Honda's summer technical newsletter sets stricter limits on ultra-high-strength steel repair and relays a new I-CAR certification requirement, while Ford recalls more than 741,000 vehicles for a park-system defect.
New Honda straightening and welding limits on high-strength steel
Honda's Summer 2026 "The Joy of Repair" addresses structural repair, welding, and one model-specific parts change:
- UHSS straightening is prohibited. Honda defines ultra-high-strength steel as 980 MPa or higher and states that cold or heat straightening must not be used on it; any UHSS part straightened by either method must be replaced. Every current Honda and Acura platform uses 1500 MPa UHSS, much of it in the one-piece Door Ring Assembly spanning the A-pillar, sill, roof side rail, and B-pillar. In the broader high-strength steel guidance, parts over 590 MPa also must not be straightened.
- MAG welding on UHSS requires approved wire. Honda requires welding wire verified against its Approved High-Strength-Steel Welding Wire document. The Bosch DS980J is discontinued but can still be used.
- A Prologue insulator is discontinued. For the 2024-25 Prologue, the rear floor panel insulator (P/N 26505082) is no longer available, and Honda states replacement is not necessary with no NVH concern.
The newsletter also flags a coming change to I-CAR certification requirements. The Mixed Attachment Methods course replaces the Steel Sectioning Recertification requirement for Platinum recognition and becomes required for Gold Class renewals beginning July 1, 2027, according to I-CAR. It consolidates rivet bonding, MAG welding, MIG brazing, steel sectioning, and spot welding into one in-shop skills assessment.
Ford recalls 741,195 vehicles for park-system defect
Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles because the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, damaging the park system and allowing a rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, according to NHTSA. The recall covers certain 2018-2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles, Ward's Auto reported.
The remedy is a powertrain control module software update and inspection of the transmission, with damaged components replaced as needed. The defect is not a structural or SRS concern, and the affected models are common trucks and SUVs already moving through collision work.
