BREAKING: Honda recalls 383,000 vehicles

Honda announced today that it will recall approximately 383,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall covers 197,000 Accord and 117,000 Civic vehicles from the 2003 model year and roughly 69,000 Element vehicles from the 2003 and 2004 model years in the U.S. to prevent a malfunction of the ignition interlock feature of these vehicles.

Honda said it has received several complaints about such failures in these vehicles and is aware of a small number of related incidents, including one that resulted in a minor injury.

“The ignition interlock mechanism can be damaged or worn during us,” Honda said in a statement. “If this happens, it may become possible to remove the ignition key when the shift lever is not in Park. If the transmission is not in Park and the parking brake is not set, the vehicle could roll away, and a crash could occur.”

Honda said it will start notifying customers in late September, 2010. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

– By: Omar Rana