Honda customers hit by voluntary recall get mail

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) on Tuesday began sending letters of notice to concerned Honda vehicle owners to inform them that a total of 19,143 units of combined models year 2005-2007 Jazz, year 2006-2008 City, and year 2005-2006 CR-V are being recalled. Over the weekend Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a voluntary recall of some Honda Jazz (also known as Fit outside the Philippines), City and CR-V models to replace the power window master switch assembly with countermeasure parts. HCPI said replacement of affected parts will be carried out in all 28 authorized dealers and three service centers nationwide, free of charge and will take no more than 30 minutes. In a press release posted on the Honda website, the automotive company gave a list of which specific models and year of manufacture are subject of the recall and explained why the vehicles are being recalled. "The silicon component commonly found in air fresheners or automotive cleaning agents, etc. enters into the power window master switch. This accelerates wear in the contact area and over time, wear particles accumulate between the power source and ground of the unit switch. The resin material of the unit switch is then heated and carbonized. "This may cause smoke and in worst case, partial burning of the window switch cover. No accidents or injuries have been reported related to this defect. With the total safety of Honda vehicle users as priority at all times, HCPI is taking this voluntary recall to replace the power window master switch assembly of affected units," the statement read. To conduct the voluntary recall in an orderly manner, Honda requested customers to call their respective dealers or the Honda Hotline at 1-800-1000-Honda (46632) or (02) 857-7240, and to visit the Honda website, www.hondaphil.com, for inquiries and details of scheduling. HCPI assured owners of Jazz, City and CR-V models not included in the list posted on their website have no reason to worry since the affected parts are of different specifications. The company added that other Honda models such as the Civic, Accord, Pilot, Odyssey and HR-V sold and distributed by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. are likewise not affected. Earlier in February, HCPI recalled a total of 5,468 City and Jazz units that were sold between September 2008 and April 2010 because these had defective engine springs. City units are assembled in Honda's plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, while Jazz units are imported from Thailand. — Marlon Anthony Tonson, GMA News