TENS of thousands of motors have been recalled in February over separate safety issues – involving two giants of the car world.
Just last week, it was revealed that Honda was recalling up to 46,152 Civic 5‑door models – built between 2017 and 2021.
A fault was identified with certain optional accessory wheels, where one or more wheel nuts may not have been tightened to the required torque.
The Japanese brand’s concern is that, if the nuts were not tightened sufficiently, they could gradually loosen as the car is driven – increasing the risk of wheel instability and, in a worst-case scenario, the wheel detaching.
The issue has been flagged in a number of other European countries and not just in the UK market, with Honda planning to contact affected customers directly with notification letters scheduled for early 2026.
Those letters are expected to include a QR code so owners can submit images of their wheel sets, allowing Honda to confirm whether an individual vehicle is within the recall scope, after which owners can arrange an appointment at a dealer for inspection and any necessary corrective work.
But despite the seriousness of the potential outcome, Honda has sought to reassure drivers that they do not need to stop using their Civic and can continue driving while they await the recall process.
Separately, Volvo has launched a worldwide recall for 40,323 EX30 electric cars because of a potential overheating risk in the battery when charged to high levels.
The recall covers the EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models built between 2024 and 2026, with around a quarter of the affected vehicles – roughly 10,500 – estimated to be in the UK.
The problem first drew wider attention when some owners received an in-car warning message stating that, in rare cases, the battery could overheat when charged to a high state.
It added that, in the worst case, this could lead to a battery fire.
Volvo says it aims to begin inspecting the compact EVs and replacing battery modules as soon as possible – but has cautioned that parts availability may be limited initially because new components are still being produced and shipped.
In the meantime, owners of the affected EX30 variants are advised not to charge beyond 70% until their motor has been inspected and any required work completed.
Retailers will contact customers once parts are available for fitting.
Other EX30 versions can continue to be used as normal, and while the EX30 shares elements with the Smart #1 and #3, the affected versions use a 69kWh battery pack that is not used across the other variants.
And finally, right towards the end of the month, Nissan issued a worldwide recall for certain X-Trail models due to a potential rise in engine oil temperature which lead to engine damage or, in some cases, complete engine failure.
The recall applies to X-Trails fitted with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine – built between 2023 and 2026.
Sun Motors contacted Nissan to ask how many cars are affected, but this has yet to be confirmed.
However, more than 320,000 vehicles are thought to be affected globally.
Nissan plans to contact owners from March to arrange a free software update at authorised dealers, while the e-Power hybrid version is not included in the recall.
In a statement, they told us: “In accordance with Nissan’s commitment to customer safety, Nissan is recalling certain MY23-25 X-Trail vehicles due to a potential increase in engine oil temperature which may degrade lubrication, that may lead to engine damage and in some cases, engine failure.
“Nissan will begin notifying customers via mail in March 2026 to notify them that they can visit their local authorised Nissan dealer where an update will be performed free of charge.”
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