NHTSA Closes Investigation Into Honda's Rearview Camera Recall
Agency finds replacement wiring harness resolves durability concerns in affected Ridgeline trucks.
1Recall investigation closure
The NHTSA has concluded its 3-year investigation into Honda's 2022 recall of 117,000 Ridgeline trucks for rearview camera failures. Testing confirmed the replacement wire harness installed during recall repairs doesn't develop the same wear-related failures as the original part. This final determination comes after extensive durability testing and vehicle inspections by the agency's Vehicle Research and Test Center in Ohio.
2Original defect mechanism
The recall addressed a design flaw where repeated tailgate openings caused the rearview camera's wiring harness to wear and break. This failure could disable the backup camera system, a critical safety feature mandated in all US vehicles since 2018. Honda's 2022 recall campaign replaced the harness with an improved part designed to withstand normal usage cycles without degradation.
3NHTSA's testing methodology
The agency conducted rigorous testing to validate the recall's effectiveness, including owner surveys in Ohio, physical vehicle inspections, and lab durability tests. Investigators attempted to replicate the original failure mode but couldn't induce similar wear in the replacement harnesses. The NHTSA also found most post-recall camera complaints stemmed from unrelated electrical issues.
4Recall repair timeline
Honda faced implementation challenges, with parts unavailable until August 2023 - eight months after notifying owners. The repair involves replacing the tailgate wiring harness, a 90-minute procedure performed free at dealerships. Owners can check recall status using Honda's online VIN lookup tool, which identifies affected vehicles and schedules repairs.
5Regulatory oversight process
The NHTSA's Recall Query began in June 2024, upgraded to an Engineering Analysis in February 2025. This multi-phase investigation examined whether the recall adequately addressed long-term reliability concerns. The process reflects standard regulatory practice for monitoring major automotive safety recalls and their real-world effectiveness.
6Impact on Honda owners
With the investigation closed, Ridgeline owners can be confident the recall repair provides a permanent solution. The NHTSA's findings mean no additional actions are required beyond the existing recall campaign. This resolution benefits both consumers and Honda, closing a lingering quality issue affecting 2019-2022 model year trucks.
7Automotive safety implications
The case highlights the importance of post-recall monitoring by regulators. Backup cameras became mandatory safety equipment in 2018, making their reliability critical. The NHTSA's engineering analysis sets a precedent for evaluating whether recall fixes truly address root causes versus providing temporary solutions.
8Industry-wide significance
This investigation demonstrates how regulators verify automakers' recall remedies. The NHTSA's inability to replicate failures with replacement parts validates Honda's engineering solution. Such closures provide valuable data for future defect investigations and help refine automotive safety standards across the industry.
Original article: SlashGear — NHTSA Closes Investigation Into Honda's Rearview Camera Recall