Honda recalls new Fit hybrid for fifth time in Japan

Honda is overhauling its research and development (R&D) processes following problems with the Fit hybrid.

Honda today (23 October) said it would recall its Fit (Jazz) hybrid subcompact model for the fifth time in less than a year in Japan, because of two defects affecting 425,825 cars. Honda did not elaborate on the faults, but all four previous recalls were associated with the software managing the transmission. Apologising for the repeated recalls, Honda chief executive Takanobu Ito and other executives said they would reduce their salaries by 10–20% for three months, and assign an executive to oversee quality improvements.