CPSC, Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc. Announce Recall of Lawnmowers

These are Honda Harmony 21-inch, walk-behind mowers with model numbers HRB216TXA or HRB216HXA. The model numbers are located on a metal plate behind the engine, just in front of the rear discharge opening. These black and red mowers have "Honda Harmony" printed in white on the front.. Recalled by Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc., of Swepsonville, N.C.. Units affected: 30,000.

If the lawnmower strikes an object with sufficient force, the crankshaft can bend. Vibration created by a bent crankshaft can eventually result in a fatigue failure of the Roto-stop™ blade brake control assembly. This can allow the cutting blade to continue rotating after the blade control lever is released, posing a risk of injury to consumers.

Honda Lawn and Garden dealers will repair these mowers by replacing the Roto-stop™ mechanism.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 15, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 04009.