Honda Recall Issued Over Risk of Parked Cars Rolling Away

Honda is recalling 428,000 vehicles due to a problem with the ignitions that could allow the cars to roll away when the key is removed, potentially resulting in an automobile accident or a serious injury for riders starting to get out of the vehicle. 

The Honda recall includes certain Accord, Civic and Element models from 2003 and 2004. Honda warns that problems with an interlock mechanism in the ignition system may cause the mechanism to fail over time due to wear and tear.

If the interlock mechanism fails, then the key can be removed from the vehicle when the vehicle has not been put in park. This could lead to the car rolling away if the parking brake is not engaged.

The company has received several complaints about problems with rolling parked cars and is aware of a small number of incidents, one of which resulted in a minor injury, Honda said in a press release announcing the recall. It did not give exact numbers or details on the incidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which began investigating the problem in September 2008, there have been at least 11 reports of problems resulting from failed Honda ignition systems. Honda decided to initiate the recall after meeting with safety regulators on July 29.

The recall affects about 197,000 Honda Accords and 117,000 Honda Civics sold in the U.S. from the 2003 model year. It also includes about 69,000 U.S.-sold Honda Elements from the 2003 and 2004 model years. In addition, about 44,000 of those vehicles, and a number of Acura 1.7ELs, are also being recalled in Canada.

Honda announced that it will begin notifying customers by mail in late September, at which time they can schedule repairs with their Honda dealer. Customers will be able to see if their vehicles are affected by checking the Honda website after September 20 at www.recalls.honda.com.

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