Old troubles with Civics, Elements and Accords spark a Honda recall

A shift interlock problem has led to 1.4 million Honda vehicles being recalled – and yet another 2010 Honda recall. The Honda recall for 2010 has been announced because of the very same problem. This recall covers some 2003 and 2004 Honda Elements, 2003 Accords, and 2003 Civics. Post resource – Honda recalls Accords, Civics and Elements over old problem by Car Deal Expert.

The Honda recall shift interlock problem

The shift interlock system is the basis of this 2010 Honda recall. The shift interlock is the system that prevents the key from being removed if the shifter is not in park. This could allow the auto to roll away and cause accidents. So far, 17 accidents have been attributed to this problem. Most often, the problem happens when the automobile is parked and the key removed, even though the shifter has not fully engaged the “park” setting. When left like this, automobiles will roll out of parking spaces, sometimes into traffic or other dangerous situations.

2010 Honda recall because of NHTSA investigation

The shift interlock problem caused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation into Honda. The agency upgraded their investigation from “query” to “engineering analysis” in 2009. The NHTSA is also evaluating the “timeliness” of Honda recalls. If the NHTSA finds that Honda has not responded “promptly, truthfully, and completely” to troubles 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.

Automobiles involved within the 2010 Honda recall

In September of 2010, the full list of cars that are recalled could be released. Approximately 197,000 2003 Accords, 117,000 Civics and 69,000 2003 and 2004 Elements can be affected. Five other cars have been included in previous recalls from Honda, including the Acura CL, Acura TL, Odyssey, Accord, and Prelude. If you receive official notification of the recall from Honda, you are intended to take your auto in to a Honda dealer. Honda is asking for owners to call 800-999-1009 or visit recalls.honda.com for more information.