In a position statement from American Honda yesterday, Honda stated that while they realize the use of LKQ and recycled parts are important, they are concerned about the quality, safety and warranty. The position statement states:
POSITION STATEMENT
SUBJECT: USE OF SALVAGE / RECYCLED PARTS ON HONDA VEHICLES
TORRANCE, Calif., June 10, 2008 – American Honda recognizes the importance
of recycling, but the use of salvage / recycled parts to repair collision-damaged
vehicles raises serious concerns about quality, suitability, safety and warranty.
Many factors can influence the quality and / or suitability of salvage / recycled
parts including but not limited to, exposure to weather, improper removal or
transfer of parts, possible mis-match of vehicle electrical components or other
safety-related items as well as excessive wear on vital mechanical parts such as
steering or suspension parts.
In cases where the donor vehicle was repaired due to a prior collision, salvage /
recycle parts may not be an original or Honda Genuine replacement part. At this
time, there is no generally accepted process or system in place to regulate the
quality or suitability of salvage / recycle parts.
American Honda believes the interests of vehicle owners and collision repairers
are best served when Honda Genuine replacement parts are used in the repair of
a Honda vehicle.
Source: Position Statement American Honda