In 2003 and 2005, Honda recalled more than 1.4 million automobiles over a problem with the shift interlock system. Today, a new Honda recall was announced for the very same problem. 2003 Accords, 2003 Civics, and a few Honda Elements are included in this recall.
The shift interlock issue behind the Honda recall
The shift interlock system is the basis of this 2010 Honda recall. This is the system that prevents the key being removed without the shifter in park. If this system malfunctions, the vehicle can roll away. 17 separate accidents are attributed to this malfunction. Most often, the problem happens when the car is parked and the key removed, despite the fact that the shifter has not fully engaged the “park” setting. When the cars are left like this, they can roll and cause an accident.
NHTSA investigation causes the Honda recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into the shift interlock problem. In 2009, the agency upgraded a “recall query” to an “engineering analysis” of the previous recalls. The NHTSA is also evaluating the “timeliness” of Honda recalls. If the NHTSA finds that Honda hasn’t responded “promptly, truthfully, and completely” to problems that are worthy of a recall, they could very well be facing civil fines. There is also an ongoing investigation, related to the expanded 2009 recall over air bag deployment.
Cars that are integrated in the 2010 Honda recall
The complete notification of Honda car owners will start in September 2010. Approximately 197,000 2003 Accords, 117,000 Civics and 69,000 2003 and 2004 Elements can be affected. Five other autos have been included 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 autos to a Honda dealer as soon as they receive notification that their vehicle is incorporated within the Honda recall. If you need more information about the recall, call 800-999-1009 or visit www.recalls.honda.com.
