Clarification of Honda Unibody Repair Policy

BACKGROUND

Honda automobiles and trucks are built to precise

standards so that they can perform well under many

situations. For example, they offer a firm responsive

ride yet yield when necessary under the forces of a

collision to help protect the vehicle occupants.

HONDA REPAIR POLICY

Sectioning Frame Components

When body repairs are necessary, Honda

recommends that any repairs be performed by an

experienced professional, using the Honda body repair

manual, and that component replacement be

accomplished along factory seams. Failure to do so

can result in a number of problems, including

improperly fitting parts, noises, tire wear, and most

importantly, changes in vehicle dynamics and occupant

protection in a subsequent crash.

In particular, Honda strongly recommends against

the process of joining cut pieces from separate

vehicles—commonly referred to as clipping. This is

not an authorized Honda repair method. Any

problem with other components resulting from such

improper vehicle repairs is not covered under Honda’s

factory or extended warranties.

Also, because what’s in a part is as important as how it

looks, Honda strongly recommends the use of Honda

Genuine repair parts. The material used to create the

part, such as high-strength steel, and the subtle

shapes of the part, determine how it will perform in

normal operation or in a subsequent collision. Using

Honda Genuine repair parts helps return the vehicle to

its pre-crash condition.

ADHESIVES/WELDING

Using adhesives in place of welding for component

replacement is not an authorized Honda repair

method. It is important to repair at factory seams

using the same procedure as the factory assembly

process except where specified otherwise in the

Honda body repair manual. The door skin is welded

at the top and is glued around the crimp. Each body

repair manual states that if the reinforcement in the

door is damaged, the complete door must be replaced.

NOTE: Because they are made of high-strength steel,

door and bumper reinforcements must not be repaired

or straightened.

.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

Extensive research and development goes into every

Honda to provide safety for those inside as well as

outside the vehicle. Therefore, it is critical that collision

repair facilities do not change a vehicle during collision

repair. Please visit the following websites for further

information about Honda safety:

• world.honda.com/safety, and

• world.honda.com/news/2003/4030904_2.html

Body repair manuals are available for every new

Honda model series that is sold in the U.S. Each

manual provides instructions for proper repair

procedures, and drawings that show where each

factory seam and weld on the vehicle is located. In a

few instances, the manual also indicates where it is

acceptable to cut panels and sections other than at

factory seams.

Body repair manuals can be purchased from Helm, Inc.

using one of these methods:

• Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356

• Go online at www.helminc.com

Collision repair facilities can also subscribe to all

manuals at www.serviceexpress.honda.com.

Dealers can log onto ISIS and view body repair

manuals in the Search By Publication section