An expansion of Honda’s recall of its Fit model due to a software problem according to Frenkel & Frenkel.
Expanding on a recall issued in April after discovery that some of their Fit Sport compact cars had a yaw rate that exceeded federal standards, Honda announced that they were issuing a recall on the Fit hatchback as well, increasing the number of vehicles covered under the recall to over 90,000. The yaw rate is a force that could change the direction of the vehicle. Software Problem According to Honda, the Fit models require an update to a software program that controls the electronic stability control system. The software allows the body of the vehicle to roll more than it should before making the necessary adjustments, leading to the possibility of a driver losing control of the car. Initially, Honda believed the issue only occurred when the vehicles were equipped with certain tires. NHTSA Testing After the recall in April, Honda tested all Fit models, but only found the problem to exist in the Fit Sport model. However, when the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) put other models through testing more strenuous than Honda’s testing, they found the problem existed on all models of the vehicle. Honda duplicated the results of the NHTSA testing and determined that an expanded recall was necessary. Models Affected Honda Fit models affected by the recall are from the 2012 and 2013 model years. Owners who purchased Honda Fit Sport models should have received notification in May that their vehicle needed to be returned to the dealership to repair the software problem, while those in the expanded recall will not be notified until August. At this time, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this problem. An automobile recall is designed to correct safety issues in vehicles, but often the notification to consumers is delayed. This could lead to the problem being a contributing factor in a car accident that causes injury or death, and a product liability claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel if you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a Honda Fit for a free initial consultation.
