American Honda is starting recalls on about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. The Honda recalls cover four-cylinder Accord, CR-V and Element models from 2005-2010 that have transmission shift software that could damage the transmission and lead to the engine stalling or difficulty engaging park.
In a statement Honda said that without updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions.
This is not as unusual as it sounds since drivers may do so by rocking a Honda stuck in mud or snow for example.
Honda said the update to the vehicle’s automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.
Notification of these Honda recalls will begin on August 31, 2011. After August 31, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.