/ 17 February 2011

Honda to recall nearly 700 000 vehicles

Japanese carmaker Honda on Thursday said it was recalling 693 497 vehicles worldwide due to defective parts that could stall the engine and cause problems restarting in certain models.

Honda spokesperson Natsuno Asanuma said the recall would affect models of its Freed compact minivan, Fit compact car and City sedan, including about 170 000 of the Freed and Fit in Japan.

The recall affects more than 220 000 units in Asia, mainly the South-east Asian area, and about 156 000 in China, she said. No accidents associated with the defect have been reported, she added.

Defective spring parts may deteriorate over time resulting in abnormal engine sounds and in the worst case cause stalling and problems restarting.

The latest action follows a recall in December of about 1,35-million Fit sub-compact cars, including 621 000 overseas, to repair a headlight defect.– AFP