It looks like Honda is having some persisting problems with the software program controlling the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) on the latest generation of the Fit Hybrid and the newly introduced Vezel Hybrid crossover, as the Japanese carmaker has announced the third consecutive recall related to the defect of the 7-speed DCT.
In the latest recall that affects 81,353 units of the new hybrid versions of the Fit hatchback and the Vezel crossover produced in Japan from July 2013 through February 2014, Honda said a glitch with the transmission software can cause a delay in the ability to begin driving or the inability to move at all.
The two previous recalls on the DCT’s software (each due to a different cause) were conducted in October and December 2013.
“Honda sincerely regrets causing this considerable inconvenience to its customers due to the fact that the defect was not discovered during the development and product quality verification processes prior to the introduction of a new technology to the market and the defective product quickly came to market,” said Honda in a statement. “Moreover, despite the fact that all relevant divisions at Honda worked together earnestly to solve this market quality defect, Honda deeply regrets that the effectiveness of the countermeasures was not adequately verified.”
The Japanese automaker said that it has developed a new control program that will solve the issues with the DCT, adding that it will suspend the delivery of all affected models, currently being produced at Yorii Plant of Saitama Factory and Suzuka Factory, until the installation of the new software program is completed.
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