Not a good time to delay action on a problem reported more than two years ago.
The ongoing addition of electronics in automobiles continues to present problems for owners.
The latest example comes from American Honda Motor Company, which is recalling more than 140,000 2007 and 2008 model year Fit subcompacts for possible fires.
It seems that a power window switch on the inexpensive car can be damaged by water. Overheating and ultimately the failure of the switch results.
Honda received the first customer complaint more than two years ago, but said at the time that a safety related defect didn’t exist since the owner had spilled a soft drink on the switch.
Apparently, a combination of further customer complains and the well-publicized problems at Toyota centering around inaction in safety related matters, have caused Honda to determine that a safety related defect does indeed exist with the switch.
Dealers will inspect the switch and install a cover around the housing to prevent water from entering the switch. If the switch is damaged, the switch will be replaced and a cover will be installed. This service will be performed free of charge.
Honda has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, which we interpret as an indication that the company is scrambling to get a fire recall behind it. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA Campaign Id Number: 10V033000.