A global recall of 693,497 Honda Freed, Fit and City models to repair a potentially faulty valve spring that could cause the engine to fail to restart in the worst case scenario does not affect Jazz models sold in Europe as they have different engines.
“We don’t take that 1.5-litre engine,” a Honda spokesman told just-auto.
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The previous generation Jazz for Europe – built initially in Japan and later in China – had 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines and an optional CVT automatic transmission – those for most other markets had a 1.5 with conventional five-speed automatic as an option.
Honda’s US unit said it woud recall 97,201 2009 and 2010 model year Fit vehicles to replace the lost motion springs in the engine valvetrain.
“The lost motion springs, which are compressed by rocker arms in normal engine use, may bend or break over time resulting in abnormal engine noise and potentially causing engine damage or stalling. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect,” the automaker said, adding that the recall process would start early in March.
A Honda spokeswoman told Reuters the Japanese domestic recall of 167,883 Freed and Fit models would cost an estimated JPY3.28bn (US$39m) with the rest of the affected cars mainly in Asia, including China.
Kyodo News said Freed vehicles needing repairs were made between 12 May 2008 and 26 November 2009 while the Fit cars were produced between 7 September 2007 and 16 November 2009.
RTTNews reported that Honda SIEL Cars India would recall 57,853 units of the mid-sized City sedan. The recall would cover only third generation City models manufactured between November 2008 and December 2009.
That model was also sold widely in Asia and built in Thailand.
