September 17, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20E068000
Tonneau Cover Panel May Detach from Vehicle
A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E068
Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Components EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected 28,885
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle. If this occurs, the hinges between the center and rear panel may deform, possibly allowing the rear panel to separate from the vehicle.
Remedy
Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user’s information manual will be provided. The recall is expected to begin October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is F8M.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your Honda has a Recall
Service Bulletin
A20-057
September 18, 2020
Version 1
Safety Recall: 2017−20 Ridgeline Accessory Tonneau Cover Attachment Information
AFFECTED VEHICLES
| Year | Model | Trim Level | VIN Range |
| 2017−20 | Ridgeline | ALL | Check the iN VIN status for eligibility. |
BACKGROUND
If the Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover is not properly attached and secured, or the vehicle is driven with it partially open, a section of the cover may detach from the vehicle, causing a possible road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of all identified vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used vehicle inventory.
Failure to repair a vehicle subject to a recall or campaign may subject your dealership to claims or lawsuits from the customer or anyone else harmed as a result of such failure. Before selling a vehicle in inventory, always check if it is affected by a safety recall by conducting a VIN status inquiry.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Make sure the vehicle has a Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover. If it does, make sure it does not already have the updated tether kit and warning labels installed.
If it does have a Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover, and it does not have the updated tether kit and warning labels installed, install new D-rings with tether straps to the tonneau cover, install warning labels to the middle and rear panels of the cover. Then, have the service advisor give the new accessory user’s information manual from the kit to the customer.
NOTES
- The possibility of repairs is very low compared to the population of vehicles assigned to this campaign.
- If the vehicle is not equipped with a Genuine Honda accessory tonneau cover, or it already has the updated tether kit and warning labels, submit a Campaign Status Change Request Form to the Campaign department. E-mail it to [email protected]honda.com, or FAX it to 310-781-4823. You need to do this to prevent the same vehicle from returning with an open campaign.
PARTS INFORMATION
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| Tonneau Cover Update Kit | 08Z07-T6Z-100W | 1 |
TOOL INFORMATION
| Tool Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| Trim Roller | MHLE54D | 1 |
| 1/4 Inch Drive Torque Wrench (Included in TPMS Sensor Service Tool Set. | CDIHONTPMSK | 1 |
NOTES
- All Honda dealers were sent a TPMS Sensor Service Tool Set (T/N CDIHONTPMSK) that includes a precision 1/4 inch drive torque wrench. Order it only if you do not have one.
- All Honda dealers were sent a Trim Roller (T/N MHLE54D) in March 2018 for 18-021 Safety Recall: Second Row Outer Seat Striker Bracket (Seat Tipping). Order it only if you do not have one.
- If you need an additional tool, you can order it by calling the Honda Tool and Equipment Program at 1-888-424-6857.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
| Operation Number | Description | Flat Rate Time | Defect Code | Symptom Code | Template ID | Failed Part Number |
| 0181A7 | Install the tether kit, warning labels, and make sure the service advisor gives the new accessory user’s information manual to the customer. | 0.5 hr | 6TP00 | F8M00 | A20057A | 08Z07-T6Z-100F |
Skill Level: Repair Technician
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
- Make sure the vehicle has a Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover, and it does not have the updated tether kit and warning labels installed.
- If it is a Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover, and it does not have the updated tether kit and warning labels, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
- If the vehicle is not equipped with a Honda Genuine accessory tonneau cover, or it already has the updated tether kit and warning labels, submit a Campaign Status Change Request Form to the Campaign department. E-mail it to [email protected]honda.com, or FAX it to 310-781-4823.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
- Open the tailgate.
- Pull down the tonneau cover handle to release the hook from the rear bracket, then slide it inward while pulling down. Store the handle in the cross member. Do this step on the other side.
- Fold the tonneau cover up toward the cabin (open position).
- While the cover is in the open position, remove the D-rings and tethers straps from the center panel and throw them away. Retain the tapping screws.
- Using two of the tapping screws you just removed, install the template from the kit to where you removed the D-ring.
- Unfold the tonneau cover so the rear panel is sitting above the center panel. Take the other end of the template, and line it up with the edge of the hinge as shown. Then secure the template with masking tape.
- Use a center punch tool to mark the hinge holes as shown on the template.
- Carefully remove the two screws and masking tape holding the template in place. Discard the two screws and masking tape, but keep the template. You will need it again.
- Repeat steps 5 thru 7 on the other side of the panel using the same template and the remaining two tapping screws.
- Use a 2.5 mm drill bit to drill holes on the four punch marks, then remove any burrs.
NOTICE
Use masking tape to serve as a drill stop at 5 mm. If you drill too deep you can damage the hinge.
- Install the new D-ring with the tether strap end to the rear panel using new tapping screws. Start the screws by hand, then torque them with the 1/4 inch drive torque wrench to 25 N·m (20 lb-in). Repeat this step on the other side (driver/passenger side).
- Install the other new D-ring to the center panel using new tapping screws. Start the screws by hand, then torque them with the 1/4 inch drive torque wrench to 25 N·m (20 lb-in). Repeat this step on the other side (driver/passenger side).
- Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the surface of the rear panel where you will install the warning label. Make sure the alcohol is completely dry, then install the label as shown, and apply pressure to the entire surface of the label using a trim roller.
NOTE
Make sure the warning label’s orientation is correct. The orange should be facing toward the front of the vehicle.
- Fold the tonneau cover to the open position, and use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the surface of the center panel where you will install the warning label. Make sure the alcohol is completely dry, then install the label as shown and apply pressure to the entire surface of the label using a trim roller.
- Unfold the tonneau cover to the closed position. Pull down the tonneau cover handle, slide it toward the bed lining while pulling down, then attach the hook to the rear bracket. Repeat this step on the other side.
- Close the tailgate.
- Have the service advisor give the new accessory user’s information manual from the kit to the customer.
END
For Immediate Release
Statement by American Honda Regarding Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover Recall: 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline
- 28,885 tonneau covers sold as Honda Genuine Accessories are affected in the United States
- Vehicles will be inspected, and if a recalled cover is found, a tether and warning label will be installed and an updated accessory user’s manual will be provided, for free
- No reported crashes or injuries related to this issue
TORRANCE, Calif. – Sept. 24, 2020 – American Honda will voluntarily recall 28,885
Honda Genuine Accessory tonneau covers that may have been installed on 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks in the United States. No related crashes or injuries have been reported.
The Honda Genuine Accessory tonneau cover for the 2017–2020 Honda Ridgeline is a tri-fold design that can be positioned to either partially cover (open) or completely cover (closed) the truck bed. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position and the vehicle is operated at highway speeds, the wind resistance may cause the tonneau cover to flip and buckle, deforming the hinges between the center and rear panel. Deformed hinges could allow the rear panel to separate from the tonneau cover, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
To complete the free recall repair, an authorized Honda dealer will install a tether between the tonneau cover’s center and rear panel to prevent panel separation, and apply warning labels to the tonneau cover. In addition, the dealer will provide an updated accessory user’s information manual, which instructs the owner to properly secure the tonneau cover prior to vehicle operation.
Honda is announcing this recall to encourage each owner of an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to owners will begin in late-October 2020. Owners of these models can also determine if their specific vehicles are included in the recall by visiting www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (888) 234-2138.
# # #
573.6(c)(6)
Chronology:
June 2017
Honda Canada received the first claim of a panel separating from the tonneau cover. Honda Canada reviewed the claim, found that customer misuse contributed to the failure, and decided to monitor the market for similar activity.
July 2017
Honda received another claim of a panel separating from the tonneau cover, which marked the first claim from the U.S. market. Honda reviewed the claim and performed re-creation testing, which found that the customer forcibly closed the tonneau cover on top of objects protruding from the top of the truck bed. Forcing the tonneau cover closed bent the hinges, resulting in panel separation (customer misuse). Honda decided to monitor the market for similar activity.
October to November, 2019
Honda launched an investigation into the tonneau cover panel separation issue based on increased market activity, which included interviewing customers who claimed to have experienced a failure.
December 2019
Information from the customer interviews guided Honda in re-creation testing, which identified a potential scenario for rear panel separation when the tonneau cover was not properly secured and the vehicle was operating at highway speeds. Panel separation was limited to hinge deformations on the rear panel, as the hinge design between the front and center panel was not susceptible to deformation caused by an improperly secured tonneau cover. Honda performed quality inspections at the tonneau cover’s Tier-1 supplier, which did not identify any irregularities in workmanship or processes.
February 2020
A survey of customers who claimed to have experienced a failure supported the failure mode identified during the earlier interview process.
March 2020
Honda performed quality inspections at the tonneau cover’s Tier-2 supplier, which did not identify any irregularities in workmanship or processes.
April to August, 2020
Honda reviewed comparable products in the market and the associated instructions for proper usage. Based on this review, Honda investigated whether modifications to the design or usage instructions were appropriate.
September 10, 2020
Honda determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.
As of September 10, 2020, Honda has received 17 warranty claims, three field reports, and no reports of injuries or crashes related to this issue.
October 22, 2020
Mr. Jeffrey Giuseppe
Associate Administrator for Enforcement
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Attn: Recall Management Division (NVS-215)
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
Re: NHTSA Recall No. 20E-068
Part 573, Amended Defect Information Report
Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover for 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline
Dear Mr. Giuseppe:
In accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and 49 CFR Part 573 Defect and Noncompliance and Responsibility Reports, Honda is submitting an amended Defect Information Report regarding NHTSA recall number 20E-068 originally submitted on September 17, 2020. The amendment removes 253 accessory tonneau covers from the affected equipment population. A database that tracked dealer demand was inappropriately used to determine the original affected equipment population. Honda has reconciled the actual number of potentially affected equipment with the appropriate sales database.
The following reporting category is being amended:
573.6(c)(3)
Total number of potentially affected equipment:
28,885 (original population)
– 253 (population reduction)
28,632 (amended population)
If you have any questions about this report, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Jeff Chang
Senior Manager
Product Regulatory Office
JC:wvt
September 17, 2020
Mr. Jeffrey Giuseppe
Associate Administrator for Enforcement
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Attn: Recall Management Division (NVS-215)
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
Re: Part 573, Defect Information Report
Accessory Tonneau Cover for 2017-2020 Model Year Honda Ridgeline
Dear Mr. Giuseppe:
In accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and 49 CFR Part 573 Defect and Noncompliance and Responsibility Reports, Honda is submitting the enclosed Defect Information Report regarding a safety recall of Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers for 2017-2020 model year Honda Ridgeline vehicles to address a potential defect.
If you have any questions about this report, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Jeff Chang
Senior Manager
Product Regulatory Office
JC:wvt
Defect Information Report
573.6(c)(1)
Name of manufacturer:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Manufacturer’s agent:
Jeff Chang
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
573.6(c)(2)
Identification of potentially affected vehicle equipment:
| Component: | Hard Tonneau Cover |
| Part No.: | 08Z07-T6Z-100F |
| Country of Origin: | U.S. |
| Manufacturer: | Extang Corporation |
Description of the basis for the determination of the recall population:
The recall population was determined based on manufacturing records.
Description of how the vehicles being recalled differ from similar vehicles not included in the recall:
All accessory tonneau covers for 2017–2020 MY Honda Ridgelines are subject to recall. Because accessory tonneau cover sales are not tied to specific VINs, owners of all identified vehicles will be notified of the equipment recall.
573.6(c)(3)
Total number of potentially affected vehicle equipment: 28,885
573.6(c)(4)
Percentage of affected vehicle equipment that contain the defect: 100%
573.6(c)(5)
Defect description:
The Honda Genuine Accessory tonneau cover for 2017–2020 MY Honda Ridgeline is a tri-fold design that can be positioned to either partially cover (open) or completely cover (closed) the truck bed. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, and the vehicle is operated at highway speeds, the wind resistance may cause the tonneau cover to flip and buckle, deforming the hinges between the center and rear panel. Deformed hinges could allow the rear panel to separate from the tonneau cover, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
| Open Position | Closed Position | |
| Properly Secured | |
|
| Improperly Secured | |
|
573.6(c)(6)
Chronology:
June 2017
Honda Canada received the first claim of a panel separating from the tonneau cover. Honda Canada reviewed the claim, found that customer misuse contributed to the failure, and decided to monitor the market for similar activity.
July 2017
Honda received another claim of a panel separating from the tonneau cover, which marked the first claim from the U.S. market. Honda reviewed the claim and performed re-creation testing, which found that the customer forcibly closed the tonneau cover on top of objects protruding from the top of the truck bed. Forcing the tonneau cover closed bent the hinges, resulting in panel separation (customer misuse). Honda decided to monitor the market for similar activity.
October to November, 2019
Honda launched an investigation into the tonneau cover panel separation issue based on increased market activity, which included interviewing customers who claimed to have experienced a failure.
December 2019
Information from the customer interviews guided Honda in re-creation testing, which identified a potential scenario for rear panel separation when the tonneau cover was not properly secured and the vehicle was operating at highway speeds. Panel separation was limited to hinge deformations on the rear panel, as the hinge design between the front and center panel was not susceptible to deformation caused by an improperly secured tonneau cover. Honda performed quality inspections at the tonneau cover’s Tier-1 supplier, which did not identify any irregularities in workmanship or processes.
February 2020
A survey of customers who claimed to have experienced a failure supported the failure mode identified during the earlier interview process.
March 2020
Honda performed quality inspections at the tonneau cover’s Tier-2 supplier, which did not identify any irregularities in workmanship or processes.
April to August, 2020
Honda reviewed comparable products in the market and the associated instructions for proper usage. Based on this review, Honda investigated whether modifications to the design or usage instructions were appropriate.
September 10, 2020
Honda determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.
As of September 10, 2020, Honda has received 17 warranty claims, three field reports, and no reports of injuries or crashes related to this issue.
573.6(c)(8)(i)
Program for remedying the defect:
Registered owners of all 2017–2020 MY Honda Ridgelines will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the vehicle for the Honda Genuine Accessory tonneau cover and if equipped, will install a tether between the tonneau cover’s center and rear panel to prevent panel separation, and apply warning labels to the tonneau cover. In addition, the dealer will provide an updated accessory user’s information manual which instructs the owner to properly secure the tonneau cover prior to vehicle operation.
Owners who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense will be eligible for reimbursement, according to the recall reimbursement plan on file with NHTSA.
573.6(c)(8)(ii)
The estimated date to start notification to dealers: September 18, 2020
The estimated date to start notifications to owners: October 26, 2020 573.6(c)(10)
Representative copies of all notices, bulletins and other communications:
A copy of the dealer service bulletin, the final customer notification letter, and other dealer communication will be submitted to your office as soon as possible.
A draft of the owner notification letter will be submitted to your office as soon as possible.
573.6(c)(11)
Manufacturer’s campaign number: F8M
Next Unread Message View Message
DATE: September 18, 2020
TO: All Honda Sales, Service & Parts Managers, and Personnel
FROM: Brad Ortloff, Manager of Auto Campaigns and Recalls
Re: Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2017-20 Ridgeline Accessory Tonneau Cover
On September 17, 2020, American Honda notified NHTSA of a stop sale and safety recall for model years
2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles that may have an improperly attached Honda genuine accessory tonneau
cover, which may detach while driving causing a possible road hazard. Refer to your eResponsibility report
or do an iN VIN status inquiry to determine which units in your inventory are affected.
Failure to repair a vehicle as necessary prior to sale may subject your dealership to claims or lawsuits.
BACKGROUND
The accessory tonneau cover may not be attached as described in the accessory user’s information
manual. If the accessory tonneau cover is not properly attached and secured, or the vehicle is driven
with the cover partially open, a section of the cover may detach from the vehicle.
REPAIR
For those vehicles whose Owners installed an accessory tonneau cover, dealers will install new D-rings
with tether straps and warning labels on the tonneau cover, and place an updated accessory user’s
information manual in the vehicle glove box.
PARTS
Repair kits will be available at time of launch. Please verify that you have a vehicle with the affected
tonneau cover before ordering.
TOOLS
There are no special tools needed for this recall.
SERVICE BULLETIN
Service bulletin 20-057, Safety Recall: 2017-20 Ridgeline Accessory Tonneau Cover Attachment Information, has
been posted to the Service Information System (SIS) as of September 18, 2020. It includes parts, repair,
and warranty information related to this campaign.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
American Honda expects to begin customer notification in late October 2020.
As always, be sure to do an iN VIN status inquiry for all vehicles passing through your dealership to
determine eligibility for any open campaigns.
Sent on 09 18 2020 Expires on 11 06 2020
From Brad Ortloff, Manager of Auto Campaigns and Recalls
Subject Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2017-20 Ridgeline Accessory Tonneau Cover
INTERACTIVE NETWORK
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Page 1 of 1
5 Affected Products
Equipment
| BRAND | PART NO. | PRODUCTION DATES |
| HONDA | HARD TONNEAU COVERS | |
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| HONDA | RIDGELINE | 2017-2020 |
9 Associated Documents
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-20E068-4723.pdf 1686.308KB
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Open in new tab Chronology
RMISC-20E068-5033.pdf 109.506KB
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Miscellaneous Document – 573 Defect Information Report
RMISC-20E068-3407.pdf 388.396KB
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Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-20E068-6315.PDF 213.866KB
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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2017-20 Ridgeline Accessory Tonneau Cover
RCMN-20E068-4722.pdf 193.957KB
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Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-20E068-5327.pdf 309.874KB
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Miscellaneous Document – Media Statement
RMISC-20E068-1755.pdf 77.076KB
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Miscellaneous Document – Part 573, Amended Defect Information Report
RMISC-20E068-0207.pdf 147.715KB
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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1
RCLRPT-20E068-6459.PDF 213.865KB
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Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20E068&docType=RCL
For the most up to date documents from NHTSA for this Recall, click the lick above
