Honda recalls Brazil compact cars for pedal woes

TOKYO: Honda is recalling nearly 127,000 City and Fit compact cars in Brazil over a gas pedal defect that could cause unwanted acceleration, the Japanese automaker said Friday.

One accident has been reported related to the defect, but no one was injured, Honda Motor Co. said.

The problem cars were made in Brazil from May 2008 and October 2010 and sold only in Brazil. A total of 126,774 are being recalled.

Dust particles may get inside the accelerator pedal's sensor, causing the pedal in some cases to get stuck and the car is unable to stop, according to Tokyo-based manufacturer of the Insight hybrid and Odyssey minivan.

The problem is fixed by placing a cover to prevent particles from getting in the pedal, Honda said.