Safety Recall NHTSA · 12V436000 Reported September 5, 2012

Accessory trailer hitch wiring harness

Honda (american Honda Motor Co.) · Electrical System · 5,216 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
12V436000
Manufacturer Campaign
S53
Component
Electrical System
Vehicles Affected
5,216
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
September 5, 2012

Defect Summary

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. the wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. as a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. this does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Safety Consequence

Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began on september 20, 2012. owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Honda (american Honda Motor Co.) dealer and reference recall ID 12V436000 or campaign S53.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Honda (american Honda Motor Co.) or involving Electrical System.

FAQ: Recall 12V436000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 12V436000?

NHTSA recall 12V436000 was issued by Honda (american Honda Motor Co.) on September 5, 2012. It addresses: Accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The recall affects approximately 5,216 vehicles, with the defect involving the Electrical System component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Honda (american Honda Motor Co.) dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 12V436000 or the manufacturer campaign number S53. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.