Why Are Honda Lawn Mowers Being Recalled? Everything to Know
In September 2023, Honda Motor announced a recall of nearly 400,000 lawn mower and pressure washer engines. Earlier this month, the manufacturer expanded the recall to include an additional 200 lawnmower replacement engines.
In a statement issued by Honda, the manufacturer explains that “the improperly manufactured camshafts in the engines can cause the starter rope to suddenly retract when pulling to start, posing an injury hazard.”
Owners of the Honda HRN216 and HRX217K6 lawnmowers, as well as GCV170/200 G5B general-purpose engines used in power washers and lawnmower replacement engines, should halt any operation of their equipment immediately. Models were sold at the following locations nationwide from May 2033 through June 2023: Honda Power Equipment dealers, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Northern Tool and various farm, agricultural and rental stores.
a red and black lawn mower
If you’re unsure whether your model is affected, you can find specific model and serial number information located on a label on the upper rear of the mower deck. Power washer serial numbers are engraved on the flat surface of the engine.
Should your equipment be impacted, Honda advises contacting an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer via this Dealer Locator to schedule an appointment for free inspection and repair. If you find that you’re having trouble resolving your recall request, consumers can also file a recall complaint online with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Since the 2023 recall, Honda has received over 5,000 reports of related incidents. While large equipment such as lawn mowers and pressure washers are generally safe to operate when following instructions, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab experts always advise taking the right safety precautions when operating large power tools and equipment.