Honda recalling nearly 400,000 vehicles

WASHINGTON - Honda Motor Co. is recalling the popular Accord and Civic passenger cars to address problems with an ignition switch that could allow the key to be removed without the transmission being shifted into park, its third recall over the problem since 2003.

Honda said the most recent recall involved 384,220 vehicles and includes 2003 model year Accord and Civics and 2003-04 versions of the Honda Element.

The Japanese automaker said in a statement the recall would involve about 197,000 Accords, 117,000 Civics and 69,000 Elements.

Honda said the ignition interlock mechanism could be damaged or worn during use and "it may become possible to remove the ignition key when the shift lever is not in park." Unless the parking brake is set, the vehicle could roll away under those circumstances.

The three related recalls have involved about 1.4 million vehicles since 2003.

The recall is expected to begin in late September. Dealers plan to remove an interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch and replace them at no charge.

Owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or contact Honda at 800-999-1009 and select option 4 to learn more.