American Honda says it does not support the use of aftermarket, salvaged or recycled structural parts in collision repairs of its vehicles because the parts could compromise the way these vehicles absorb collision energy and put occupants at risk in future collisions.
The company explained its reasoning in the following position statement:
“Honda and Acura vehicles are engineered and manufactured to exacting standards and, as such, are designed to help protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision.
All elements of a collision-energy absorption system including but not limited to any structural components such as bumper reinforcement bars, bumper energy absorbers, frames, rails, fender aprons, A-pillars, B-pillars and body panels must work in concert to protect the vehicle occupants and maintain cabin integrity.
All elements of an occupant supplemental restraint system including but not limited to airbags, side-curtain airbags and airbag deployment sensors must work in concert with energy absorption components to provide proper timing for airbag deployment.
Compromising any element of a collision energy absorption system or an occupant supplemental restraint system in the repair of a collision-damaged vehicle may have an adverse effect on occupant safety in any subsequent collision.
Therefore, American Honda does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered or anything other than original equipment Honda or Acura parts for the collision repair of any Honda or Acura vehicle.
Further, American Honda does not support the use or re-use of structural components that have been removed and salvaged or recycled from an existing vehicle that has been previously damaged. Although the parts may appear equivalent, it may be difficult to tell if the parts have been previously replaced with a non-OE part, or if the part has received collateral damage as the result of a prior collision. Further, the part may have been subjected to severe weathering, rust or other detrimental environmental exposure.”
More information:
Ford Nixes Salvage Safety Belt Use in New Position Statement
Chrysler Releases Position Statement on Structural Repair Parts Usage
American Honda Releases Position Statements on Use of Aftermaket/Alternative Parts
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