In 2003 and 2005, Honda recalled more than 1.4 million cars over a problem with the shift interlock system. Today, a new Honda recall was announced for the same problem. This Honda recall covers 2003 Accords, 2003 Civics and some 2003 and 2004 Elements.
The Honda recall shift interlock problem
The impetus for the new Honda recall, also as the 2003 and 2005 recalls, was the shift interlock system. If the shifter is not in park, the shift interlock is designed to keep the key from being removed. The automobile can roll away and cause dangerous accidents if this system is not operating. So far, 17 accidents are attributed to this problem. These issues tend to happen when the key is removed before the shifter is in park. When the vehicles are left like this, they can roll and cause an accident.
NHTSA investigation causes the Honda recall
This current Honda recall for shift interlock difficulties was instigated by an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In late 2009, the NHTSA upgraded their investigation from “recall query” to “engineering analysis” – a more significant rating. The “timeliness” of Honda recalls are also being investigated by the NHTSA . If the NHTSA finds that Honda has not responded “promptly, truthfully, and completely” to problems that are worthy of a recall, they could very well be facing civil fines. Air bag deployment issues in 2009 led to an additional investigation by the NHTSA.
2010 Honda recall vehicles
The complete notification of Honda vehicle owners will start in September 2010. Approximately 197,000 2003 Accords, 117,000 Civics and 69,000 2003 and 2004 Elements will be affected. Five other vehicles are involved in previous recalls from Honda, including the Acura CL, Acura TL, Odyssey, Accord, and Prelude. Owners of the affected autos are asked to take their vehicles to a Honda dealer as soon as they receive notification that their vehicle is incorporated within the Honda recall. Honda is asking for owners to call 800-999-1009 or visit recalls.honda.com for more information.
