In this Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, file photo, American Honda Motor Co., Executive Vice President John Mendel unveils the redesigned 2016 Honda Civic in Detroit.Carlos Osorio/The Associated Press
Honda Canada Inc. is recalling more than 10,000 Civic models – the bestselling car in Canada – from the 2016 model year and has halted sales of some models of the car in the United States.
The issue is the piston pin assembly on some 2.0-litre engines in the compact car.
In the worst case, the piston pin could detach from one side of the piston and cause an engine failure, which could cause vehicles to stall, possibly leading to crashes, Honda and Transport Canada said. In addition, engine blocks could sustain damage and leak oil, possibly causing fires.
There have been no reports of crashes, Honda Canada said.
About 34,000 cars sold at U.S. dealerships or shipped are also affected, according to a memo to dealers published on a website aimed at Civic enthusiasts.
"Affected vehicles should not be sold until the repair has been completed," the memo to U.S. dealers said.
Honda Canada spokeswoman Maki Inoue said most of the auto maker's dealers in Canada also have Civic models with 2.0-litre engines that don't have piston problems.
Dealers will inspect the pistons to determine if the pins are properly installed, she said. Repairs will be made if needed, including fixing any damage caused by the movement of the piston pins.