solutions actually work and whether a broader recall is warranted.
Drivers of these vehicles should monitor the NHTSA investigation closely and document any issues they experience, particularly if the engine fails to restart after Auto Start/Stop activates. Even if a vehicle hasn’t been officially recalled, it may still be eligible for relief—especially in states like California that provide strong consumer protection through Lemon Law statutes.
Honda’s Fix? Software Updates and Extended Warranties—But Complaints Keep Coming
Back in June 2022, NHTSA launched a preliminary evaluation of the issue, initially focused on complaints from owners of 2016–2019 Honda Pilot models. Honda responded by issuing several technical service bulletins to its dealerships. The proposed fix included a software update, and in some cases, replacement of the starter motor assembly, starter relays, or performing a valve adjustment. For affected vehicles, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage, but only if a repair was required.
On the surface, these efforts may appear to be a step in the right direction. But for many owners, the fix didn’t work. Reports have continued to pour in from frustrated drivers who say their vehicles still fail to restart even after completing the recommended repairs. Some have experienced the issue multiple times, returning to the dealership only to be told that no issue was found or that the fix was already applied.
Drivers are growing increasingly concerned that the proposed “fix” is more of a temporary patch than a long-term solution. In many cases, the software update does not address the root cause of the issue, leaving essential mechanical components untouched. Some owners report feeling dismissed or ignored by service departments that are overwhelmed or unwilling to escalate the issue. Others are told to “wait and see” if the problem happens again, even after experiencing multiple failures. Without a consistent and transparent fix, the burden continues to fall on consumers who are left to drive vehicles they no longer trust.
As the engineering analysis progresses, federal investigators will evaluate whether Honda’s repair strategy is sufficient—or if a much broader recall is necessary to protect public safety.
What California Honda and Acura Owners Need to Know 
The Start/Stop system defect may seem like a minor annoyance—until it leaves you stranded in an intersection or unable to accelerate in fast-moving traffic. This issue is especially concerning for families, commuters, and rideshare drivers who depend on their vehicles for safe and reliable transportation throughout California.
Owners of the affected models have reported:
- The engine failing to restart after Auto Start/Stop engages
- Dash warnings flashing or disappearing inconsistently
- Being stranded at intersections, freeway exits, or in parking lots
- Having to call roadside assistance or get a jump-start
- Dealers unable to replicate or fix the issue, despite multiple visits
In California, the Lemon Law offers protection for consumers dealing with repeated vehicle defects that affect safety, use, or value. If you’ve taken your new Honda or Acura to the dealership for multiple repairs on this issue and it’s still not resolved, you may be entitled to compensation or a buyback—even if your car is not currently under warranty. As long as the issue started while still under warranty, you may be eligible for a Lemon Law claim. Many drivers don’t realize that a vehicle doesn’t need to be recalled for it to qualify as a lemon. If you’ve made multiple attempts to fix the same issue and it persists, California law is on yourside.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases—and we’ve helped thousands of clients throughout Los Angeles and across the state hold automakers accountable for selling unsafe, unreliable, or defective vehicles. We know how frustrating it is to take your car in for the same problem over and over again, only to leave the dealership with no real solution.
Why Choose The Barry Law Firm?
Lemon Law & Auto Defect Experts – We focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases and vehicle defect claims.
No Costs to You –The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees if you win your case. And at The Barry Law Firm we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable outcomes for their defective vehicles.
Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
Whether your vehicle has been stalling, failing to restart, or showing repeated warning signs with no permanent fix, you shouldn’t have to wait for an official recall. You deserve peace of mind—and we’re here to help you get it.
Contact The Barry Law Firm Today for a FAST & FREE Consultation
If you drive a Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, or any of the listed models and you’ve experienced issues with the Auto Start/Stop system, now is the time to act. California’s Lemon Law is designed to protect drivers from defects that manufacturers can’t (or won’t) fix—and we’re ready to put that law to work for you.
We offer free consultations, and we’ll review your repair history, dealership visits, and vehicle records to determine whether you qualify for a refund, replacement vehicle, or significant compensation.
You don’t have to keep risking your safety every time you pull up to a stoplight. You don’t have to wait for another failed service appointment or vague response from your dealership. We’ve helped thousands of Californians get the justice they deserve—and we can help you, too. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can get back to driving with confidence. Because at The Barry Law Firm, your case isn’t just a file—it’s your life, your safety, and your peace of mind.
Call The Barry Law Firm today or submit your case at barrylawfirm.com. Your safety matters. Your peace of mind matters. And we’re here to fight for both.
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