Honda Issues Recall For Lawnmower And Pressure Washer Engines

American Honda Motor issued a recall of 391,800 lawnmowers and pressure washer engines related to a potentially dangerous defect that can lead to injury. In this case, the engines were designed with defective camshafts that could cause the starter rope to suddenly retract. Honda has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to the defective camshafts and there are seven reported injuries related to the defect. The injuries were described as “minor.” The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published the recall in September of 2023.

Models affected by the recall

The recall involves Honda HRN216 and HRX217K6 lawnmowers. It also involves the GCV170/200 G5B pressure washer engines. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled Honda lawnmowers and pressure washer engines and to contact an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer right away to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair, according to the recall.

According to the recall, Honda sold the lawnmowers and pressure washers nationwide from May 2022 to June 2023 at retail stores like Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Lowes, and Northern Tool.

Product liability lawsuits in Florida

Seven minor injuries have been reported from the starter cord snap-back most likely to the hands and fingers. In these cases, Honda would be liable for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages related to the injuries. While the injuries were described as minor, they still might require medical attention. Honda would be on the hook for compensating victims of the snap-back for injuries they suffered due to the alleged defect.

Product liability lawsuits are often filed under a theory of strict liability. When the user of a product uses the product as directed by the manufacturer and sustains an injury as a result of that usage, the manufacturer can be sued and the plaintiff does not need to prove negligence. In these cases, negligence is implied by the mere fact of the injury. In this case, a recall has been issued by Honda and Honda has stated that they will repair the defective camshafts to avoid the potential snapping of the starter cord.

Plaintiffs would have to establish that they were injured by the device when they were using it. In many cases, they would require medical evidence of injury after they sought medical attention from a doctor. The doctor would write them a note stating the extent of their injuries and Honda could be sued under a theory of product liability. Thus far, 7 injuries have been reported, but the extent of those injuries is unknown. It is possible that the defect could cause broken or sprained fingers, bruises, or other types of injury that require physical therapy. It’s also likely that the injuries may be painful, though not permanent.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

The Florida product liability lawyers at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of Florida residents who have been injured by a dangerous or defective product. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your case right away.

Source:

topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/recalls/honda-issues-recall-for-lawnmowers-pressure-washer-engines/