Honda recently issued a recall of about 725,000 Honda Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline vehicles. The recall involves the 2019 Passport, 2016-19 Pilot, and 2017-20 Ridgeline. The defect involves an issue with the hood latch striker that can result in the hood coming open while driving.
In its announcement of the recall, Honda said that it is possible for the hood latch striker to become damaged and separate from the hood. According to a Honda Service Bulletin, the issue is caused by the improper setting of the gap between the hood and the grille. The improper gap could put higher than expected loads on the hood latch. Strong air pressure forced through the gap at highway speeds causes the hood to vibrate and over time the area surrounding the striker can crack and dislodge.
According to Honda, hood vibration noises or a loose hood are potential warnings of a failing hood latch striker. There are no reports of crashes or injuries to date, but there have been over 116 warranty claims to date. If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of an accident involving a hood opening while driving in a 2019 Honda Passport, 2016-19 Honda Pilot or 2017-20 Honda Ridgeline, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or toll-free at 1‑800-870-9584