Honda to recall 50,000 Civic small cars in the US

Japanese car maker Honda is recalling about 50,000 Civic small cars in the US over a potential driveshaft assembly fault that could lead to loss of engine power.

Honda said that the recall is for its a Civic coupes and sedans  from the 2012 model year, and  have asked the owners to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer to have the driver's side driveshaft inspected and replaced, if necessary, at no charge.

The recall is expected to begin on or about 21 June, the Japanese car maker said.

Honda said that the left driver's side driveshaft in certain vehicles may not have been properly assembled, potentially allowing it to separate from the outer CV joint while in operation.

If separation occurs, the engine will no longer propel the vehicle in any gear, and the vehicle may roll away if the parking brake has not been set when the gear selector has been placed in the Park position, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

It added that there have been no crashes or injuries reported related to the fault.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that approximately up to 8.4 per cent of the vehicles in the recall may contain the condition.

The NHTSA report says that during assembly of certain 2012 Civics, the process required to seat the driver's side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft may separate.