Honda Offers Guidelines for Replacing Parts

Nov. 18, 2014

Nov. 18, 2014—American Honda Motor Co. released a statement on Tuesday outlining its requirement of OEM parts on safety and driver-assist systems in all late-model Honda and Acura vehicles.

“While non-OE parts may look the same, and fit in the same physical space on the vehicle,” the statement read, “their use may present unforeseen circumstances causing the driver assist or other safety systems to operate abnormally, or not at all.”

The statement, in its entirety, is as follows:

Driver assist systems and other safety systems on many late model Honda and Acura automobiles offer heightened safety and convenience for the vehicle driver and passengers. However, collision repair technicians must be aware of issues created if other than original equipment parts are used to repair vehicles with these systems. While non-OE parts may look the same, and fit in the same physical space on the vehicle, their use may present unforeseen circumstances causing the driver assist or other safety systems to operate abnormally, or not at all.

Windshield Replacement

Models Affected - Honda

2013-15 Accord - EX-L, Touring

2014-15 Accord - Hybrid EX-L, Touring

2014 Accord Plug-In - All

2014 Civic Hybrid – All

2013-15 Crosstour – EX-L

2015 CR-V – Touring

2014-15 Odyssey – EX-L, Touring

Models Affected - Acura

2014-15 MDX – Tech, Advance

2014-15 RLX – All

2014 RLX Hybrid – All

2015 TLX – Tech, Advance

2013 ZDX - All

Depending on the model or trim level these systems either use a camera that’s mounted behind the rearview mirror, or a combination of that camera and a radar unit mounted in the front bumper or grill. Installing anything other than an original equipment replacement windshield may cause these systems to work abnormally. Most specifically, the camera will not be able to aim properly.

Windshield Replacement / Head-Up Display

Models Affected - Acura

2014 RLX and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD

The model listed above uses a head-up display system providing the driver an expanded view of the vehicle’s operating parameters projected onto the windshield. The windshield is specially designed to correctly project the HUD image and must be replaced with a HUD windshield. Installing anything other than an original equipment replacement windshield may result in the HUD appearing as a “double image.” There is no visual difference between an OE HUD windshield and a non-HUD windshield. Both will physically fit into the same space. To insure the correct replacement windshield is installed, provide the vehicle’s VIN when ordering parts.

Side-Glass Replacement / Acoustic Glass Models Affected

Acura 2014 RLX and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD

The model listed above uses acoustic front side door glass for sound isolation on some trim levels. The glass has a sound insulation layer of PVB (polyvinyl-butyral) sandwiched between two layers of semi-tempered glass. Acoustic side glass is thinner than conventional side glass. It is similar to laminated windshield glass in that it does not shatter like conventional side window glass. To ensure the correct replacement glass is installed, provide the vehicle’s VIN number when ordering parts. Installing anything other than the original equipment replacement side glass may result a diminution of the vehicle’s cabin-noise reduction qualities.

CMBS Grille Differences

Models Affected - Honda

2015 CR-V – Touring

Models Affected - Acura

2014-15 MDX – Advance

2014-15 RLX – Advance

2015 TLX – Advance

2015 TLX – Advance

The models listed above are equipped with a Collision Mitigating Brake System that uses a millimeter wave radar unit mounted in the front grille area. This unit senses through

the front grille upper molding (Acura), or grille emblem (Honda CR-V). These parts are specially designed to prevent radar interference, which significantly increases their cost. Installation of the wrong grille parts will cause the CMBS indicator to come on and DTC P2583-97 (Dust or dirt on the millimeter wave radar) to set.

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.