2024 Honda ZR-V 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · VX24 LSK

UK-specification Honda ZR-V e:HEV models built between October 2022 and May 2024 are subject to a critical steering gearbox recall. Due to an improperly conditioned internal worm wheel, the nylon polymer absorbs atmospheric humidity and swells under operating temperatures. Combined with excessive factory spring preload, this squeezes out the lubricant and creates elevated static friction in the steering gearbox. Drivers experience a distinct sticky resistance when making small directional corrections at speeds above 40 mph, followed by a jerky release that makes straight-line tracking difficult.

The ZR-V e:HEV relies on an auxiliary 12V battery located under the boot floor to energise the vehicle computing modules and engage the main lithium-ion battery contactors. When parked unused for two or three weeks, background quiescent drain from the keyless walk-away locking system, handsfree tailgate sensors, and connected telematics rapidly discharges the small auxiliary battery. Once voltage drops below critical operating thresholds, the vehicle enters an unbootable state with rapid dashboard error chimes and locked transmission controls, requiring a jump pack to initialise.

The Honda Sensing driver assistance suite in the ZR-V relies on a monocular wide-angle windscreen camera to deliver autonomous emergency braking (CMBS) and road departure mitigation. On damp UK roads with low winter sun, road spray, or dirty windscreen glass, the system can misinterpret bridge shadows or parked cars on narrow residential streets as solid obstacles. This triggers piercing dashboard audio chimes and sudden brief emergency braking interventions ('ghost braking'). Keeping the windscreen glass immaculate and running dealer camera calibrations rectifies erratic alerts.