Honda is recalling 625,762 2003-2008 Accord and Tl vehicles for power-steering-hose leaks under recall 12V222. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda recall 12V222 covers 625,762 2003-2008 Accord and Tl vehicles because prolonged under-hood heat can crack the power steering hose and let fluid leak. That fluid can reach a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and raising the risk of an under-hood fire; the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose on the 2003-2008 Honda Accord and Tl carries pressurized power steering fluid from the pump through the steering assist system. That fluid pressure helps reduce steering effort when you turn the wheel, especially at low speed or while parking. The hose has to hold pressure while sitting near engine heat.
On affected vehicles, prolonged under-hood heat and high power steering fluid temperatures break down the hose earlier than intended. As the hose deteriorates, cracks form in the material. Power steering fluid then leaks out through those cracks, leaving less fluid available for the steering assist system.
There is no warning sign before failure. If fluid has already leaked, an owner can notice low power steering fluid, fluid spots under the front of the vehicle, or steering that feels heavier than usual.
Who's affected?
Spans Accord and Tl sedans across the 2003-2008 model years, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2006 Honda Accord | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Honda Accord | power steering system |
| 2005 Honda Accord | power steering system |
| 2004 Honda Accord | power steering system |
| 2003 Honda Accord | power steering system |
| 2007 Acura Tl | power steering system |
| 2008 Acura Tl | power steering system |
| Units affected | 625,762 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, causing smoke and creating a risk of an under-hood fire. If you see smoke from the engine area, pull over safely, shut the vehicle off, and call a Honda dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2008 Honda Accord or Tl is included in this recall.
- Wait for Honda's owner notice or a dealer parts confirmation before scheduling the repair.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to ask about the free heat-resistant power-steering-hose repair that fixes the fluid leak risk near the catalytic converter.
- Reference recall number 12V222 when you call the dealer.
- Watch for smoke, a burning smell, or power-steering fluid under the vehicle, and stop driving if those signs appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician installs a new heat resistant power steering hose. The free remedy replaces the original hose, which can deteriorate from prolonged under hood and power steering fluid heat, then crack and leak fluid. Honda's filing said parts were not available for every vehicle at the time of the expansion, and owners would receive another notice when parts were ready. The final dealer repair is free once available.
Timeline
| May 17, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V222?
Recall 12V222 covers 625,762 2003-2008 Honda Accord and Acura Tl vehicles with a power steering hose that can crack and leak fluid. If fluid reaches a hot catalytic converter, it can cause smoke or an under-hood fire. Honda dealers install a heat-resistant hose for free.
What should I do if my 2003-2008 Honda Accord or Acura Tl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V222. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer and ask for the free heat-resistant power steering hose replacement. Reference recall number 12V222 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Honda's remedy says dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 12V222.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter. NHTSA campaign 12V222 says that can lead to smoke and an under-hood fire. If you notice smoke, a fluid leak, or a burning smell, stop driving and contact a Honda dealer.
What if I bought this Honda used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Accord or Tl is included, then call a franchised Honda dealer with recall number 12V222 and ask for the free hose replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V222000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V222 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V222000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →