Japanese car giant Honda is to contact 171,372 owners of the Jazz model in the UK as part of a safety recall. The manufacturer is arranging an examination of the master power window switch on the first generation Jazz (2002-2008). The news comes as Honda has added 437,700 cars, mainly in North America, to its existing global safety recall over airbag inflation problems. The company has already recalled almost 4,000 Accord and Civic cars in 2008 and another 510,000 cars in mid-2009.
Readers of Caravan Times alarmed by recent reports of airbag issues should know that most of the faulty cars are found in North America and the recall does not affect customers in the UK. Honda vehicles sold in the UK are fitted with a different type of airbag to the one concerned.
The news however comes as a fresh blow to Japanese carmakers, after we reported last week how Toyota recalled over 180,000 cars in the UK over a faulty accelerator pedal. And today in a separate safety issue Toyota announced a global recall of some of its Prius model over a brake problem. This affects 8,300 in the UK and the maker intends to install updated software to faulty cars.
Honda Jazz – the switchgear problem explained.
Honda have discovered that the master window switch in the driver’s door of the Jazz can malfunction when exposed to large amounts of liquid ingress. For example if the window is left open frequently or for long periods during heavy rain this can cause issues. Water and other fluids can cause the window switch’s circuit board to malfunction and prevent opening or closing of the window. What has prompted this recall is that in rare cases, the circuit board can overheat causing melting or smoke or, potentially, fire. However there have been no reported cases of a switch malfunction causing fire to a Jazz in the UK.
The manufacturer explained that not all of the cars recalled will require a replacement switch. However it promises to fit all recalled cars with a waterproof skirt in order to prevent further water entry.
How to get it fixed
Honda UK intends to contact Jazz owners affected by the recall “as soon as possible”. In all cases they have assured that work will be carried out at no cost to the customer.
The firm have advised customers who have concerns to contact Honda (UK) Customer Relations on 0845 200 8002 for assistance.
Those affected by the Toyota Prius story should be aware that the model affected is the third-generation Prius (built before 27 January 2010). A full statement on the issue can be found here at the manufacturer’s blog.
