To update software related to the electronic control units, Honda recalled 471 model year 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell cars in California.
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The electronic control unit software, which monitors voltage in the fuel cell stack, can misread a minor change in voltage and shut down.
“The Fuel Cell ECU software responsible for monitoring voltage in the fuel cell stack may misinterpret a minor voltage variance and erroneously shut down the fuel stack in response, resulting in an unexpected loss of motive power, potentially increasing the risk of a crash,” according to a statement by Honda.
Honda has said no complaints have been received in the United States about the issue and there also have been no reports of crashed or injuries related to the issue.
When the issue occurs, a warning message will appear on a screen below the speedometer that says, “Power System Problem. Stop Driving When Safe.”
The automaker says a driver should get off the road as soon as possible after seeing that message. As for how far the car will be able to travel after the message is shown, Honda says the car should be able to keep moving forward for a “short time while getting power from the traction battery, but how far the car can make it will depend on the charge of that battery.”
The notices were mailed in late February. Clarity owners will need to visit one of 12 available Honda Fuel Cell dealers in California.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, executive branch of the U.S. government that is part of the Department of Transportation, has a campaign to help auto owners find recalls like this one. The NHTSA’s mission is “Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes,” and has a valuable tool on its website to make searching for recalls a snap.
To start, auto owners need to put their 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) in to a search on the NHTSA website. The VIN number is located on the lower left of the automobile’s windshield. It also is located on the car’s registration card and most auto insurance companies show the number on the card.
The VIN search tool shows vehicle safety recalls that are incomplete, vehicle safety recalls conducted over the past 15 calendar years and vehicle safety recalls conducted by major light auto automakers, including motorcycle manufacturers.
The website also allows for a quick search of any year and model vehicle. A search for a 2017 Clarity showed this latest recall with instructions on what to do, including helpful phone numbers for questions.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.