Recall 21V987 affects 1,022 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 motorcycles for a radiator cap seal defect. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 1,022 2021 Rebel 1100 motorcycles because the radiator cap was improperly formed and can fail to seal. A poor seal can leak or spray hot coolant and increase the risk of injury or a crash; Honda dealers will replace the radiator cap free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The radiator cap on the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is a pressure cap for the motorcycle's cooling system. It seals the radiator filler neck so coolant stays under controlled pressure while the engine is hot. That pressure helps the coolant absorb heat and move it through the radiator instead of boiling over or escaping.
On affected motorcycles, the cap's outer hook was formed too tall during manufacturing. When the cap is tightened, that hook can ride over the radiator filler neck instead of locking down against it. The result is a weak seal between the cap and neck, which lets hot coolant leak from the reservoir overflow tube or spray from the radiator cap.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the seal opens, an owner can notice coolant on the motorcycle, steam, or hot coolant coming from the cap area.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 | Radiator assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,022 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An insufficiently sealed radiator cap can leak or spray hot coolant, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. If you see coolant escaping, stop when safe and contact a Honda dealer before riding again. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free radiator-cap replacement that restores the coolant-system seal.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one, and reference recall number 21V987 and Honda recall KN1 when you call.
- Avoid riding if coolant is leaking or spraying from the radiator cap, and ask the dealer how to move the motorcycle safely.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the radiator cap and refills any coolant lost because of the cap problem. The replacement cap, coolant refill, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to have the radiator cap replaced or related coolant loss corrected, Honda's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork to the Honda Powersports service desk and ask how to submit it for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 22, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 3, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 3, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V987?
Recall 21V987 covers 1,022 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 motorcycles with a radiator cap that was improperly formed during manufacturing. The cap can create an insufficient seal, leak or spray hot coolant, and increase the risk of injury or crash. Honda dealers will replace the cap and refill lost coolant for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 21V987. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the radiator cap replacement and coolant refill. Reference recall 21V987 or Honda recall KN1 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda will replace the radiator cap and refill any lost coolant free of charge at any franchised Honda dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is hot coolant leaking or spraying from an insufficiently sealed radiator cap. That can increase the risk of injury or crash. Until the repair is complete, pay attention to coolant loss, steam, odor, or any sign of overheating, and ask the dealer for guidance before riding farther.
When were owners notified about recall 21V987?
Honda mailed owner notification letters on February 22, 2022. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received the letter, the free repair still applies when your VIN is included. Contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138 or a franchised Honda dealer with recall 21V987 or KN1.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V987000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-888-234-2138 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V987 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V987000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →