WASHINGTON—American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is voluntarily recalling 9,817 2014 Honda Civic LX cars to inspect the original equipment tires for possible tears in the bead area, the auto maker announced.
All tires with torn beads will be replaced free of charge, American Honda said in a March 29 notice on its website.
The potential tears occurred when a supplier accidentally pinched the tire beads between the assembly equipment and the steel wheel rims while assembling the tires to the rims, American Honda said. Tire bead tears may create rapid air loss and tire failure, it said.
Because the defect was discovered during a routine factory check, it is unlikely that many of these tires are on the street, according to American Honda. The company said it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or consumer complaints associated with the defect.
American Honda said it will start mailing defect notices to vehicle owners immediately. Meanwhile, owners of 2014 Honda Civic LX cars may contact www.recalls.honda.com or 800-999-1009, option 4, to see if their vehicles are part of this recall.