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Honda engine recalls keep centering on rod bearings and oil leaks
Eight of these eleven recalls are motorcycles, and the same failures return: internal engine parts that fail and lock the rear wheel, or oil that ends up on the rear tire. Rod bearing failure drives the 2024-2026 CBR600RR and 2025 CB1000SP recalls, and the 2018-2021 Gold Wing primary drive gear bolt can lock the rear wheel too. Oil leaks come from a crankcase sealing bolt on the 2024 XL750 and 2025 CMX1100 and CRF1100, and a fallen plug on the 2023 Rebel 300. ECU software stalls hit Gold Wings and Africa Twins. On the car side, two V6 recalls stand out: connecting rod bearings across 2015-2020 Acura TLX, MDX, Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey, and timing belt teeth separating on 2018-2019 MDX and Pilot.
Warning signs to watch for
- Engine knocking, rough running or warning lights before a bearing seizes
- Oil leaking or dripping near the rear wheel, or from the right side of the engine
- Engine stalling or losing power with no warning
- Rear wheel locking up while riding
- Hot coolant leaking or spraying from the radiator cap on the Rebel 1100
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall here orders you to park the vehicle. Honda does set conditions, though: stop riding the Rebel 300 if oil leaks from the right side of the engine, and the XL750, CMX1100 and CRF1100 notices say the same about oil near the rear wheel. For the connecting rod bearing recall, stop driving if the engine knocks, runs rough or lights up a warning. CBR600RR and CB1000SP owners face the longest wait, with parts not expected until around October 31, 2026, so ride cautiously and watch for leaks and noise.
What the free repair involves
It varies with the failure. Software recalls reprogram the engine control unit on the Gold Wing and Africa Twin. Parts replacement covers the Gold Wing primary drive gear bolt, the ADV160 oil pump driven gear, crankcase sealing bolts, the Rebel 300 crank case cover and the Rebel 1100 radiator cap. The bearing and timing belt recalls begin with an inspection, then repair or full engine replacement. All free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 4 |
| high | 5 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-18 | Honda CBR600RR engine flaw can lock rear wheel | critical |
| 2025-12-18 | Honda CB1000SP motorcycle engine may seize or leak oil | high |
| 2025-05-29 | Honda motorcycles may leak engine oil onto rear tire | high |
| 2025-03-27 | Honda ADV160 Scooter Can Lose Power From Broken Gear | high |
| 2024-10-31 | Honda Gold Wing: engine bolt may break, locking rear wheel | critical |
| 2023-11-13 | Honda and Acura engines can seize from faulty bearing | critical |
| 2023-04-12 | Honda Rebel 300 can leak oil onto hot exhaust | critical |
| 2022-09-01 | Honda Africa Twin motorcycles may stall and lose power | high |
| 2022-06-23 | Honda Gold Wing software error can stall engine | medium |
| 2021-12-16 | Honda Rebel 1100 radiator cap may spray hot coolant | medium |
| 2019-04-12 | Honda and Acura SUVs: timing belt can lose teeth | high |
Common questions
When will the CBR600RR and CB1000SP repairs actually be available?
Honda mailed interim letters on February 9, 2026 describing the risk, with a second letter to follow once the remedy exists. For the CBR600RR, engine assembly replacement is anticipated around October 31, 2026. No date has been given for the CB1000SP.
My Pilot or Odyssey is in the rod bearing recall — what does the dealer do?
The dealer inspects the engine and either repairs it or replaces the engine entirely, free of charge. Owner letters went out on staggered dates by model, beginning March 28, 2024, with Acura MDX letters mailed later.
Is the timing belt recall the same thing as the rod bearing recall?
No, they are separate recalls from 2019 and 2023 with overlapping vehicles — 2018-2019 MDX and Pilot appear in both. One inspects and replaces belts whose teeth may separate; the other addresses a bearing that can wear and seize the engine.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.