NHTSA Complaint #11417923 — 2019 HONDA PILOT

On 4-30-21, my 2019 Honda Pilot was repaired per recall for sudden loud speaker popping. I'd complained about that issue since buying the car. I'd also complained since purchase about frequent false collision mitigation system errors some of which engaged the brakes. On Monday May 3, 2021 I was on a highway off-ramp going about 30 MPH when my steering wheel suddenly locked up, the collision mitigation system sounded, the brakes engaged, and the car began to swerve into the oncoming lane over the double yellow lines. I was momentarily unable to drive back into my own lane because the steering wheel was locked. A few seconds later, the car went back to normal and I was able to put my blinker on and pull over into the breakdown lane. I was very frightened so I took a few minutes to calm down. Luckily, there were no oncoming vehicles and no one behind me when it happened. On May 5, 2021 I was driving my vehicle on I-95 at approximately the speed limit of 65 MPH when the steering wheel again locked up, the brakes briefly auto-engaged, and the a/c unit shut off. I was in heavy traffic and was immediately concerned I would be rear-ended and/or drift into another lane causing an accident. Luckily, the steering wheel unlocked within a few seconds and the brakes stopped engaging. I was able to regain control before there was an accident. Shortly thereafter, I had the car serviced at the dealership. The mechanics said the sensor was slightly off but that didn't explain the steering wheel locking up and other symptoms. At my insistence, they dug further and consulted Honda mechanics. That research pointed them to the battery. They fixed a loose battery terminal and said that could explain the issues I was having. I learned by my own research that 2019 Honda Odysseys had a recall for a similar issue. The dealership indicated they were doing me a favor to "help you out" and this was a one-time thing. I would have to pay for any future work or escalate to Honda.