Honda Avoids US Backup Camera Failure Investigation

Honda has avoided a second recall for its rear-view camera issues after the NHTSA closed its investigation, concluding that previous repairs remain effective and the wiring harnesses are durable enough for the vehicle’s lifespan.

Since 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated reports suggesting that approximately 129,092 Honda Ridgeline models, previously recalled in 2022 due to rear-view camera malfunctions, may continue to exhibit defects. The agency initially opened a recall query to examine these allegations.

In February 2025, the NHTSA escalated its inquiry to an engineering analysis, a process that could have necessitated a secondary recall for vehicles that had already undergone the 2022 repair. However, despite reports that some vehicles continued to experience rear-view camera issues post-repair, the NHTSA has officially concluded its investigation.

Regarding the original recall, Honda reported that the rear-view camera wiring harness in 2017–2019 models utilized corrugated tubing that failed to adequately prevent bending and wear over time. Furthermore, the manufacturer identified that the zip ties were not sufficiently tightened, which compromised the positioning of the tubing. To address this, Honda dealerships implemented a repair involving the installation of an improved harness featuring more robust protective tubing and more secure zip ties.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conducted a thorough investigation, which included analyzing impacted Ridgeline models, surveying vehicle owners, and inspecting units that reportedly continued to experience malfunctions following the initial recall. The investigation concluded that no new rear-view camera failures were attributable to wiring harness damage. Testing performed by the VRTC further confirmed that the replacement components are expected to remain durable throughout the reasonable lifespan of the vehicles, leading to the formal closure of the investigation.