What is the recall on Honda BCM?
There isn’t a single nationwide recall on Honda Body Control Modules (BCMs) that covers all models. BCM-related recalls are issued by model-year and VIN, so whether your car is affected depends on the exact vehicle configuration and its recall history. Verify any claims with official sources.
What is a BCM and why recalls happen
The Body Control Module is an in‑vehicle computer that manages many electrical systems—lighting, wipers, windows, and other body electronics. If software glitches, component failures, or safety concerns are identified, a BCM-related recall may be issued to fix the problem. Because BCMs control critical electrical functions, recalls focus on preventing misbehavior that could affect visibility, drivability, or safety features. The existence of a recall depends on the specific parts and software in a given model-year, not on Honda as a single, uniform issue.
How to determine if your Honda is affected
To check if your vehicle is affected by a BCM recall, follow these steps. This list explains the process you should use to obtain VIN-specific information.
- Locate your vehicle’s VIN. It is usually on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb.
- Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database and enter your VIN to view any active or past recalls tied to your vehicle.
- Check Honda’s official recalls portal by entering your VIN to see model-specific BCM-related notices and remedies.
- Contact your local Honda dealer with your VIN to confirm whether any BCM recalls apply to your car and to obtain a repair appointment if needed.
- If a BCM recall is identified, schedule the service. BCM-related repairs or software updates are typically performed at no cost to the owner.
By using VIN-based databases and dealer confirmation, you can determine whether your Honda is currently affected by a BCM recall. If no recall appears for your VIN, your vehicle is not listed for BCM repair at this time.
Where to verify recall information
Rely on official sources to ensure you have accurate, up-to-date information about recalls affecting your vehicle.
- NHTSA recall database (SaferCar.gov): Enter your VIN to pull up all campaigns tied to your vehicle, including BCM-related issues.
- Honda official recalls page: Provides model-specific notices and the prescribed remedy for affected vehicles.
- Honda dealership: A local dealer can confirm recall status for your VIN and perform free repairs if required.
- General consumer hotlines: If you have trouble navigating online databases, you can call NHTSA or Honda customer service for assistance.
Official databases are updated promptly when new BCM recalls are issued or current campaigns are expanded, so checking these sources is the best way to stay informed.
What to do if your vehicle is recalled
If a BCM recall is identified for your Honda, the remedy is typically provided by a Honda dealer at no cost to you. Recall work is prioritized for safety concerns and is separate from standard warranty coverage. Do not ignore a recall notice—arrange service promptly to ensure all affected electrical systems are correctly updated or replaced.
Summary
The recall landscape for Honda BCMs is not a single, universal fix; it varies by model-year and VIN. To determine if your car is affected, check the VIN-specific recall status via NHTSA and Honda’s official portals, and contact your local dealer for confirmation and scheduling if needed. Staying informed through these official channels helps ensure your vehicle’s electrical system remains safe and reliable.
What happens when the BCM goes bad?
When a Body Control Module (BCM) goes bad, it causes a variety of electrical problems because it manages many of a vehicle's accessories and systems. Common symptoms include malfunctioning lights, power locks, and windows; erratic behavior from the horn or wipers; dashboard warning lights; and issues with the security system. A bad BCM can also lead to battery drain, a no-start condition, and communication failure with other control modules.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad Body Control Module: 59sStudent LessonYouTube · Oct 25, 2023
Common symptoms of a bad BCM
- Erratic electrical function: Lights may flicker or not work, power windows and locks may malfunction, and the horn or wipers could operate intermittently.
- Dashboard and instrument panel issues: This can include multiple warning lights on the dashboard, the Check Engine light, or the instrument cluster dials sweeping erratically.
- Security and starting problems: The vehicle's security system, including keyless entry, may malfunction, and in some cases, a bad BCM can prevent the car from starting.
- Battery drain: A faulty BCM can cause a parasitic drain, where the car's battery continues to drain even when the vehicle is off.
- HVAC system malfunctions: The climate control system may work inconsistently, or the A/C and defroster may activate or deactivate unexpectedly.
- Communication errors: A bad BCM can cause a breakdown in communication with other electronic control modules, leading to a wide range of other problems.
You can also watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad Body Control Module: 1mEasyAutoFixYouTube · Sep 10, 2022
What to do
- First, check for simple issues like blown fuses, torn wires, or corrosion, as these can sometimes mimic BCM failure.
- If the issue persists, a mechanic can diagnose the BCM using a diagnostic scanner, which may reveal communication codes like U0140.
- A faulty BCM may need to be replaced or repaired.
This video explains how to fix a bad BCM: 57sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Mar 9, 2023
How to reset BCM honda civic?
There's a temporary charge that's often stored in the BCM capacitors that needs to be discharged to perform the reset. Touch the disconnected battery cables together, being sure not to touch the battery posts at this time. It should only take a few seconds.
Which Honda models are being recalled?
Recent Honda recall lists include various models like the 2023-2024 Accord, 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Civic due to a power loss risk from a potential software issue. Other recalls involve specific model years of the Civic for potential steering gear issues and the 2025 Pilot for third-row seat belt problems. To find out if a specific vehicle is affected, use the NHTSA website and enter your license plate number or VIN.
Recent recalls
- Power loss: The 2023-2025 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid are being recalled due to a potential software issue that could cause the vehicle to lose drive power.
- Steering gearbox: Certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, and HR-V models, as well as 2022-2025 Civic and Civic Hatchback models, have a recall for a steering gearbox issue.
- Third-row seat belt: The 2025 Honda Pilot is being recalled for a third-row seat belt issue.
How to check for recalls
- Use the NHTSA website: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls.
- Enter your information: Select your state and enter your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Search: The tool will search for any open safety recalls for your vehicle.
What is the recall on Honda Accord BCM?
December 15, 2020 — TORRANCE, Calif. Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 737,000 model-year 2018-2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid vehicles along with 2019-2020 Insight vehicles in the United States to update software in the Body Control Module (BCM).
