The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·14710·Announced 2014-01-15

Honda and Columbia Walk-Behind Lawnmowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard

American Honda is recalling specific 21-inch walk-behind lawnmowers because the engine stop switch can malfunction, allowing the blade to keep rotating after the control lever is released.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 (laceration hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which corresponds to a High severity score of 3 according to the rubric.

Plain-English summary

American Honda Motor Company is recalling approximately 20,800 Honda brand and 48 Columbia brand walk-behind 21-inch lawnmowers in the United States, along with 3,000 Columbia brand units in Canada. The recall involves two Honda models (HRR2169VLA and HRX2174VLA) and one Columbia brand model (12ALD33Q897) equipped with Honda engines. These lawnmowers were sold nationwide at Honda Power Equipment dealers, Home Depot, and specific regional retailers between January and December 2013.

The recall is due to a laceration hazard. The engine stop switch can malfunction, which allows the cutting blade to continue rotating even after the user releases the handlebar blade control lever. Honda has received 11 reports of the blade continuing to rotate after the control lever was released, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawnmowers. Honda model owners should contact a Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free repair. Columbia model owners should contact a Honda Engine dealer for a free repair. American Honda is also contacting registered customers directly. Consumers can call American Honda toll-free at (888) 888-3139 or visit the company's website for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Walk-behind 21" lawnmowers
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers
Hazard
Affected units
20,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

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