HONDA FIT Recall

Honda announced a recall of 646,000 model year 2007 and 2008 Fit compact hatchbacks worldwide for a faulty window switch that could catch fire. Approximately 140,000 of the vehicles affected are in the U.S. Most of the affected vehicles outside of the U.S. are sold under the name Jazz.

The affected vehicles are being voluntarily called back to dealerships so they can examine window switches. The concern is that water, rain, or other liquid could enter the driver's window, reach the master power window switch, and damage it, causing it overheat, melt, or smoke. Of the seven confirmed cases in the U.S., two have even involved fires, making the glitch a serious problem despite no deaths or injuries having been reported as of yet.

Most commonly, the water can get to the switch when a driver leaves the window open. But a Honda representative said "under some severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch."

Honda claims that only about ten percent of the recalled vehicles will need new switches, and that the others will receive a new gasket to prevent leakage onto the switch. Fit owners will receive a mailing from Honda with further instructions.

The recall comes amid an upsurge of recalls, including the highly publicized Toyota recall for the unintended acceleration of some of its automobiles, and another involving Honda's own expansion of a recall for faulty airbag inflators in several of its models.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a recalled Honda model, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.