The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04009·Announced 2003-10-15

Honda Harmony Walk-Behind Lawnmowers Recalled for Blade Brake Failure

Honda is recalling 30,000 Harmony walk-behind lawnmowers because a bent crankshaft can cause the blade brake to fail, allowing the blade to keep spinning.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (rotating blade) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc. is recalling approximately 30,000 Honda Harmony 21-inch walk-behind lawnmowers. The affected models are HRB216TXA and HRB216HXA. These black and red mowers have "Honda Harmony" printed in white on the front, and the model numbers are located on a metal plate behind the engine, just in front of the rear discharge opening.

The recall is due to a safety hazard where the crankshaft can bend if the lawnmower strikes an object with sufficient force. Vibration from a bent crankshaft can eventually cause a fatigue failure of the Roto-stop™ blade brake control assembly. This failure can allow the cutting blade to continue rotating after the blade control lever is released, posing a risk of injury to consumers. American Honda has received six reports of broken stop plates, but no injuries or property damage have been reported.

The mowers were sold at Power Equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from November 2000 through June 2003 for between $700 and $760. Consumers should stop using the mowers and contact a servicing Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to have the Roto-stop™ mechanism replaced. To locate a dealer, consumers can call American Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.hondapowerequipment.com.

The recalled product

Product
Honda Harmony Walk-Behind Lawnmowers
Manufacturer
Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc., of Swepsonville, N.C.
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers
Hazard
Affected units
30,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · blade injury

See all →