A problem with the DC-to-DC converter in some 2006-2007 Honda Civic Hybrids means that the Japanese automaker will recall 36,656 of these vehicles. Honda will replace the converter – part of the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid control system – in these vehicles because it “may experience an internal failure that could lead to engine stalling and malfunction of vehicle headlights.” Honda says that no crashes or injuries have been reported because of this problem. Official notices will be sent to customers starting March 18, but if you want to know if your vehicle is affected
now
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This isn’t the first time Honda has had problems with the Civic hybrid. Owners have previously complained about the car’s batteries and software and the company settled a mileage lawsuit out of court.
*UPDATE: Actually, Honda told AutoblogGreen that the full VIN list will not be available until March 18., adding that if you call today, you “will only be frustrated to find that we can’t tell them anything definitive.” Also:
Automakers are required to notify government agencies about recalls on a fairly short timeline, and our notification to NHTSA and the Japanese MLIT prompted this announcement. That short timeline often precedes getting final information on all vehicles that are affected. NHTSA allows some time for the automaker to finalize that list and notify vehicle owners. This is why we generally post a later date for consumers to check back in our statements about recalls. We don’t want them to get frustrated looking for information before it’s actually available.
So, please be patient.
[Source: Honda]
TORRANCE, Calif. – March 2, 2011 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., will recall 36,656 Civic Hybrid vehicles from model years 2006 through 2007 in the U.S. to replace the DC-to-DC converter, a component of the Integrated Motor Assist™ hybrid control system. The DC-to-DC converter may experience an internal failure that could lead to engine stalling and malfunction of vehicle headlights. No crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to this defect.
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. Notification to customers is planned to begin March 18, 2011.
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, after March 18, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicle requires repair by going on-line or calling. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.
View this release on hondanews.com
