Honda Canada Responds to Issues Regarding Ignition Switch Interlock Mechanism Recall

Honda will recall approximately 18,000 Honda Accords, 21,000 Honda Civics and 2,000 Acura 1.7ELs from the 2003 model year, and approximately 3,000 Honda Elements from the 2003 and 2004 model years in Canada to prevent a malfunction of the ignition interlock feature of these vehicles.

Honda has received several complaints about such failures in these vehicles but is not aware of any resulting accidents or injuries in Canada.

The ignition interlock mechanism can be damaged or worn during use. 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 and a crash might occur.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to contact an authorized dealer after they receive notification from Honda or Acura to schedule a time to have their vehicle repaired. Notification to customers will start in late September, 2010.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. Owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicle requires repair by calling toll free to 1-888-946-6329.