Honda Recalls 960,000 Fits, Plus 2006 CR-V and 2011 CR-Z

Just the Facts:

• Honda is recalling 960,000 2005-'09 Fits globally, but told Inside Line on Monday the recall does not affect Fit models sold in the U.S.
• The Fit is being recalled to fix defects including malfunctioning power window switches.
• Honda said 80,111 2006 Honda CR-Vs sold in the U.S. were equipped with the faulty part.

TORRANCE, California — Honda is recalling 960,000 2005-'09 Fits globally, but told Inside Line on Monday the recall does not affect Fit models sold in the U.S.

The Fit is being recalled to fix defects including malfunctioning power window switches. Honda said 80,111 2006 Honda CR-Vs sold in the U.S. were equipped with the faulty part. Separately, Honda is recalling 5,626 CR-Zs with manual transmissions in the U.S. to fix a software problem with the engine control unit.

"Honda Fit models sold in the U.S. are not affected by this recall," wrote Chuck Schifsky, a Honda spokesman in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line. "This recall involves a specific switch from a specific vendor and only certain CR-Vs sold in the U.S. were equipped with this part for the U.S. market, not the U.S. Fit models."

In a statement on Sunday, American Honda Motor Company said it will replace the power window master switch in the 2006 CR-V.

"The design of the power window master switch can allow residue from interior cleaners to accumulate, which can, over time with switch use, cause the electrical contacts to degrade and may lead to a fire in the switch," it said.

Honda said no injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition. Information about the CR-V recall has not yet been posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Honda will also recall 5,626 2011 CR-Zs with manual transmissions to fix the software that controls the hybrid electric motor.

"In the affected vehicles, when the gasoline engine has stalled with the IMA battery in a very low state of charge and the transmission in gear, it is possible for the electric motor to rotate in the direction opposite to that selected by the transmission," said American Honda Motor Company in a statement. "If this occurs and the driver has not engaged the brakes, the vehicle may slowly roll in an unexpected direction (e.g., backwards when the transmission is in a forward gear), potentially leading to a crash."

Honda said no injuries or deaths have been reported related to the defect. Information about the CR-Z recall has not yet been posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Honda said owner notification of the CR-Z and CR-V recall in the U.S. will begin in late September. Owners can contact Honda by calling 800-999-1009 and selecting option 4.

Inside Line says: If you own the 2006 Honda CR-V or 2011 Honda CR-Z with a manual transmission, be aware that recalls are in the works.