This voluntary recall, announced by the carmaker on Friday, affects around 406,000 vehicles in the United States. The problem is linked to a supplier error that could cause wheel nuts to loosen and detach during normal driving.
The issue highlights the importance of vehicle safety recalls, as well as the challenges carmakers face in maintaining quality control across large production runs. In this case, the recall was prompted by a flaw in a specific component, the accessory 18-inch alloy wheels. While no accidents or injuries have been reported, Honda has urged owners of affected cars to take immediate action and have their vehicles inspected to ensure their safety.
Manufacturing Flaw Leads to Risk of Detached Wheels
According to Honda, the recall stems from a manufacturing error made by a supplier. The problem lies in the installation of steel lug seat inserts into the wheels. These inserts are crucial for properly securing the lug nuts, and a mistake during their installation has caused them to fail to meet the required specifications. In particular, the nut-seating surface of the wheels may deform under normal driving conditions, causing the lug nuts to loosen and, in some cases, the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
While the recall affects over 400,000 vehicles, only a small subset of these cars (around 3,276 vehicles) is equipped with the defective wheels. Honda clarified that only Civics fitted with 18-inch accessory alloy wheels manufactured by the supplier are at risk. The company has assured the public that, as of the latest update on November 7, it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries linked to the faulty wheels.
The carmaker has moved quickly to address the issue, offering affected owners free inspections and, where necessary, wheel replacements at authorised Honda dealerships. Honda dealers are expected to conduct thorough inspections of the wheels and, if necessary, replace the wheels and associated hubs to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Affected Models and What Owners Need to Do
The recall specifically targets Civics from the 2016 to 2021 model years. For owners concerned that their vehicle may be affected, Honda has provided several avenues for checking whether their car is included in the recall. The easiest way to confirm is by visiting the Honda recalls website, where owners can input their vehicle identification number (VIN). Alternatively, they can contact Honda’s customer service at 1-888-234-2138 for assistance.
Honda has pledged to notify affected vehicle owners directly, with letters expected to be sent by December 8. The recall, listed under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall number 25E071, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and reliability of its vehicles.
For most owners, the process will involve a straightforward visit to a Honda dealership, where technicians will inspect the wheels and replace any that are defective at no cost. Honda has stressed that it is committed to resolving the issue swiftly to prevent any risk to driver safety, with dealers fully equipped to address the situation as quickly as possible.
