While I just wrote this weekend that Honda has been killing it, once and a while there is a curveball. An all-new recall for the 2016 Honda Civic and Civic Coupe is doing just that.
Though the company is known for its outstanding reliability and long lasting products, recalls pervade just about every automaker these days. This one is a bit of a Duesey.
That's because the 2016 Civic may roll away.
According to Honda, who is voluntarily making this recall, the 2016 Civic's electronic parking brake may not engage if you hit the switch immediately after shutting down the vehicle. According to Honda, as long as you apply the parking brake when the ignition is switched on, you're A OK.
If you do try to apply the parking brake immediately after powering down, software may prevent the e-brake from applying. If you're not in Park this increases the likelihood your Civic will roll away therefore increasing the chance of a crash.
Honda has informed Civic owners to contact their local service center upon seeing this recall. Software will be fixed, free of charge.
Honda's press release follows:
Statement by American Honda Regarding Electric Parking Brake Recall: 2016 Civic
TORRANCE, Calif. - Approximately 350,000 Civic vehicles affected in the United States;
- Electric Parking Brake software will be updated, free of charge;
- No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue
American Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 350,000 Civic Coupes and Sedans from the 2016 model year to update software affecting Electric Parking Brake (EPB) functionality, free of charge. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was discovered through warranty claims associated with the illumination of the brake warning light.
The software for the Vehicle Stability Assist Electronic Control Unit may prevent application of the EPB when it is applied immediately after turning the vehicle ignition off. (This condition will not occur if the EPB is applied before turning off the vehicle ignition.) If the EPB cannot be applied, the "BRAKE" warning indicator in the instrument panel will blink for 15 seconds to alert the driver. Additionally, if the EPB does not properly set and a parking gear is not selected by the driver, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda is announcing this recall to encourage each owner of an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in early November 2016.
Additionally, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair now by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (888) 234-2138.