The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·10V361000·Announced 2010-08-04

Honda Recalls 2010 Element Vehicles for Shift Cable Defect

Honda is recalling 2010 Element vehicles because a shift cable may be set incorrectly, potentially preventing the driver from shifting gears or removing the key.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the transmission shift mechanism that explicitly increases the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Honda is recalling certain 2010 model year Element vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions that were manufactured between April 1, 2010, and June 25, 2010. The recall addresses a defect where the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly at the shift lever bracket during assembly.

This defect may allow the driver to move the gear shift lever without the transmission actually engaging the selected gear. Consequently, the key may become stuck in the ignition switch, or the driver may be unable to shift into or out of Park, or unable to shift into Reverse. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Honda has contacted some owners by phone to arrange free repairs. All other owners will be notified by mail. Dealers will correct the issue by properly setting the shift cable bushing. The safety recall began on August 9, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
HONDA ELEMENT
Brand
HONDA
Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
Category
Vehicle — Automatic Transmission
Hazard
Affected units
585

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • ELEMENT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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