Wow, if they already had something ready to install, it means it's definitely coming but hasn't been publicly announced. Nutty that there are THIS many recalls on a Honda. Definitely more than I've ever experienced in prior Honda ownership.
hondanews.com
In addition to the above Honda announcement and NHTSA letter, some additional detail posted on the PCU Software recall:The dealer will update the PCU software program for free. Software update is available as of December 17, 2020.
Statement by American Honda Regarding Hybrid Power Control Unit Software Recall: 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2020-2021 Honda Insight
Honda will voluntarily recall 27,838 model-year 2020 Accord Hybrid, 2020 CR-V Hybrid and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles in the United States to update software in the Hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU).
I don't understand. If the problem is defective transistors in the PCU, shouldn't Honda have to replace the PCU - or at least whatever component(s) that contain(s) the defective transistors? This sounds like they are doing a software programming kludge to ignore a potential fault condition caused by a hardware defect. What am I missing here?Model - Dates of Manufacture
Honda Insight 2020 10/21/2019 to 05/13/2020
Honda Insight 2021 05/18/2020 to 06/01/2020
Only certain vehicles with a power converter unit (PCU) installed that contains transistors with a high concentration of dopant injections are included in the recall. Similar vehicles not included in the recall had PCUs installed that contain transistors with an appropriate concentration of dopant injections.
Percentage of affected vehicles that contain the defect: 2%
Honda launched investigations in the U.S. and several global markets that received reports of DC-DC converter failure. The supplier’s assembly processes were evaluated, and Honda found that there were no specifications for the application of dopant injections to the transistors on the DC-DC converter. The supplier began monitoring for high concentrations of dopant injections in the transistors, which Honda identified to be the cause of the increased voltage in the DC-DC converter in low ambient temperatures. The increased voltage inadvertently activated a test circuit only used during vehicle manufacturing, which amplified the DC-DC converter voltage output. Voltage output above the system’s threshold could result in over voltage and shut down the DC-DC converter.
Honda examined the multitude of scenarios potentially occurring due to DC-DC converter failure and the inability to recharge the 12-volt battery. The failure mode was also confirmed during re-creation testing in different hybrid electric vehicle models installed with the same PCU and DC-DC converter.
Honda determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed and decided to conduct a safety recall. As of December 10, 2020, Honda has received 53 warranty claims, 65 field reports, and no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue.
The dealer will update the PCU software program for free. Software update is available as of December 17, 2020.
Statement by American Honda Regarding Hybrid Power Control Unit Software Recall: 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2020-2021 Honda Insight
Honda will voluntarily recall 27,838 model-year 2020 Accord Hybrid, 2020 CR-V Hybrid and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles in the United States to update software in the Hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU).
I think you're totally right... Honda has identified a physical defect in how the transistors were produced, but (assuming transistor replacement is out of Honda tech scope) full replacement of the 2020 Insight PCU assembly (part #1B000-6L2-A21) would cost $5k at MSRP per car.
Another good point... but seems like a time allowance the NHTSA deems 'acceptable' for manufacturers to prep for executing the repairs. Similar 2-month time lag applied to the recent fuel pump recall (announced to NHTSA in May, owner notifications in July).
Did the "do not drive" messages continue to appear while you tried this? Did the engine shut off 30 times, or were you actively cycling it on and off?
It's worth asking and having your 12V battery tested. It would likely fall under base warranty rather than part of the recall though. Honda's base warranty lists the following conditions for replacement (vs original) 12V batteries:
Thank you! I'll be sure to provide this to the dealer if they have problems.... the only thing I foresee as debatable is the "defective"...define defective? Is there a threshold CCA or resting voltage that would qualify the battery as defective?
Did they at least test the 12V battery, and provide the results? Or did they not do this because there were no error messages?
No error messages and they just had the standard printout inspection sheet...no details on the actual battery.
