Recall: American Honda Recalls Lawnmowers Due to Laceration Hazard (Recall Alert)

Description: This recall involves two Honda models and one Columbia brand electric start lawnmowers with Honda engines and 21" cutting blades. The Honda lawnmowers are red and silver (HRR) and red and gray (HRX). Both have "Honda" on the engine cover. The model and serial numbers are located on the certification label that is affixed to the cutter housing deck behind the engine. Honda recalled lawnmowers are: Honda Models Serial Number Range HRR2169VLA MZCG-8764914 ~ MZCG-8824353 HRX2174VLA MAGA-2255148 ~ MAGA-2260227 The Columbia brand lawnmower, model number 12ALD33Q897, comes in orange and black. "Honda" is printed on the engine cover. The Honda engine serial number is located on a label on the back of the engine. It is also stamped into the engine block adjacent to the oil filler cap/dipstick. A range of affected Honda engines installed in Columbia brand lawnmowers sold in the U.S. follows: Columbia Model Honda Engine Serial Number Range 1A313KC0835 GJARA 3641724 through GJARA 3642215

Name of product: Walk-behind 21" lawnmowers

Units: About 20,800 Honda brand in U.S. and 48 Columbia brand lawnmowers in U.S. and 3,000 in Canada

Hazard: The engine stop switch can malfunction allowing the blade to continue to rotate after the handlebar blade control lever is released, which poses a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawnmowers. Honda model owners should contact a Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free repair. Columbia model owners should contact a Honda Engine dealer to schedule a free repair. American Honda is contacting all registered customers directly.

Recall date: January 15, 2014

Incidents/Injuries: Honda has received 11 reports of the lawnmower's blade continuing to rotate after the handlebar control lever was released. No injuries were reported.

Sold At: Honda brand lawnmowers were sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2013 through December 2013 for between $580 and $780. Columbia brand lawnmowers were sold at Beaver Valley Supply, Denver, Colo; Lawn Equipment Parts Co, Inc., Marietta, Penn. and at Smiths South-Central Sales Co., Spring Hill, La. from January 2013 through December 2013 for $500.

Manufactured in: United States

Consumer contact: American Honda toll-free at (888) 888-3139 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.powerequipment.honda.com and click on Recalls and Updates. For Columbia brand lawnmowers see www.engines.honda.com and click on Recalls/Updates.

Recall number: 14-710