Honda SA recalls Jazz vehicles for safety checks

Honda South Africa has issued a safety recall of its previous generation Jazz vehicles for inspection following the death of toddler Vanilla Nurse in a car fire last year.

A statement on its website on Friday said this would be to “inspect and modify driver-door power window switches that may, in some cases, short circuit as a result of water intrusion into the housing”.

The company launched an “extensive investigation” to determine the cause of the incident, and said the cause of the fire remained indeterminable.

However, the investigation had shown that water intrusion into the power window-switch housing “may, in some instances, cause a short circuit, which in exceptional circumstances may lead to potential damages”.

Vanilla was asleep in the car after her parents had been on a shopping trip to prepare for her birthday.

The car alarm went off and her mother, Camilla Colley, rushed out to find the car in flames.

In spite of efforts to rescue her and get her emergency treatment, she died, on her second birthday.

The company said owners of the 2002 to 2008 year model Jazz would be notified directly of the recall.

Honda dealers will inspect the driver-door power window switch, and if water intrusion is observed the switch will be replaced.

In all cases a counter measure to prevent any water intrusion will be fitted, the company said.

Customers can contact Honda South Africa on 0800-HONDA1 or email care@honda.co.za for information.

Vanilla’s father, Justin, the founder of Laugh it Off, a company specialising in satirical T-shirts, had a breakdown after her death and withdrew from work. He was also diagnosed with Bells Palsy, a condition associated with extreme stress.—Sapa