And yes, we have another recall. This time it’s Honda issuing two recalls, one for 384,220 vehicles including the 2003 Accord and Civic Coupe / Sedan, and the 2003 and 2004 Element to fix a potential problem with their ignition interlock systems, and another separate recall for 585 Element models from the 2010 model year for an issue with the automatic transmission.
Starting with the first recall concerning the ’03 Civic, ’03 Accord and ’03-’04 Element models, Honda said that interlock lever of the ignition switch may dysfunction allowing the removal of the key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position.
To fix this problem, dealer’s will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components – free of charge, of course. Honda plans to begin notifying customers in late September, 2010.
For the recall on the 2010MY Element models manufactured from April 1, 2010 through June 25, 2010, the problem lies with the cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission. Honda says because the cable was not set correctly during assembly process, there’s a chance the driver may move the gear shift lever but the transmission may not be placed in the selected gear.
” This can cause the key to be stuck in the ignition switch, an inability to shift into or out of park, or an inability to shift into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash,” said Honda.
The Japanese carmaker noted it has contacted some owners of the affected models by phone and arranged to, have, or has had, their vehicles repaired free of charge, with all other owners to be notified by mail in the next few days.
