NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V301
Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Components FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Potential Number of Units Affected 19,502
Activation of Collision Mitigation Braking System
If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles.
In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge.
The recall began on July 6, 2015.
Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238.
Honda’s numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your Acura has a Recall
B15-029
June 13, 2015
01977 Version 3
Safety Recall: MDX CMBS Error
Supersedes 15-029, dated May 19, 2015, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
| Year | Model | Trim | VIN range |
| 2014–15 | MDX | Advance and
Advance SH-AWD |
Check the iN VIN status for eligibility |
REVISION SUMMARY
Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the description was updated.
BACKGROUND
Under certain specific driving conditions, the collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) could lock on an incorrect target. If this occurs, the CMBS may apply the brakes in an attempt to stop the vehicle. If the vehicle suddenly slows or comes to a stop, it could increase the risk of a crash.
If you have a client who is concerned about the CMBS activating before the software update can be done, you can direct them to turn it off by pressing the CMBS OFF button for about a second. The CMBS indicator in the instrument panel will come on and stay on until the CMBS OFF button is pressed again to turn the system on.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the ACC/CMBS software.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
| Operation Number | Description | Flat Rate Time | Template ID | Failed Part Number |
| 4815D3 | Update the ACC/CMBS software. Includes brake light (ACC) relay test. | 0.4 hr | 15-029N | 36700-TZ6-A02 |
Defect Code: 5UV00
Symptom Code: JQ400
Skill Level: Repair Technician
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE: Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the HDS or MVCI are not covered under warranty.
MVCI Control Module (CM) Update:
Application Version 3.01.40 or later
Database update 11-MAY-2015 or later
NOTE: The database update can be updated while the application version remains the same. Make sure you check the database update before doing the ACC/CMBS update.
HDS Software Version:
3.016.023 or later
Before beginning the repair, make sure that both the HDS and MVCI are updated as listed above. Do only the update listed in this service bulletin.
Check that the MVCI indicates the applicable program ID listed below (or a later program ID) as the Available Update when the update begins.
If the MVCI displays This vehicle does not need an update at this time during the update, the software for this service bulletin is already installed.
For more information about updating the HDS, the MVCI, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
| Year/Model | Program ID (or later) | Program P/N (or later) | System to Update |
| 2014–15 MDX 2WD | TZ5305 | 36707-TZ5-3050 | ACC/CMBS |
| 2014–15 MDX SH-AWD | TZ6305 | 36707-TZ6-3050 | ACC/CMBS |
REPAIR PROCEDURE
- Update the ACC/CMBS software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
NOTE: Make sure the MVCI database update is 11-MAY-2015 or later.
- After the MVCI updates the ACC/CMBS, connect the HDS to the vehicle.
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button to select the OFF power mode.
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button to select the ON power mode.
- Start the engine.
- Using the HDS, go to DRIVING SUPPORT and select ACC, then select FUNCTION TEST.
- Do the Brake Light (ACC Relay)
NOTE: During the test, the number 108 appears on the MID and the brake lights are on.
- Using the HDS, check for DTC B2A00-52.
- If DTC B2A00-52 is stored, do the applicable troubleshooting. Refer to the electronic service manual.
- If DTC B2A00-52 is not stored, the update is complete.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCRIT-15V301-7709.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCONL-15V301-4918.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCONL-15V301-7721.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RMISC-15V301-8257.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCAK-15V301-9796.pdf
i-HDS Diagnostic Software and J2534 Reprogramming Software
Honda J2534 Pass-Thru User Guide
Honda J2534 Pass-Thru Software Download
Vehicle Communication Interfaces (VCI)
The i-HDS software supports the use of a generic pass-thru VCI that is compliant with SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2. However, Honda recommends the Denso DST-i or the Bosch MVCI for use on Honda and Acura vehicles, as Honda has worked closely with these manufacturers to ensure their hardware and our software interact safely and within the J2534-1 and -2 specifications, for both diagnostics and reprogramming. If you choose to use a generic VCI, please carefully consider the customer and technical support options you will receive from your chosen device supplier. Honda does not provide technical or customer support for generic VCI devices. 
The VCI Application Table below lists devices that either are approved and supported by Honda or are known to have completed and passed an independent, exhaustive validation program with our i-HDS software suite.
| Manufacturer | VCI Name | Version Information | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmware | J2534 API | |||
| DENSO | DST-i | 2.00.0010* | 04.04 | This is the current generation VCI used by Honda and Acura dealers. Honda routinely validates the functionality and provides customer support for this device. |
| Bosch | MVCI | 3.01.54* | 04.04 | This is the previous generation VCI used by Honda and Acura dealers. Honda routinely validates the functionality and provides customer support for this device. |
| Drew Technologies | MongoosePro Honda | 1.7.7** | 04.04 | This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device. |
| Dearborn Group | d-briDGe Pro |
3.303** | 04.04 | This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device. |
* These versions may have been superseded. Honda provides the latest supported versions to current i-HDS subscribers.
** Version used in validation program. See Terms and Conditions and Important Notice Regarding Reprogramming below for more details.
DST-i Information:
MVCI Information:
