The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·23287·Announced 2023-09-14

Honda Lawnmowers and Pressure Washer Engines Recall Due to Starter Rope Injury Hazard

American Honda is recalling about 391,800 lawnmowers and pressure washer engines because improperly manufactured camshafts can cause the starter rope to suddenly retract when pulled, posing an injury hazard. The company has received 2,197 reports of incidents, including seven minor injuries.

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: Although only seven minor injuries have been reported to date, the hazard presents a risk of injury (sudden retraction of a starter rope when pulling to start) where harm could occur. The source explicitly describes this as an "injury hazard." Under the rubric, risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported at a severe level fit the "High" category.

Plain-English summary

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is recalling Honda HRN216 and HRX217K6 lawnmowers and GCV170/200 G5B pressure washer engines due to a defect in the camshaft. The improperly manufactured camshafts can cause the starter rope to suddenly retract when pulled to start the engine, creating an unexpected injury hazard to the operator.

About 391,800 lawnmowers and pressure washer engines are affected. The lawnmowers were sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Northern Tool, and various farm, agricultural, and rental stores nationwide from May 2022 to June 2023 for between $550 and $1,100. The pressure washer engines were sold at Lowes, Home Depot, and other retail stores nationwide from June 2022 to August 2023 for between $370 and $550.

Honda has received 2,197 reports of incidents related to camshaft failures, including seven reports of minor injuries. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawnmowers and pressure washers equipped with recalled engines and contact an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Consumer contact information is available at 888-888-3139 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET), powerequipment.honda.com/support/recalls-and-updates, or crmshonda.my.salesforce-sites.com/service/pew2c.

The recalled product

Product
Honda Lawnmowers and Pressure Washer Engines
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn and Garden Equipment
Hazard
  • starter-rope-retraction
  • camshaft-defect
  • crush-injury
Affected units
391,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category