Honda recalls 412,000 cars in US over brake complaints
Honda recalls 412,000 cars in US after fears over "soft" breaks
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Tuesday, 16, Mar 2010 06:02
By Sarah Garrod.
Honda has recalled 412,000 cars in the US after customers complained that brakes felt "soft", in yet another blow to the Japanese carmaker industry.
Initial reports say owners of the Japanese-made cars have said the brakes felt "soft", which the manufacturer has put down to air accumulation in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator.
It said it had received customer complaints of brake pedals that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops. In affected vehicles, this condition tends to very slowly increase over time.
The statement read: "Some VSA modulators were assembled in a manner that could allow air intrusion, making it possible for air to enter the modulator during the VSA self-check mode.
"While only a miniscule amount of air can enter the system during each check, over a period of months or years, the air will accumulate and can result in the "soft brake pedal" or "low brake pedal" condition symptoms associated with this issue. Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly."
The manufacturer added that notification to customers will start at the end of April.
In February Honda recalled thousands of cars globally over issues with airbag inflation problems.
In the past few months Toyota has dominated headlines after instigating mass recalls over faulty brakes and accelerators.