Ask the Expert: Why has a new part for my Honda still not arrived after 14 months?

Dear Alex,

After a series of warning lights appeared on our Honda CR-V, the dealer diagnosed a broken seatbelt mechanism. I ordered a new part in May 2023 but it has still not arrived. Despite my complaints, the issue has not been resolved. To make matters worse, I am unable to sell the car with a broken seatbelt. What should I do next? 

–HW

Dear HW,

As I’ve mentioned many times, almost every car manufacturer has suffered supply-chain issues in recent years. Even four years after the pandemic that caused them, those backlogs and shortages continue to hamper parts availability. 

Honda is not immune; seatbelts are one area in which it seems to be struggling, with many customers reporting delays in getting hold of parts – though I understand it’s scant consolation to hear you’re not alone. 

That being the case, I’m afraid Honda won’t be able to nudge you to the front of the queue no matter how loudly you complain; other customers are probably being equally vocal.

My suggestion, unconventional though it may seem, would be to abandon the Honda dealer network and instead look for a used seatbelt assembly from a vehicle dismantler (AKA a breaker’s yard), or use a website such as partsgateway.co.uk, which sends your parts request to several breakers. You can then get that fitted by an independent garage. 

Granted, you won’t get a shiny new part. But seatbelts don’t tend to wear out unless they’ve been abused, while a used item likely won’t have much more wear than the one you’re replacing. 

And if all you want to do is to sell the CR-V, this course of action will enable you to do that.

For new and used buying guides, tips and expert advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here

To talk all things motoring with the Telegraph Cars team join the Telegraph Motoring Club Facebook group here

A-Z Car Finder