DETROIT (AP) – Honda is recalling more than 870,000 minivans and SUVs worldwide because they can roll away even though drivers have removed the keys from the ignition.
The recall announced Wednesday affects older-model vehicles sold mainly in the United States. They were big sellers with families because of their ample space and reputation for quality. Problems with the ignition switches have plagued Honda for years. It has recalled nearly 2.3 million vehicles for the problem since 2003.
Here are details of the latest recall:
MODELS AFFECTED: 347,000 Honda Odyssey minivans and 277,000 Pilot SUVs from the 2003 and 2004 model years. Also 247,000 Acura MDX SUVs from the 2003 through 2006 period. All have automatic transmissions. More than 807,000 were sold in the U.S.
THE PROBLEM: The mechanism that locks the key in the ignition while the vehicles are in gear can wear out. When that happens, drivers of the vans and SUVs are able to remove keys without shifting into park. Some have left the vehicles, which have rolled off unexpectedly while in gear. The U.S. safety regulators began investigating the problem in October after owners filed 43 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners reported 16 crashes due to the problem.
INJURIES: Two people were hurt in the crashes, according to NHTSA’s database. In the most serious case, the driver reported a broken leg after being run over by a 2003 Odyssey. The driver parked the van in a sloped driveway and after leaving the Honda, the van started to roll backward. The driver tripped while trying to stop the van. “I had an open fracture of my fibula (lower leg bone) and crush injuries on my shin area,” the driver reported. NHTSA does not identify drivers who file complaints.
THE FIX: Dealers will repair the ignition interlock system free of charge. Owners will get notices starting in February.
OTHER PROBLEMS: Honda has had trouble with its ignition interlock switches in the past. Other vehicles affected by the problem include older Accords, Civics and Elements.
NHTSA also is investigating brake problems with the 2005 Pilot. The probe covers nearly 88,000 SUVs. The brakes can come on without drivers stepping on the pedal. There’s no fix yet, but investigators are looking at problems with a computer-controlled system that stops the vehicle as fast as possible in emergency situations. Honda says it’s cooperating. Investigators will determine if the problem is bad enough for Honda to recall the SUVs.
The 2003 Pilot was recalled in March because the low-beam headlights can fail.
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It may seem odd, but Halloween is becoming one of the most dangerous days on the roads. Accidents caused by drinking and driving around the holiday are up, and a new study by State Farm andSperling’s Best Places shows the day is deadliest for child pedestrians.
Drunk driving accidents are the biggest concern for families who may be driving their tots around after a fun evening of trick-or-treating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 40% of all car accident fatalities on Halloween are caused by drunk drivers.
So we here at AOL Autos thought it was time to take a look at the safest cars you can carry your family in — theminivan. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested each of these cars for their performance in high-speed frontal and side crash tests, a rollover test and evaluations of seat and head restraints for neck injuries in rear impact crashes.
MSRP: $27,020 – $44,280
Invoice: $25,912 – $42,465
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway
TheVW Routan has gotten the IIHS’s highest rating in every category in every test conducted on the car since 2009.
Besides being structurally sound, the minivan also comes with a number of features that help keep occupants safe. It comes with stability control and traction control, both which keep the car well-grounded and prevent it from tipping over. It has front, rear and third row head airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system that helps drivers know when their tires might need air.
The VW Routan is essentially a re-badged, slightly tinkered Chrysler Town and Country. Given the popularity of those minivans, you’d think the Routan would be faring better in the marketplace. But the car just hasn’t caught on. VW doesn’t market it much either, so awareness of the VW is low.
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MSRP: $26,435 – $41,325
Invoice: $24,453 – $38,020
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway
Since 1998, theToyota Sienna has received top scores on all of the IIHS crash tests except once. For 2005 models that didn’t have optional side airbags, the minivan only got an “acceptable” rating, instead of a good rating.
But it’s still a very safe car. All of the trim levels come with side curtain airbags for all three rows, which ensures that, in the event of a rollover accident all occupants will stay inside the car. That’s a plus, because being thrown from a car during a violent crash is one of the leading causes of death (although people will sometimes anecdotally bring up cases where someone was thrown from a car and survived, it is generally something you don’t want to have happen.)
Higher trim levels offer more safety features, like a pre-collision protection system and rear-view cameras for backing up.
MSRP: $28,575 – $43,925
Invoice: $26,138 – $40,139
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway
Honda was one of the first automakers to realize drivers with families were very interested in having safe cars. So they started putting as many safety features on their vehicles as standard equipment – meaning buyers wouldn’t have to pay more – as they possibly could. That move has resulted in a well-earned reputation for safety.
TheOdyssey is one of the IIHS top picks for minivans. Additionally, 2011 model year Odysseys and younger are the only minivans to get a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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MSRP: $19,995 – $29,995
Invoice: $19,745 – $28,545
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway
One of the most popular minivans around, theGrand Caravan is also one of the safest. Chrysler, Dodge’s parent company, invented the minivan back in 1984. The cars were easy to see out of, held a lot of stuff and passengers, and were easy for children to get in and out of.
The Grand Caravan, and its sister car the Chrysler Town& Country, have advanced safety features beyond visibility issues.
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MSRP: $29,995 – $39,995
Invoice: $28,735 – $37,935
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway
The almost twin minivans from Dodge and Chrysler offer seven airbags and employ 8 different crush zones to keep occupants safe in the event of a crash.
The minivans also offer electronic stability control and other accident avoidant measures, because the best defense against fatal crashes is to never crash in the first place.
Research the Chrysler Town & Country
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