What is a Honda TSB?
A Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is a document issued by Honda Motor Company to provide information and guidance to authorized Honda dealers and technicians about specific issues or problems that may arise with Honda vehicles. TSBs are an important tool for ensuring the proper diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of Honda cars and trucks.
Understanding Honda TSBs
Honda TSBs are typically released in response to recurring problems or defects that have been identified in Honda models. They provide detailed instructions and recommendations for addressing these issues, including step-by-step repair procedures, parts replacement information, and diagnostic tips. TSBs are an essential resource for Honda technicians, as they help ensure consistent and effective repairs across the brand's dealer network.
TSBs are not the same as recalls, which are formal actions taken by a manufacturer to address a safety-related defect or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. While recalls are mandatory and involve the replacement or repair of affected vehicles, TSBs are voluntary and provide guidance on how to address specific problems that may not rise to the level of a recall.
How Honda TSBs are Used
- Diagnosis: TSBs can help technicians quickly identify the root cause of a problem and determine the appropriate repair steps.
- Repair Procedures: TSBs provide detailed instructions and specifications for performing repairs, including the use of special tools or techniques.
- Parts Replacement: TSBs may identify specific parts that need to be replaced, along with part numbers and any required modifications.
- Warranty Coverage: TSBs can help determine if a problem is covered under Honda's warranty, and the appropriate procedures for submitting a warranty claim.
By following the guidance provided in Honda TSBs, authorized dealers and technicians can ensure that Honda vehicles are repaired correctly and consistently, helping to maintain the brand's reputation for quality and reliability.
What is a TSB Honda?
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
Unlike recall-related repairs, which are performed on a no-questions-asked basis, TSB repairs are made only to resolve problems that can be verified by dealer service technicians. And generally these repairs will be free of charge only if the vehicle is still under warranty.
Are Honda TSB free?
TSBs do not automatically mean free repairs for the owner, and whether they are covered often depends on the vehicle's warranty status. However, if a TSB issue is identified while the car is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost.
Does a TSB mean free repair?
No, a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) does not automatically mean a free repair; it is informational for technicians. However, the repair may be free if the vehicle is still under its original manufacturer's warranty or another service campaign that covers the TSB. Unlike a recall, TSBs are not safety-related and repairs are the owner's responsibility if the vehicle is out of warranty.
Key points about TSBs and cost
- Warranty coverage: If your vehicle is within the warranty period when the TSB is issued, the repair is likely free.
- Out-of-warranty: If your vehicle is outside the warranty period, you will have to pay for the repair yourself.
- Not a recall: TSBs are not the same as recalls. A recall is for a safety-related defect and is performed free of charge for the life of the vehicle, regardless of warranty status.
- Voluntary fix: TSBs are informational and voluntary. A vehicle owner does not have to have the TSB repair done, and there are no consequences other than the problem continuing.
- How to check: You can ask a dealership to check if any TSBs apply to your vehicle using the VIN, and if they are covered under warranty.
Who pays for TSB repairs?
The owner pays for TSB repairs unless the vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty. If the vehicle is out of warranty, the owner is responsible for the cost, though a manufacturer may offer a goodwill payment for certain issues or have a separate service campaign that covers the repair.
TSBs and who pays
- Owner pays if out of warranty: The most common scenario is that the owner is responsible for the repair costs if the vehicle is no longer under warranty.
- Manufacturer pays if under warranty: If the vehicle is still within the manufacturer's warranty period, the manufacturer will typically pay for the TSB-related repair.
- Potential for goodwill or service campaign: In some cases, a TSB may lead to a separate "service campaign" where the manufacturer covers the cost, even if the vehicle is outside the warranty period.
- Service campaigns and reimbursement: If a TSB is eventually upgraded to a service campaign, you may be able to get reimbursed for a repair you've already paid for if you kept your records, notes Consumer Reports.
TSBs vs. Recalls
- TSBs are different from recalls: A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is for non-safety-related issues, while a recall is for safety-related problems.
- Free for recalls: Recalls are mandatory, safety-related fixes that a manufacturer must perform at no cost to the owner, regardless of warranty status.
