Over 15,000 cars affected by possible power window switch default. Current models not affected.... [+ click to enlarge] Honda Jazz 1.4 i-DSI (2003) Honda City VTEC & i-DSI (2008) Current versions NOT affected

Recently, reports from overseas have surfaced that a number of Honda Jazz vehicles caught fire due to faulty a power window switch design. Thus far, two cases have been reported in the United States, and one in South Africa, with the latter involving a fatality. However, there was no confirmation that the fatality reported in South Africa was caused by the malfunctioned parts.

Investigations revealed the cause to be excessive exposure of the power window master switch to water, especially when the windows have been left open over a prolonged period. Electrolyte elements from rainwater sip into the power window switch assembly, potentially leading to short-circuiting, causing the switchboard to melt or burn.

Honda has since issued a recall to affect cars in US, UK, Canada, South Africa, and Ireland. Just added to the list today is Malaysia, as Honda Malaysia has officially announced a recall of 12,935 units of the previous generation Honda City and 3,090 units of the Honda Jazz 1.4 i-DSI.

For the City, the affected cars are of the 2008 vintage only, involving 7,713 units of the City VTEC, and 5,222 units of the City i-DSI. This would actually correspond to the final batch of this model before the launch of the current City. Affected units of the Jazz, meanwhile, are from the 2003 batch 1.4 i-DSI shipped here CBU from Japan.

“We will be writing to all our customers directly and inform them of the preemptive measures to address this situation. We are in the midst of preparing the replacement parts and we will then carry out the necessary inspection and replacement when the parts are ready. All charges incurred in the inspection and replacement work will be borne by the Company,” said Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

“We would like to assure our customers that all current selling models are not affected,” added Mr. Takahashi.

Though there have been no reported cases of faults in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia can ill-afford to take chances in this matter, especially not when rainwater is a commodity available in abundance here.

For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or visit any authorised Honda dealer.

• City & Jazz Power Window Switch Recall