Honda CBR600RR engine flaw can lock rear wheel

NHTSA campaign 25V891000 · Reported 2025-12-18 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

critical How serious is it? About this label

Very serious — a rear wheel that locks with no warning can cause a crash and leaking oil can catch fire; the notice does not tell owners to stop riding, but the repair is not expected to be available until about October 31, 2026.

What's wrong, in plain English

The cylinder head, a major part at the top of the engine, may have been made incorrectly on these motorcycles. That flaw can cause a rod bearing inside the engine to fail. If it does, the rear wheel can suddenly lock up, or engine oil can leak out onto the rear tire. Oil that reaches hot exhaust parts can also start a fire. Honda will replace the entire engine, but the replacement parts are not ready yet.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your motorcycle is covered.
2. Call Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870 (recall numbers KT5 and KU3) and watch for the second letter saying the fix is ready.
3. Take it to a Honda dealer when the parts arrive; the engine replacement is free of charge.

Affected vehicles (2)

2025 Honda Cbr600rr
2026 Honda Cbr600rr

Who to contact

Honda — official Honda recall lookup

Customer service: 1-888-234-2138

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Honda engine recalls keep centering on rod bearings and oil leaks · all 11 Honda recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024-2026 CBR600RR motorcycles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can lead to rod bearing failure, possibly resulting in rear wheel lock up or oil leaking onto the rear tire.
Safety risk: Rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash or injury. Engine oil that leaks onto hot exhaust components increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 9, 2026. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated October 31, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's numbers for this recall are KT5 and KU3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 7, 2026.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.