- Around 12,600 affected units in the USA, plus additional units in Canada and Australia
- One accident reported, no injuries
- Free inspection and replacement if necessary at authorized Honda dealers
On April 30, 2026, American Honda published a Fast Track Recall through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for several off-road models in the CRF lineup. The recall campaign number is 26-458 and covers a total of six model variants from the 2025 and 2026 model years: the CRF250R, CRF250RX, and CRF250RWE, as well as the CRF450R, CRF450RX, and CRF450RWE. All affected motorcycles were manufactured in Japan and sold through authorized Honda Powersports dealers in the USA and Canada.
What is the problem with the Honda CRF250 and CRF450?
The handlebar clamp on the affected models can cause the handlebars to rotate unexpectedly during riding. An uncontrolled rotating handlebar poses a significant crash risk that, according to the CPSC, could lead to serious injury or death. The root cause is a manufacturing defect: the clamp does not secure the handlebars firmly enough, allowing them to come loose under force.
As of the recall publication date, American Honda is aware of a single accident report related to this issue. While the reported incident resulted in a crash, no injuries were reported.
Which models are affected by the Honda CRF recall?
The recall covers a total of six model variants across two displacement classes:
The Honda CRF250R is the pure competition model in the 250 class, the CRF250RX is the cross-country variant, and the CRF250RWE is the so-called Works Edition. In the 450 class, the lineup follows the same pattern: the CRF450R as the competition model, the CRF450RX for cross-country use, and the CRF450RWE as the Works Edition.
Only the 2025 and 2026 model years are affected. According to available parts information, all six affected models use identical handlebar clamp components. Earlier model years are not covered by this recall as they used different parts.
How many motorcycles are affected?
Approximately 12,600 units in the USA are affected by the recall. Additionally, about six more units were sold in Canada, according to the CPSC. The motorcycles were sold between June 2024 and March 2026 through authorized Honda Powersports dealers. Retail prices ranged from approximately $8,900 to $13,200 depending on the model.
The importer for the North American market is American Honda Motor Co. Inc., based in Torrance, California.
Does the recall apply outside the USA?
The recall is not limited to the North American market. In Australia, Honda Australia Motorcycles and Power Equipment Pty Ltd has published a separate recall under PRA number 2026/20879. The affected models there are the CRF250R, CRF250RW, CRF250RX, CRF450R, CRF450RW, and CRF450RX. In Australia, Honda uses the designation CRF250RW and CRF450RW instead of the North American designations CRF250RWE and CRF450RWE.
The sales period for affected vehicles in Australia extends from July 25, 2024, to April 15, 2026. According to Honda Australia, replacement parts for the repair should be available from mid-May 2026. Honda is contacting affected customers in Australia directly to schedule an inspection appointment at an authorized Honda dealer.
Whether and when a corresponding recall will be issued in European markets is currently unknown.
What should affected owners do now?
The instruction from American Honda and the CPSC is clear: owners of affected models should immediately stop using the motorcycles and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer. A free inspection of the handlebar clamp will be performed there. If necessary, the clamp will also be replaced free of charge.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on all affected models is located on the left side of the steering head. Whether your motorcycle is affected by the recall can be checked using the VIN at powersports.honda.com/recalls. The model designation is also printed in white letters on the front of the motorcycle, with the white Honda logo on both sides of the rear. All affected models have a red chassis.
In the USA, American Honda’s hotline can be reached toll-free at 1-866-784-1870, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. In Australia, Honda can be reached at 1300 559 846, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. AEST.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which Honda CRF models are affected by the 2026 recall?
The recall covers the Honda CRF250R, CRF250RX, CRF250RWE, CRF450R, CRF450RX, and CRF450RWE from the 2025 and 2026 model years. Earlier model years use different handlebar clamp components and are not part of this recall action.
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What is the reason for the Honda CRF recall?
The handlebar clamp can cause the handlebars to rotate unexpectedly during riding. This issue poses a significant crash risk and, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), could lead to serious injury or death.
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Is the Honda CRF recall free of charge?
Yes, both the inspection and the replacement of the handlebar clamp, if necessary, are performed completely free of charge at authorized Honda dealers.
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How can you check if your Honda CRF is affected?
The VIN is located on the left side of the steering head. At powersports.honda.com/recalls, you can check using the VIN whether your motorcycle is covered by the recall.
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Does the Honda CRF recall also apply in Australia?
Yes, Honda Australia has published a separate recall under PRA number 2026/20879. Replacement parts are expected to be available from mid-May 2026, and affected customers are being contacted directly.
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