Recalls

Honda recalling 2.26M vehicles in U.S., China over gearbox fears

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Honda has announced a voluntary recall on 2.26 million vehicles around the world, 1.5 million of which reside in the United States. This recall concerns the automatic transmission software of the 2005-2010 Accord (four-cylinder), 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element, where the transmission's secondary shaft can be damaged if quick shifts are made between Reverse, Neutral and Drive (as a driver might do when trying to rock free a stuck vehicle from snow or mud).

The automaker states that, in this scenario, a secondary shaft can be damaged and a bearing can break, causing the engine to stall or lead to difficulty with putting the vehicle in Park. Honda's remedy includes an update to the transmission's control module software, easing the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

Honda has confirmed that no injuries or deaths have been reported because of the gearbox malady. Owners will be able to take their cars to dealers and have the recall work done free of charge, and Honda will begin its owner notification process starting on August 31. Follow the jump for the automaker's official release.
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Statement by American Honda Regarding Automatic Transmission Control Module Software Recall: 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be included in the voluntary recall. Without the updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, as may be done in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle stuck in mud or snow. If the bearing is damaged in this unusual scenario, it can cause the engine to stall or lead to difficulty engaging the parking gear. The update to the vehicle's automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Notification to customers will begin on August 31, 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after August 31, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

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