October 15, 2003
Honda is recalling about 30,000 Harmony Walk-Behind Lawnmowers because of a problem with the crankshaft.
If the lawnmower strikes an object with sufficient force, the crankshaft can bend. Vibration created by a bent crankshaft can eventually result in a fatigue failure of the Roto-stop blade brake control assembly. This can allow the cutting blade to continue rotating after the blade control lever is released, posing a risk of injury.
American Honda has received six reports of broken stop plates. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
The recalled models are Honda Harmony 21-inch, walk-behind mowers with model numbers HRB216TXA or HRB216HXA. The model numbers are located on a metal plate behind the engine, just in front of the rear discharge opening. These black and red mowers have "Honda Harmony" printed in white on the front.
The mowers were sold at power equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from November 2000 through June 2003 for between $700 and $760.
Honda Lawn and Garden dealers will repair these mowers by replacing the Roto-stopTM mechanism.
To locate a servicing Honda Lawn and Garden dealer, consumers should call American Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to the Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com.
