- Honda is recalling 384,220 2003 Accord and Civic vehicles and 2003-'04 Element vehicles in the U.S.
- The recall is due to a defect with the ignition interlock system.
- The recall is expected to begin on September 29.
WASHINGTON — Honda is recalling 384,220 2003 Accord and Civic vehicles and 2003-'04 Element vehicles in the U.S. because of an ignition interlock defect, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the Park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash."
Honda dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch and replace them with new, redesigned components. The recall is expected to begin on September 29. Owners can contact Honda at (800) 999-1009.
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Honda vehicles, be aware that you'll need to get it fixed in late September. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
marge432 says:
07:18 AM, 10/01/2010
07:59 PM, 09/30/2010
well it did happen to me 4 days ago - i was half way out of my 2003 odyssey when it started rolling down my driveway. It was a miracle that i was able to get my arm out of the seatbelt and roll away from the car (no easy feat as i am 60) only to watch the car disappear into the darkness and hear it crash through the woods an over my neighbors retaining wall. The tow truck driver figured out that i had removed the key with it in drive The NHTSA has 7 other reports of such failures in 2003 Odysseys. yes, this should be in the news:
ALL HONDA OWNERS ----- USE YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKE!!
1124ducks says:
08:02 PM, 08/12/2010
I have 4 Accords (1) 2003 Accord EX V6 w/85,000 miles (3) 98-99 model range that had this recall a few years back, a 98 w/120,000 miles, the 99's 1 w/ 117,000 miles and 1 w/243,000 miles...besides the "potential" of the key coming out, (I've tried pulling it out before the recall to no luck pulling the key out) these accords have been steller, reliable cars. I really think Honda builds a great car.
davicho says:
08:13 AM, 08/10/2010
"Ignition Recall Part Deuce"
tdiluv says:
06:55 AM, 08/10/2010
September 29 recall begins,not good ! Senate Investigation please as I am sure there will be mishaps and this company needs to put on trial ASAP!!
I can see a newspaper story now, Woman pulls key out of ignition while not in "PARK" and SUV rolls over her beloved husband, Oh dear !!!
sid90 says:
09:19 PM, 08/09/2010
That's great! Looks like I might be on this list =/