Honda Recalling Fit Models Due to Lost Motion Spring

Japanese manufacturer Honda issued a statement today announcing it had identified a problem with some of its models from the US, and is therefore prompting the recall of some 97,201 Fit vehicles manufactured as part of the 2009 and 2010 model year. According to Honda, the problem which prompted the recall is related to the engine valvetrain of these vehicles.

Specifically, we are talking here about the lost motion springs, which are compressed by rocker arms in normal engine use, and that may bend or break over time resulting in abnormal engine noise and potentially causing engine damage or stalling. So far, Honda says there have been no related incidents reported.

“Honda will recall 97,201 model years 2009 and 2010 Fit vehicles in the U.S. to replace the lost motion springs, components within the engine valvetrain,” a company statement reads.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by the manufacturer starting early March, and told to take their cars to the dealers for proper inspection and repairs, if needed. All repairs will be conducted free of charge for the consumers.

“Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda by mail. Notification to customers will begin in early March 2011,” Honda says.

“When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end in addition to contacting customers by mail, in early March, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicle requires repair by going on-line or calling,” the statement concluded.