Honda has announced a major recall affecting approximately 256,000 Accord Hybrid vehicles in the United States. The company says a software problem could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power while driving, increasing the risk of an accident or injury.
The recall affects certain Accord Hybrid models from model years 2023, 2024 and 2025. According to a statement from Honda, the problem is related to the car’s central processing unit, or CPU, which is part of the vehicle’s Integrated Control Module, also known as the ICM.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explained in its official report that the software bug could cause the CPU to reset unexpectedly while the car is moving. This reset can disable important systems, including engine power, which can cause the vehicle to suddenly lose propulsion power.
Recall alert: Honda is recalling more than 256,600 of its Accord Hybrid vehicles in the US due to a software bug that could result in a sudden loss of propulsion power. https://t.co/BzfzGex0iZ
— ABC News (@ABC) November 18, 2025
NHTSA stated that the cause of the problem stemmed from a vendor’s incorrect software programming. The vendor allegedly misunderstood how the ICM was supposed to work and designed software that misinterpreted minor communications problems as major CPU failures. As a result, the system caused unnecessary resets, sometimes while the car was moving.
Additionally, the report said new features added to the system increase the amount of electricity flowing through the unit. This created what engineers call “electrical noise,” which exacerbated communications problems and caused even more false alarms.
According to Honda, there have been 832 warranty claims related to this defect to date. These claims were filed between December 2022 and October 2025. However, according to NHTSA, no injuries or deaths were reported as of November 6.
BREAKING REPORT: Honda is issuing a MASSIVE RECALL on Accord Hybrids due to a software bug that could lead to loss of propulsion power at any time.
Should Honda recall affected Accord Hybrid vehicles due to the software issue?
Federal safety regulators say the recall applies to certain Accord Hybrid vehicles from model years 2023 through 2025.
256,000 Accord Hybrid models… pic.twitter.com/zk32bRyuMR
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 19, 2025
To resolve the problem, Honda dealers will reprogram the software for free. Honda said they are taking the recall seriously and will be contacting vehicle owners to inform them of the situation.
Notification letters are expected to be sent to the owner starting January 5, 2026. In the meantime, Honda owners who believe they may be affected can call Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Additionally, drivers can look up their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Honda’s internal recall number for this problem is TN2. The affected VINs are expected to be searchable on the site starting November 18, 2025.
This recall adds to a growing list of software-related issues seen in the automotive industry in recent years, especially as vehicles become more advanced and rely heavily on electronics. While this particular issue is related to hybrids, it’s a reminder of how complex automotive technology has become – and how one small programming error can cause major problems.
For now, owners of 2023-2025 Accord Hybrids are encouraged to take action as soon as they receive a notification. By having the software updated at a dealer, further problems down the road can be prevented.
Fox Business
