Recall 12V573 covers 807,161 2003-2006 Honda Odyssey, Mdx, and Pilot vehicles for a deformed ignition interlock lever. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 807,161 2003-2006 Odyssey, Pilot, and Mdx vehicles because the ignition-switch interlock lever can deform and let the key come out before the transmission is shifted to park. If that happens, the vehicle can roll away and increase crash risk; the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The ignition switch on 2003-2006 Honda Odyssey, Mdx, and Pilot vehicles includes an interlock lever tied to the automatic transmission. Its job is to keep the key and shifter in the correct order, so the vehicle is secured before the key is removed. That small lever is part of the lockout system that helps prevent an unattended vehicle from being left out of Park.
On affected vehicles, the interlock lever inside the ignition switch deforms. Once it changes shape, the switch no longer holds the interlock function as designed. The automatic-transmission lockout can then be defeated, which means the key and shift position no longer stay controlled by the same safeguard.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a light, sound, or change in how the key feels before the interlock stops working as intended.
Who's affected?
Spans Honda Odyssey and Pilot plus Acura Mdx across the 2003-2006 model years, all tied to the ignition switch.
| 2004 Honda Odyssey | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2005 Acura Mdx | electrical system |
| 2004 Honda Pilot | electrical system |
| 2004 Acura Mdx | electrical system |
| 2003 Acura Mdx | electrical system |
| 2003 Honda Odyssey | electrical system |
| 2003 Honda Pilot | electrical system |
| 2006 Acura Mdx | electrical system |
| Units affected | 807,161 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the ignition key comes out before the automatic gear selector is in park, the vehicle can roll away and increase the risk of a crash. Before leaving the seat, confirm the selector is in park and set the parking brake. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2006 Honda Odyssey, Mdx, or Pilot is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer, or an Acura dealer for an Mdx, to ask about the free ignition-switch interlock repair.
- Schedule the updated shift interlock lever installation, which fixes the ignition interlock defect that lets the key come out before the vehicle is shifted to park.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V573 when you call.
- Set the parking brake before removing the key until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair will be free once available. At the dealer, a Honda technician installs an updated shift interlock lever so the automatic transmission interlock works as intended. The technician also inspects the ignition switch and replaces any covered ignition switch part that needs replacement. Parts and labor are covered under recall 12V573. If your VIN is included, ask the dealer when the remedy work can be completed.
Timeline
| December 11, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V573?
Recall 12V573 covers 807,161 2003-2006 Honda Odyssey, Mdx, and Pilot vehicles with an ignition switch interlock lever that can deform. If the key is removed before the automatic transmission is shifted to park, the vehicle can roll away, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2003-2006 Honda Odyssey, Mdx, or Pilot is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V573. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer and ask for the updated shift interlock lever repair. Reference recall number 12V573 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Honda dealers will install an updated shift interlock lever and replace necessary ignition switch parts free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V573?
The safety risk is vehicle rollaway. If the ignition key is removed while the automatic transmission is not in park, the vehicle can move unexpectedly, increasing crash risk. Until the repair is complete, shift fully into park and set the parking brake before removing the key.
What if I bought this Honda used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Odyssey, Mdx, or Pilot is included, then contact a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall number 12V573.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V573000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V573 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V573000 |
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 →