Honda has recalled 693,497 units of its popular Honda Fit, all from the 2009 and 2010 models years. At issue are some potentially flawed engine springs.

The four springs are part of the Fit's engine valvetrain. According to a press release from Honda, they "may bend or break over time, resulting in abnormal engine noise and potentially causing engine damage or stalling." Honda notes that so far, no injuries or crashes have been attributed to the flaw.

This is Honda's second major recall on the Fit in three months -- the other being a recall of more than 143,000 units from the 2007 and 2008 model years for headlight issues.

Of the vehicles included in this recall, 97,201 are located here in the U.S. Honda has said that it will begin issuing recall notifications early next month. At that time, the automaker encourages owners to take their vehicles to authorized Honda dealers, where (presumably) the engine springs will be replaced free of charge.

If you think you own one of the affected models and have questions, contact your local dealer, visit recalls.honda.com, or ring Honda at 800 999 1009 and select option 4.

* * * * *

Statement by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Regarding Lost Motion Spring Recall: 2009-2010 Fit

Honda will recall 97,201 model years 2009 and 2010 Fit vehicles in the U.S. to replace the lost motion springs, components within the engine valvetrain. The lost motion springs, which are compressed by rocker arms in normal engine use, may bend or break over time resulting in abnormal engine noise and potentially causing engine damage or stalling. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda by mail. Notification to customers will begin in early March 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end in addition to contacting customers by mail, in early March, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicle requires repair by going on-line or calling. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

[AutoNews, Honda]

