Electric Fail-Safe Issue: Honda Accord Recalls Over 6,700 Hybrid Vehicles In United States

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration an electrical flaw may cause the Honda Accord Hybrid (2014-2015 models) to switch to fail-safe electric vehicle mode. In this electric vehicle mode the vehicle “may” travel for about 2 miles at 40 mph, at which point the hybrid battery will discharge and the vehicle will stall. Honda Australia has also recalled the 2015 Accord Sport Hybrid.

A Statement released by American Honda Regarding Cell Voltage Sensor Recall: 2014-2015 Accord Hybrid: Honda will voluntarily recall 6,786 model-year 2014-2015 Accord Hybrid vehicles in the United States to update the hybrid system software related to the hybrid battery cell voltage sensor (CVS), free of charge. No injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was discovered through the warranty claim process.

The cell voltage sensor may not have sufficient electrical noise toughness, which may result in the CVS incorrectly interpreting electrical noise from the hybrid battery inverter and motor circuits. If the CVS incorrectly interprets the electrical noise, it can cause the vehicle to switch to a fail-safe electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the vehicle uses the electric motor for propulsion, with braking and steering functionality operating on electric power only. If the vehicle switches to fail-safe EV mode while cruising at highway speed, the internal combustion engine will shut off with visual and audible warnings and the vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power, with the maximum speed limited to approximately 40 mph.

Once in fail-safe EV mode, the vehicle may be able to travel for up to two miles at which time the hybrid battery will likely completely discharge. If the battery completely discharges while the vehicle is still in operation, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The software update will prevent misinterpretation of the noted electrical noise.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage each owner of an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in early November, 2015. Additionally, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair now by going to Honda’s website via “Recalls Honda“, or by calling (888) 234-2138.

Article: “American Honda | Amy Jones”
Editor: “M. Danmole”
Image: “Diesel Station”