Honda recalling Civics and Fits due to software problem

Honda/Wieck Honda will recall 2014 and 2015 Civics in the US later this month.

Service technicians will reflash the CVT software to operate at lower hydraulic pressures, reducing stress on the drive pulley shaft. If the drive pulley shaft breaks, the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Both circumstances make it far harder for a driver to control the vehicle, boosting the risk of a collision.

The behavior can be problematic for a few transmissions due to manufacturing inconsistencies with the drive pulley shaft. The good news is that none of those incidents involved accidents or injuries. They’re obviously not at all affected, and they’re having way more fun.

Civic and Fit owners will be able to take their vehicles to their local Honda dealer and have the software fixed free of charge. The issue was first discovered through the warranty claim process in the USA and mailed notifications to affected customers will be sent out in mid-October.

On the 2014-2015 Civic and 2015 Fit, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) may have a weakened drive-pulley shaft (the part connected to the crankcase) that can break when exposed to high hydraulic pressure. If you like, you can also call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about safety campaign #15V574000.