Honda recalls 406,000 vehicles for potentially deadly flaw

Honda has issued an urgent recall affecting more than 406,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potentially dangerous defect that could increase the risk of crashes, injuries, or death.

The recall, announced on Oct. 31 through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involves Honda Civic models spanning six model years.

The problem involves wheels that could come loose and even detach from the vehicle. While no injuries or accidents have been reported so far, the company warned that loose or missing lug seat inserts could cause the wheel nuts to loosen over time, potentially leading to wheel separation during use.

The recall underscores how a small manufacturing error can have large-scale safety and financial consequences — especially when it affects one of the most popular compact cars in the U.S. market.

Here are the details of the recall, according to NHTSA:

Recall details:

• Product name: Honda Civic passenger vehicles
• Model years affected: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
• Number of vehicles recalled: 406,290
• Component involved: 18-inch alloy wheels
• Reason for recall: Missing or improperly installed steel lug seat inserts that may cause wheel nuts to loosen and wheels to detach from the vehicle
• Where the cars were sold: U.S. Honda dealerships nationwide
• Manufacturer of the affected part: Wheel supplier factory in Italy (now closed)
• What consumers should do: Owners will be notified by mail and can visit their local Honda dealer for inspection and free replacement wheels

According to the recall notice, the defect originated when a factory worker at the wheel supplier’s facility in Italy moved a safety fence that separated finished wheels from unfinished ones, according to a safety recall report. Some unfinished wheels — missing the crucial press-fitted lug seat inserts — were mistakenly shipped as completed products and distributed across several markets.

Related: Voluntary vs. mandatory food recalls: what you should know

Honda said it first learned of the issue in July 2024, when a missing insert was discovered during a routine inspection in Japan. The company conducted a global investigation, determining that U.S. vehicles could also be at risk, it said in a company announcement.

The automaker has since corrected its quality assurance process and noted that the Italian wheel supplier’s manufacturing department shut down in 2023.

Honda has not reported any crashes or injuries related to the defect, but is urging owners to take action as soon as they receive recall notifications.

Recent auto recalls

The Honda recall adds to a growing list of large-scale vehicle recalls in 2025, as automakers grapple with complex global supply chains and increased regulatory scrutiny.

According to NHTSA data, more than 25 million vehicles have been recalled in the U.S. so far this year. Many recalls are tied to component manufacturing errors, sometimes by outside manufacturers, rather than design flaws.

Wheel, brake, and steering component recalls have seen double-digit increases as automakers outsource more production to the third-party suppliers.

Major car recalls in 2025

• Polestar: 27,816 units recalled in the U.S. due to a rear‐view camera malfunction that may not display when the car is in reverse.
  Source: Reuters
• Toyota: 393,838 Tundra & Sequoia recalled in the U.S. due to rear‑view camera display not working when backing up, increasing crash risk.
  Source: APNews
• Tesla: 12,963 Model 3 & Model Y vehicles recalled in the U.S. due to a battery pack contactor defect which may cause sudden loss of propulsion while driving.
  Source: Car and Driver
• Chrysler / Jeep: 528,221 Wrangler & Grand Cherokee Plug‑In Hybrids + 91,844 Grand Cherokee recalled for a battery defect that can lead to fire.
  Source: AP News

The business cost of recalls

Recalls can have major financial repercussions, not only in repair and logistics expenses, but also in brand trust and long-term consumer loyalty. Honda stock remained stable in early November trading, suggesting investors view the issue as contained.

Automotive recalls are expensive for manufacturers

• The quarterly Sedgwick “U.S. Product Safety & Recall Index” confirms that the number of recalled units from key industries rose sharply (e.g., a 25% increase in units in Q1 2025).
  Source: Sedgwick
• A survey by YouGov shows that following food recalls, 31% of consumers reported a moderate loss of trust in the brand, and 16% said it had a strong impact on their trust.
  Source: YouGov
• The average amount a manufacturer pays to a dealer for a recall is around $350 per vehicle, but this only covers the manufacturer-to-dealer payment, not the full cost of completing the recall.
  Source: DealershipGuy

What Honda owners should know

Honda owners can check whether their vehicles are affected by visiting nhtsa.gov/recalls or by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Honda’s recall lookup site.

Drivers should stop driving if they experience unusual vibrations, noise, or handling issues with their Honda vehicle. Dealerships will replace faulty wheels free of charge once parts are available.

Consumers with questions can contact referencing recall number 24V-704.

Related: FDA expands urgent baby formula recall to all products made by one manufacturer