The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·24220·Announced 2024-05-02

Honda Lawnmowers and Engines Recalled for Dangerous Starter Rope Hazard

American Honda Motor is recalling lawnmowers and replacement engines with faulty camshafts that can cause the starter rope to suddenly retract, injuring users. About 200 additional replacement engines are included in this expansion of a previous recall.

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 hazard (sudden starter rope retraction during normal use) where 38 minor injuries have been reported. Although injuries have been reported, they are classified as minor and no serious injuries or hospitalizations are documented, placing this at the High severity level per the rubric.

Plain-English summary

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is recalling Honda HRN216 and HRX217K6 lawnmowers, GCV170/200 G5B general-purpose engines used in pressure washers, and lawnmower replacement engines. About 200 additional lawnmower replacement engines are being added to this recall, which expands a previous September 2023 recall that affected approximately 391,800 units.

The recalled engines contain improperly manufactured camshafts that can cause the starter rope to suddenly retract when being pulled to start the equipment. This sudden retraction poses an injury hazard to users.

Honda has received 2,966 reports of incidents related to camshaft failures since the last recall, plus 2,197 reported incidents from the September 2023 recall, including 38 reports of minor injuries. The recalled products were sold nationwide from May 2022 through June 2023 at Honda Power Equipment dealers, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe's, Northern Tool, and various farm, agricultural, and rental stores for between $550 and $1,100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and contact an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Honda can be reached toll-free at 888-888-3139 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or through their online recall portal at https://powerequipment.honda.com/ (click "Recalls and Updates") or https://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/Recalls/kp4.pdf.

The recalled product

Product
Honda Lawnmowers, Replacement Engines, and Pressure Washers Engines
Manufacturer
American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, California
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn and Garden Equipment
Hazard
  • starter-rope-entrapment
  • impact-injury
Affected units
200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category