Honda lawn mowers recalled

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission on December 19, 2007, announced the recall of about 167,000 Honda walk-behind lawn mowers due to a laceration hazard. The cutting blade on the mower could continue to rotate under power even after the user has released the control lever, posing a serious risk. The recalled models do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers, says the CPSC.

Recalled models, made in the U.S. by American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, California, include all HRB217HXA mowers and HRX217HXA and HRX217HMA with serial numbers 1000001 to 1513628. You’ll find the model and serial numbers printed on a label on the upper rear of the mower deck. The mowers ($760 to $900) were sold at Honda dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2003 through November 2007.

If you own a recalled mower, stop using it immediately. To arrange for a free repair, call Honda (800-426-7701) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. For more information, go to the company’s recall page.

The recalled HRX217HXA (shown) was the top-scoring self-propelled mower in our Spring 2007 report on lawn mowers and tractors. (Ratings are available to subscribers.) This 21-inch, 6.5-hp, variable-speed rear-wheel-drive mower features a blade-brake clutch and an advanced-formula plastic deck and can side-discharge, mulch, and bag.

For more information on mower safety, read our expert advice.