What Caused the Honda Civic Recall?
According to Honda, a steel lug-seat insert in some 18-inch accessory wheels may not have been properly installed during manufacturing. This could allow the wheel’s lug nuts to loosen over time, potentially leading to wheel detachment while driving.
The defect originated at a supplier facility in Italy, where production safeguards were briefly removed, allowing unfinished wheels to bypass final inspection.
Which Honda Civics Are Affected?
| Model | Model Years | Region | Wheel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 2016–2021 | United States | 18-inch alloy accessory wheels (dealer-installed) |
While 406,290 vehicles fall under the recall, only about 3,276 units are expected to have the defective wheels installed. Standard factory wheels are not affected.
Potential Safety Risks
- Wheel detachment while driving
- Loss of vehicle control
- Increased crash risk and road debris hazards
Although no accidents or injuries have been reported, Honda advises affected owners to act immediately.
What Honda Owners Should Do
- Check your VIN at the NHTSA Recall Page or Honda Recall Lookup.
- Inspect your wheels — if you have 18-inch accessory wheels, contact your Honda dealer.
- Schedule a free inspection — Honda will replace the affected wheel and hub assembly at no cost.
- Wait for your recall letter — notifications will begin mailing on December 8, 2025.
Technical Details
- Defect: Loose or improperly pressed lug-seat insert
- Supplier: Italian manufacturing facility
- Consequence: Potential wheel loosening or detachment
- Remedy: Wheel and hub replacement (free of charge)
- Notification start date: December 8, 2025
Honda’s Official Statement
Honda stated the recall is being conducted “out of an abundance of caution.” The company reaffirmed its commitment to safety and noted that only a small fraction of vehicles are likely to have the faulty wheels.
How to Identify the Accessory Wheel
The affected wheels are 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels featuring a polished, five-split-spoke design. They were typically sold as dealer-installed accessories or optional upgrades.
Timeline of the Recall
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Defect identified at supplier | Mid-2025 |
| Recall filed with NHTSA | November 7, 2025 |
| Owner notifications begin | December 8, 2025 |
| Dealer repairs available | Ongoing |
Key Takeaways
- Over 406,000 Civics (2016–2021) included in the recall
- Defect limited to 18-inch accessory wheels
- No injuries or crashes reported
- Free repairs and inspections available nationwide
Final Thoughts
Even though only a small number of vehicles are at risk, the severity of the defect makes prompt action essential. If you drive a 2016–2021 Honda Civic with 18-inch accessory wheels, check your VIN today and schedule a free inspection. Honda and NHTSA continue to work together to ensure all affected vehicles are repaired quickly and safely.
