Should the dealer pay to replace the wet belt on my car?
There doesn't seem to be any recent information about the Honda Civic wet belt problem online. I bought mine in April 2021. The dealer obviously knew about the problem, but only mentioned it to me in April this year at 4-year service. They informed me I would need a new wet belt before 5 years old, irrespective of the car's mileage (which currently is only 21,000 miles), or risk complete engine failure.
The cost is in excess of £1500. I have remonstrated with the dealer but they do not want to know. I have written to Honda, who have fobbed me off (although apparently some vehicles have been recalled and work done for free - I do not understand how only SOME have been recalled - what was the criteria?).
It seems to me that under the Consumer Rights Act 2016, no "reasonable" person would expect to buy a brand new car and then have to pay out for a critical part that is known to fail after 5 years and cause irreparable engine damage if not replaced - especially when the car has such a low mileage.
What do you think please? Any advice on what to do?
The cost is in excess of £1500. I have remonstrated with the dealer but they do not want to know. I have written to Honda, who have fobbed me off (although apparently some vehicles have been recalled and work done for free - I do not understand how only SOME have been recalled - what was the criteria?).
It seems to me that under the Consumer Rights Act 2016, no "reasonable" person would expect to buy a brand new car and then have to pay out for a critical part that is known to fail after 5 years and cause irreparable engine damage if not replaced - especially when the car has such a low mileage.
What do you think please? Any advice on what to do?
Asked on 9 October 2025 by Pat Trinnaman
Answered by
David Ross
Honda has issued a recall for selected vehicles affected by this issue, you can check the status for your car on the Honda website here - www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/recalls-and-updates.ht...l The recall was for a specific batch of vehicles that were believed to be at a particular risk of failure rather than all models fitted with the wet belt engine. You can read more about the wet belt issue in our guide here - www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/owning-advice/wet-belt/
If you have already complained to the dealer and to Honda UK without success there are limited further options available to you. You could take your case to Trading Standards or small claims court, but these options may be time consuming and have no guarantee of success. Alternatively you could sell the vehicle, or look for an independent Honda specialist who can replace the wet belt for you at a reduced price compared to the main dealer.
If you have already complained to the dealer and to Honda UK without success there are limited further options available to you. You could take your case to Trading Standards or small claims court, but these options may be time consuming and have no guarantee of success. Alternatively you could sell the vehicle, or look for an independent Honda specialist who can replace the wet belt for you at a reduced price compared to the main dealer.
Tags:
cam belt or chain
wet belt
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