2021 Honda Cmx500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, a…
What could happen: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 CMX500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V382000 (manufacturer code KM3).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-784-1870.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
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.nhtsa.gov.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2023, 2025 CMX500, 2017-2023, 2025-2026 CMX300, and 2025 Honda SCL500 motorcycles. The handlebar lock screw may loosen and detach.
What could happen: A detached screw may lodge between the frame and stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KU8. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V146. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) i…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 CMX500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V500000 (manufacturer code KU8).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-784-1870.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2023, 2025 CMX500, 2017-2023, 2025-2026 CMX300, and 2025 Honda SCL500 motorcycles. The handlebar lock screw may loosen and detach.
Consequence: A detached screw may lodge between the frame and stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KU8. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V146. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 4, 2026.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2021 Honda Cmx500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1), Fuel system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
05/13/2022 · Engine
My 2021 Rebel CMX500A started stalling while I try to maintain a steady speed at around 1.2k miles. Despite me holding the throttle steady the bike erratically speeds and slows when I reach 2nd gear before eventually stalling out. All electronics keep working and no warning lights on the dashboard came on until the engine would stall at which point the oil…