There have been industrywide concerns relating to the performance of accelerators on many vehicles over the last decade. Honda has experienced these issues with many of its vehicles. Problems have included sudden or involuntary acceleration and stuck or rigid accelerator pedals. The NHTSA, a regulating body that administers vehicle safety requirements throughout the U.S., has investigated such problems at length. An increased number of incidents have been reported by consumers in the last five years.
There have been reports of the Honda Accord gas-electric hybrid model suffering instances of independent acceleration. This involves the car accelerating without pressure after the application of the brakes. In certain incidences, the braking power initially was lost prior to a sudden and unexpected burst of engine acceleration. Investigations have shown that this typically happens when vehicles are driven over uneven surfaces. Given the nature and volume of complaints, further checks may be performed on the model to ensure adequate performance.
Earlier models of the Honda Accord also suffered intermittent accelerator problems. The most common was the rigidity and fixed nature of the accelerator pedal after an extended period of idleness (reported in the 2001 model). This issue is widespread among many car manufacturers, especially those that produce fuel-injected models. It can be caused by wear to the throttle plate and pedals and can be fixed by lubricating them with a light oil. Although this can help relieve the symptoms of the problem, the throttle and accelerator may still require professional attention.
Customer reports concerning the 2004 Honda Pilot suggest the vehicle is prone to sudden acceleration and speed regulation issues. A minimal amount of pressure applied to the accelerator pedal causes a disproportionate amount of speed. This poses a hazard in tight spaces and when maneuvering the vehicle out of parking spaces. The unpredictability of the accelerator and throttle function of the 2004 model persisted to a lesser degree in the 2005 Honda Pilot. Consumers reported that the vehicle can accelerate while the driver is braking.
