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.
Here are details of the 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: 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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
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There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
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Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was involved in a serious car crash Wednesday morning in the Czech Republic.Voracek, 23, did not suffer any injuries, according to a brief statement issued by the Flyers general
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An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:10:42 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
