According to a Wall Street Journal report this month, automobile maker Honda Motor Co. announced that it will be forced to recall a total of 2.3 million vehicles throughout Canada, China, and the U.S. The problem is said to be tied to automatic transmission failure.
In a press release in early August, Honda claimed that the recall was prompted by thoughts that the vehicles’ transmissions could experience potential damage if the gear of the car is switched periodically and fast. This type of action would likely take place if a car is stuck in mud or elsewhere, needing to go from drive to reverse in quick succession. When this occurs, the complication is known to make the engine stall and inhibit the parking gear.
The recall is focused on the Honda Accord, CR-V and Element models; three of the company’s largest selling vehicles. About 1.5 million Honda automobiles will be recalled in the U.S., while 760,515 will be recalled in China with another 135,142 vehicles in Canada. The recall will include 2005-2010 Accord models, 2007-2010 CR-V models and 2005-2008 Element models. According to figures in the Wall Street Journal report, this will account for nearly 65 percent of the world wide sales for Honda in 2010.
In a recap from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was said that the outer shaft bearing in the transmission ran the risk of being broken in some styles of driving. This would then produce odd noises, as well as the malfunction indicator to turn on, running the risk of a short circuit and engine difficulty. The NHTSA also said that the ball bearing could end up lodged in the parking gear, causing the vehicle to keep rolling, even if it’s in park.
Honda will offer a free recall and fix that will involve updates to the transmission software. Company representatives claim this update will allow all three of the affected Honda models to ease the transition between gears, in turn reducing any possibility of damage to the transmission. According to reports, they will begin notifying owners at the end of August.
Reference:
Takahashi, Yoshio. (August 6, 2011).“Honda to Recall 2.6 million Vehicles in U.S., China” Retrieved on August 22, 2011 from The Wall Street Journal