Recall 23V261 affects 1,461 2023 Honda CMX300 motorcycles for a crankcase cover plug defect. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 1,461 2023 CMX300 motorcycles because paint on the right engine crankcase cover can let a press-fit plug fall out. Without that plug, oil can leak onto the exhaust pipe or rear tire and raise the risk of a fire, crash, or injury; Honda dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The right engine crankcase cover on the 2023 Honda CMX300 is a metal cover on the side of the engine. It helps seal the crankcase, the lower part of the engine that holds and circulates engine oil. A small press-fit plug sits in that cover and is supposed to stay locked in place by a tight mechanical fit.
On recalled motorcycles, the crankcase cover was painted incorrectly during production. Paint was left on the inner surface of the plug hole, so the plug does not grip the cover as designed. Because the supplier used the wrong production sequence, the plug can loosen and fall out during operation. When that happens, engine oil can leak or spray from the opening.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider will not have a reliable early symptom before the plug comes loose, so any visible engine oil leak after riding should be treated as a sign that the problem has already started.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Honda CMX300 | Crankcase (pcv) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,461 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Honda CMX300 motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Oil leaking onto the exhaust pipe or rear tire raises the risk of fire, crash, or injury. If you see or smell oil, stop riding and call a Honda dealer before moving the motorcycle again. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Honda CMX300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free right crankcase cover replacement that keeps the press-fit plug from falling out.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V261 when you call.
- Avoid riding if oil is visible near the exhaust pipe or rear tire; ask the Honda dealer how to move the motorcycle safely.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the right crank case cover affected by the recall so the incorrectly painted cover is removed from the motorcycle. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this repair, Honda's standard recall reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 25, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 25, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 25, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V261?
Recall 23V261 covers 1,461 2023 Honda CMX300 motorcycles with a right crankcase cover that was painted incorrectly. The press-fit plug can fall out, letting oil leak onto the exhaust pipe or rear tire and increasing the risk of fire, crash, or injury.
What should I do if my 2023 Honda CMX300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 23V261. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule replacement of the right crankcase cover. Reference Honda recall number KP2 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Honda to repair the defect at no cost, and Honda dealers will replace the right crankcase cover free of charge. Honda mailed owner notification letters on May 25, 2023.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an oil leak that reaches the exhaust pipe or rear tire. Oil on hot exhaust parts raises fire risk, and oil on the rear tire raises crash and injury risk. If you see oil leakage, stop riding and call a Honda dealer.
What if I bought this Honda CMX300 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2023 Honda CMX300 is included, then call a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall 23V261 or Honda recall number KP2.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V261000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →