Honda is recalling nearly 2.5 million cars, small SUVs and minivans worldwide to fix a software glitch that could damage automatic transmissions.
The recall includes 1.5 million vehicles in the United States, including the popular Accord sedan for the 2005 through 2010 model years.
In the United States and Canada, the recall also includes the CR-V crossover for the model years 2007 to 2010 as well as the small SUV Element from 2005 to 2008.
Honda said that without the updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, as may be done in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle stuck in mud or snow.
“If the bearing is damaged in this unusual scenario, it can cause the engine to stall or lead to difficulty engaging the parking gear. The update to the vehicle's automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition,” the company said.
Honda said it will begin notifying customers of the affected vehicles on August 31. Dealers will make the upgrade free of charge and it is expected to take less than an hour.
In addition to contacting customers by mail, after August 31, Honda owners will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.
