Honda recalls 693,497 Fit subcompacts to replace engine springs
Photo credit: HONDA
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Honda Motor Co. is recalling 693,497 Fit subcompact cars globally to replace engine springs that could cause the engine to stall and fail to restart.
The recall includes 97,201 2009 and 2010 model Fits sold in the United States. It also applies to versions of the vehicle sold around the world as the Freed and City.
Four motion springs in the engine valvetrain can become compressed by rocker arms during normal engine use. Over time, the springs may bend or break, causing abnormal engine noise and possibly engine damage or stalling, Honda said in a statement.
No injuries or accidents related to the springs have been reported, Honda said. The Japanese automaker said it would notify owners of the recalled vehicles beginning in March. Owners also will be able to visit Honda's Web site and -- using their vehicle identification numbers -- determine if their Fits are subject to the recall.
Dealers will inspect and replace any missing motion springs.
Honda began using different motion springs early in the 2010 model year, so most of the recalled vehicles are 2009 models, Honda spokesman Chris Martin said.
Honda sold 67,315 Fits in 2009 and 54,354 in 2010 in the United States.
The largest market affected is Japan, where Honda is recalling 167,883 Freed and Fit cars. It estimates the cost at 3.28 billion yen ($39 million), a Honda spokeswoman told Reuters. The remaining vehicles were mainly sold in Asia, including China.
Martin declined to give an estimate for U.S. costs to the automaker, but said Honda anticipates paying for 2.7 labor hours for each vehicle.
Reuters contributed to this report
