Honda cars in UAE recalled in brake scare

ABU DHABI // Honda is recalling 245 cars in the UAE because of faulty brakes. The move, part of a worldwide recall of 453,000 cars by Japan's second-largest car maker, follows several accidents linked to the problem in the United States. The recall was triggered by complaints of air entering the braking system, making it gradually less responsive. The recall affects Odyssey and Element models made in 2007 and 2008. Trading Enterprises, the Honda distributor, said only the Odyssey was sold in this country.

There were 112 of the cars sold here from 2007 and 133 from 2008. Sanjay Taturara, the national service manager for Trading Enterprises, said the cars were being recalled "as a precaution". "It is not a great risk. We have not had any complaints from any customers about the braking system," he said. "We have been given the vehicle identification numbers of the models which could be affected. We are waiting for a replacement part and procedures for replacing it. Once we have received this, we will start informing owners."

It is Honda's second recall this year. Last month, it said air bags in 437,763 vehicles had to be checked. Toyota, Japan's largest manufacturer, has recalled eight million cars in the past six months, contributing to a fall in its share price. @Email:chamilton@thenational.ae