A manufacturing error has led Honda to recall more than 400,000 Civics from model years 2016 through 2021, as a particular type of alloy wheel poses a risk of detaching while driving. This recall highlights the importance of regular car maintenance and the complexities of tracking parts, especially wheels, throughout the used car market.
Identifying the Affected Vehicles
The recall primarily affects 10th-generation Civics (2016-2021) equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels manufactured by an Italian supplier. These wheels are easily identifiable by their distinctive design: a red stripe around the outer edge and 15 slim spokes in a combination of dark and silver finishes.
The Root of the Problem: A Manufacturing Oversight
The issue stems from a production error at the wheel manufacturer’s facility. During the installation of new equipment, a barrier separating finished and unfinished wheels was temporarily removed. This led to a batch of wheels being shipped without crucial steel inserts—five steel bushes—within the lug holes.
Why This Matters
The steel bushes are essential for securing the lug nuts. Without them, the lug nuts can gradually loosen while driving. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to the wheel detaching entirely, potentially resulting in a crash.
Limited Production Window
While the recall covers Civics from 2016-2021, the affected wheels were only manufactured over a relatively short period—December 2018 to 2019. This helps to narrow down the search for affected vehicles. The supplier itself ceased operations in 2023.
Honda’s Response and Repair Process
Honda is proactively contacting owners it can identify as having purchased the affected vehicles, requesting they bring their cars in for inspection.
What Happens at the Dealer?
- Wheel Inspection: Technicians will remove all four wheels to examine the presence of the steel bushes.
- Replacement: If the bushes are missing, both the affected wheels and the suspension hubs will be replaced.
- Permanent Disablement: For wheels lacking the steel bushes, technicians will drill two holes to prevent their reuse.
The Challenge of Reaching All Affected Owners
The used car market complicates the recall process significantly. Wheels are frequently bought and sold separately, and many older Civics may no longer be serviced at Honda dealerships. This makes it difficult for Honda to ensure all owners of potentially affected vehicles are notified and have their cars inspected.
The secondary market for wheels introduces a layer of uncertainty, making a complete recall a considerable challenge.
The potential for wheel detachment is a serious safety concern, emphasizing the need for owners of 2016-2021 Civics to carefully check if their vehicles have the distinctive wheels in question and to schedule an inspection if necessary. Honda’s recall efforts and the need for thorough owner diligence are critical to mitigating this risk
