Today the AP reports that Honda is recalling some 384,000 of its “popular Accord and Civic passenger cars to address problems with an ignition switch that could allow the key to be removed without the transmission being shifted into park, its third recall over the problem since 2003.” Honda informed NHTSA that “the defect with the automatic transmissions could lead to a vehicle rolling away and increase the risk of a crash.” The AP notes that with this action, some 1.4 million Hondas have been recalled for this defect.
USA Today reports that this is Honda’s “third major recall…related to faulty ignition locks in its vehicles.” Honda’s recall “involves a part inside the ignition switch that can wear out and allow a driver to remove the key from a car when its transmission is not in ‘park.’ The car could unexpectedly roll forward or backward and crash.” NHTSA “says that at least 28 complaints have been made to Honda, 10 involving accidents. Honda says there has been at least one minor injury.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan Welsh writes on the Wall Street Journal “Driver’s Seat” blog that because all cars are manufactured with similar safety devices which can wear out with daily use, this recall could presage many more such actions by other automakers.
Source: The American Association for Justice
