Fire Risks Prompt New Honda CR-V Hybrid Recall

Honda is calling back more than 100,000 hybrid CR-V sport utility vehicles, citing possible car fires. 

Battery cables in the vehicles may overheat and short-circuit, Honda recently told federal safety regulators. That increases fire risks in the event the cars are involved in accidents, according to the automaker.

“If the vehicle is involved in a crash to the left front fender area under certain circumstances, a short circuit to the power circuit can occur and the battery cable can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire and/or injury,” Honda said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company said a missing fuse on a 12-volt battery cable outside the vehicles is to blame.

“The 12-volt battery cables routed outside of the body frame do not contain a fuse on the power circuit,” Honda explained in the defect notice.

The recall covers certain CR-V SUVs for the model years 2020 through 2022, according to Honda. 

The company said it planned to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by the end of January. It is asking owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and battery cable replacement. Owners who have already paid out of pocket for repairs related to the defect can seek reimbursement from Honda.

Honda Tops List of Total Recalled Cars in 2023 

Honda announced the recall at the tail end of 2023, highlighting a year in which the company recalled more cars in the U.S. than any other vehicle manufacturer.

Honda called back more than 6.3 million vehicles, according to NHTSA data. Ford (6.2 million), Kia (3.1 million), Chrysler (2.7 million) and General Motors (2 million) were also among the most recalled vehicles nationwide. Ford, meanwhile, issued the most recalls over the year (58), followed by Chrysler, General Motors, BMW and Nissan, among others. 

Just days after the CR-V announcement, Honda announced a much broader recall. 

The company said it is calling back some 4.5 million cars across Honda and Acura models worldwide, including roughly 2.5 million vehicles that were sold in the U.S. The recall covers some 2018-2020 Honda CR-Vs, as well as Accord, Civic, HR-V, Insight, Ridgeline, Odyssey and Passport vehicles.  Certain Acura ILX, MDX, RDX, RLX, TLX and NSX vehicles are also part of the recall. 

Honda also announced major recalls in the month leading up to the CR-V announcement.

The company said in November it was calling back some 250,000 cars over stalling concerns, for example. A rod bearing problem could cause the vehicles’ engines not to start or to stall on the road, Honda told NHTSA.

“If the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving, and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury.”

Around the same time, Honda recalled roughly 300,000 Accord sedans and CR-V SUVs, citing faulty seat belts. Thanks to defective pretensioners, the company said the vital safety devices may not work properly in the event of a crash.

“Seat belt pretensioners missing a rivet will not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury,” Honda said at the time.

Defective Vehicles Put Lives at Risk

Sadly, Honda is not alone when it comes to massive recalls over serious safety issues. 

The world’s major auto manufacturers call back millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that put everyone on the road at risk. What is more, the moves often come long after the faulty vehicles have been built, shipped and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

These were the most common problems cited by auto manufacturers last year, according to NHTSA data:

• Electrical systems
• Equipment
• Structure
• Power train
• Steering
• Airbags
• Exterior lighting
• Suspensions
• Service brakes, hydraulic
• Back over prevention

Even seemingly “minor” recalls can relate to serious defects that put cars at greater risk of crashes or expose drivers and passengers in the vehicles to a higher risk of injury if a collision happens.

These and other kinds of defects are often lurking in used cars. 

Roughly 40% of used cars being offered for sale across the country are covered by at least one open recall that has not been addressed, according to research from Consumers’ Checkbook and the Consumer Federation of America. Federal legislation that would require used car dealers to address open recalls before they can sell covered vehicles has stalled in Congress.

It is vital to check whether a car has been recalled - and whether repairs have been completed - before agreeing to buy a used vehicle.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Car Owners and Lessors

Fortunately, Californians who own or lease Hondas and other cars across the state do not have to wait for recalls in order to get many defective vehicles fixed. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

Known formally as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the California lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

The law also requires automakers to buy back cars that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.