Honda Recalls 800,000 Vehicles Due to Ignition Lock Problems

Honda is recalling over 800,000 minivans and sport utility vehicles due to a faulty ignition interlock mechanisms, which may allow the vehicles to inadvertently roll away after being parked. 

The Honda recall (PDF) was announced on December 11, and affects Acura MDX, Honda Odyssey and Honda Pilot vehicles.

According to the manufacturer, the ignition system where the key is inserted can become worn down with use, allowing the driver to remove the key from the ignition without putting the vehicle in park. This may cause the vehicle to roll away, posing a risk of a collision with another vehicle or injury to a bystander.

Honda announced that this defect has been the cause of several reported crashes, resulting in at least two personal injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started an investigation earlier this year, after receiving at least 42 complaints from owners of the Honda and Acura vehicles. One report indicated the owner was run over and suffered a broken leg attempting to stop the vehicle from rolling.

The recall includes 318,000 Honda Odyssey minivans and 259,000 Honda Pilot SUVs from model years 2003 and 2004, as well as 230,000 2003-200 model year Acura MDX SUVs.

This year Honda has announced 18 recalls, involving an estimated 3 million Honda and Acura models. In earlier months, Honda recalled 572,000 Accord models for power steering hose issues and 820,000 Civic and Pilot models for potential low-beam headlamp failures.

Honda is currently gathering information to commence the ignition switch recall and they will begin contacting minivan and SUV owners as early as February 2013. Owners may log onto www.recall.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com to see if their vehicle is part of the recall or call (800) 999-1009 for Honda vehicles or (800) 382-2238 for Acura vehicles.

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hectoralejandro/ / CC BY 2.0