Honda HRN216 / HRX217K6 lawnmower and GCV170/200 G5B engine camshaft failure starter-rope-retract injury hazard (CPSC September 2023, expanded April 2024)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers Honda lawnmowers and pressure-washer engines built around the GCV170 and GCV200 G5B general-purpose engine series. ### Affected lawnmower models - **HRN216** walk-behind lawnmowers - **HRX217K6** walk-behind lawnmowers The lawnmowers are gas-fueled, walk-behind, red and black with "HONDA" written on the clipping collection bag. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the mower deck. ### Affected engines - **GCV170 G5B** general-purpose engines used in pressure washers and as lawnmower replacement engines - **GCV200 G5B** general-purpose engines used in pressure washers and as lawnmower replacement engines The engines were originally installed in HRN216 and HRX217K6 lawnmowers; they were also sold as service replacement engines for the same models, and installed by various OEMs into pressure washers. The serial number is engraved on a flat spot on the engine. ### Recall history - **September 14, 2023**: Initial CPSC announcement covering HRN216, HRX217K6, and GCV170/200 G5B engines installed in pressure washers. - **April 2024**: Recall expanded to include GCV170 and GCV200 G5B engines sold as **lawnmower replacement engines**, plus additional incident/injury reports. ## Issue The recalled engines have **improperly manufactured camshafts**. The defective camshaft can cause the starter rope to **suddenly retract when pulled** during the engine-starting procedure, posing an injury hazard to the operator's hand, wrist, or arm. Reported field incidents (combined across initial recall and 2024 expansion): - 2,197 reports of incidents related to camshaft failures - 7 reports of minor injuries ## What to do 1. Identify the lawnmower model on the upper rear of the mower deck, OR identify the engine model on the engine label. 2. **Stop using the lawnmower or pressure washer immediately.** 3. Contact an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule an appointment for free inspection and repair. 4. Honda is contacting registered owners directly. For dealer locator and recall information, contact American Honda or visit https://powerequipment.honda.com. ## Hazard Severity is rated **critical** because: - 2,197 incident reports is a substantial real-world population - 7 injuries are confirmed - Starter-rope retract under load can cause serious wrist, hand, and shoulder injuries - The defect mode is silent until the unit is started ## Related bulletins This is the first Honda bulletin in the TractorNuity library. Related Honda lawnmower recalls covered by this migration: - TNB02600118 - HRR/HRX/Columbia electric-start blade-rotation (CPSC 2014) - TNB02600119 - HRX217KHXA/HRX217KHMA fuel-tank crack fire (CPSC 2007) - TNB02600120 - HRB217HXA/HRX217HXA/HRX217HMA fed-standard blade-rotation (CPSC 2007) - TNB02600121 - HRX217(K)2HXA/HRX217(K)2HMA rear shield laceration (CPSC 2008) ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "American Honda Motor Recalls Lawnmowers and Pressure Washer Engines Due to Injury Hazard," September 14, 2023. - CPSC expansion, "American Honda Motor Expands Recall of Lawnmowers and Pressure Washer Engines to include Lawnmower Replacement Engines Due to Injury Hazard; Additional Units/Injuries Reported," 2024. - Honda Power Equipment recall page: https://powerequipment.honda.com