Recall 26V500 covers 43,913 CMX500, CMX300, and SCL500 motorcycles with detachable handlebar lock screws. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
Honda is recalling 43,913 CMX300, CMX500, and SCL500 motorcycles from 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026 because the handlebar lock screw can loosen and detach. The screw can lodge between the frame and stem, interfere with steering, and increase the risk of a crash or injury; the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The handlebar lock screw is a small fastener in the steering lock assembly on affected Honda CMX500, CMX300, and SCL500 motorcycles. It holds the lock hardware securely in position so the assembly stays attached and works as designed when the handlebars are locked.
On these motorcycles, the screw can loosen over time. If it backs out completely, it can detach from the handlebar lock assembly, leaving the hardware without the fastener that is supposed to secure it. Honda's filing does not identify the underlying reason the screw loosens.
There is no warning sign before failure. The screw can work loose without a symptom the rider can see or feel first. If your VIN is included, a Honda dealer will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Who's affected?
The scope spans 3 Honda motorcycle models across 9 listed model years, with steering-system and handlebar components identified.
| 2025 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2025 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2026 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2026 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2017 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2017 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2018 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2018 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2019 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2019 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2020 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2020 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2021 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2023 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2023 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2022 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2025 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2025 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2017 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2017 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2018 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2018 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2020 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2020 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2021 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2022 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2023 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2023 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2019 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2019 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2025 Honda SCL500 | steering system |
| 2025 Honda SCL500 | steering wheel |
| Units affected | 43,913 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached screw can lodge between the frame and stem, interfere with steering, and increase the risk of a crash or injury. If steering feels restricted or unusual, stop riding and contact a Honda dealer. Schedule the recall repair when it becomes available. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, or 2026 Honda CMX500, CMX300, or SCL500 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Honda's owner notification before scheduling the repair.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer after notification to schedule the free lock-screw replacement and thread-lock application that prevents the screw from detaching and interfering with steering.
- Reference recall number 26V500 when you contact the dealer.
What happens at the repair
Once Honda opens the repair, a Honda technician will replace the handlebar lock screw and apply thread lock to help keep it secured. The replacement part and labor will be free under the recall. The source does not confirm that dealer scheduling is open yet, so contact a Honda motorcycle dealer before arranging service. Ask the service desk to confirm repair availability for your VIN.
Timeline
| July 30, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V500?
Recall 26V500 covers 43,913 Honda CMX500, CMX300, and SCL500 motorcycles with a handlebar lock screw that can loosen and detach. Honda dealers will replace the screw and apply thread lock free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2023 or 2025 Honda CMX500, 2017-2023 or 2025-2026 Honda CMX300, or 2025 Honda SCL500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to arrange replacement of the handlebar lock screw and application of thread lock. The repair is free. Honda expects to mail owner letters on September 21, 2026.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Honda dealers will replace the handlebar lock screw and apply thread lock free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall remedy at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
A detached handlebar lock screw can lodge between the frame and stem, interfere with steering, and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Honda's free repair replaces the screw and applies thread lock at a franchised dealer.
What if I bought my Honda motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific CMX500, CMX300, or SCL500 is included, then contact a franchised Honda dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V500000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-866-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V500 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V500000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on August 10, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →