Honda Recalls Older Odysseys, Pilots and Acura MDXs

Honda has announced a recall of more than 870,000 minivans and SUVs for an ignition switch malfunction that can allow the vehicles to roll away even after the keys have been removed.

The recall involves Honda Odyssey minivans and Honda Pilot SUVs from the 2003 and 2004 model years. The recall also includes Acura MDX SUVs made from 2003 to 2006.

All of the affected vehicles have automatic transmissions. Honda said the defect involves wear to the ignition interlock feature that could allow drivers to remove the key before the transmission shift lever is put into park.

If the vehicle is not in park and the parking break is not set, the vehicle could roll away.

Forty-three complaints about the problem have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners reported 16 crashes due to the problem, with two people injured.

Honda is encouraging owners of the affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of the recall. The company said the notices will be sent in early February.

More information is available at www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com, or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.