The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·10V364000·Announced 2010-08-05

Honda Recalls 2003-2004 Vehicles for Ignition Interlock Defect

Honda is recalling specific 2003-2004 Accord, Civic, and Element vehicles because the ignition interlock lever may deform, allowing the vehicle to roll away if the key is removed while not in Park.

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 ignition system that can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Honda is recalling certain 2003 model year Accord and Civic (two and four-door) vehicles, as well as 2003-2004 model year Element vehicles. The recall addresses a defect in the ignition switch where the interlock lever may unexpectedly deform. This deformation can defeat the interlock function in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.

If the interlock function is defeated, the ignition key can be removed even if the gear selector has not been shifted to the Park position. This condition allows the vehicle to roll away, which increases the risk of a crash. The safety recall began on October 7, 2010.

Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. 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, ACCORD, CIVIC
Brand
HONDA
Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
Category
Vehicle — Ignition System
Hazard
Affected units
551,498

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 (3)

  • ELEMENT
  • ACCORD
  • CIVIC

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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