American Honda to Recall Vehicles to Repair Ignition Interlocks

Certain 1997 to 2002 Honda and Acura Vehicles Affected

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of certain Honda and Acura models to repair ignition switch interlocks. The interlock is intended to prevent removal of the ignition key unless the shift lever is placed in the "Park" position. Some interlock levers may be improperly dimensioned, which could allow the operator to switch the ignition off and remove the key without putting the shift lever in the "Park" position.

The recall involves approximately 486,000 automatic transmission equipped vehicles -- manual transmission equipped vehicles are not affected. Included in the recall are certain 1999 to 2002 Honda Accord models and all 1997 to 2001 Prelude models. Also included in the recall are certain 1999 to 2000 Acura TL sedans.

American Honda will contact owners of affected vehicles when parts are available and ask them to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer to be repaired free of charge. Prior to the vehicle being repaired, drivers should follow the parking procedure in the owner's manual: apply the parking brake and shift the transmission to the "Park" position before exiting the vehicle.

Details regarding mailing dates and affected vehicles will be available on the Honda and Acura Web sites on February 4, 2005. Owners will be able to access this information by registering at the "Owner Link" section of www.honda.com or www.acura.com and entering the 17-digit vehicle identification number.

Customers may also contact their local Honda or Acura dealer, or call Honda customer service at (800) 999-1009 or Acura customer service at (800) 382-2238.

There have been eleven incidents resulting in minor property damage related to this issue. No injuries have been reported.