Honda Recall 2012: Automaker Recalling Over 800K Minivans, SUVs For Faulty Ignition Switch

Automotive giant Honda announced it is recalling more than 800,000 of its family-minded SUVs and minivans because of a defect in vehicles’ ignition system.

Honda Motor Company, Ltd., which has its North American headquarters in Torrance, said Wednesday that the latest recall covers 318,000 Honda Odyssey minivans and 259,000 Honda Pilot crossovers sold during the 2003 and 2004 model-years, while 230,000 Acura MDX crossovers sold between 2003 and 2006 were also added to the service action.

On top of those 807,000 vehicles marketed in the United States, Honda will recall another 63,000 vehicles sold in 28 other countries.

Per Honda’s recall announcement, the issue involves the ignition interlock, a device intended to ensure that the key can only be removed when a vehicle is firmly shifted into Park.

Due to the defect, the mechanism in the vehicles included in the recall could wear over time and allow the key to be removed when the transmission is in Neutral or some other gear, allowing the vehicle to roll away and a crash could occur.

Honda said it has received “several complaints” and is aware of a “small number of related incidents,” including two that allegedly resulted in minor injuries.

According to the recall notice, Honda will notify owners of affected vehicles in early February and ask them to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the problem fixed at no charge.

At that time, Honda owners will also be able to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall by calling 800-999-1009. Acura owners will be able to call 800-382-2238 for information.

For more information on the 2012 Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, and Acura MDX recalls, head over to www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com.