The reason for the stop sale order is because of a defective compression release that may not always work and can cause a hand / wrist injury when starting. Apparently the third party builder who makes the cam assembly for Honda didn’t let the plastic cool and harden before assembling the compression release and it randomly sticks, not providing decreased compression on start up. They are trying to determine how far back this issue goes and how best to deal with it.
Thanks for the update.. I have not seen or heard ANYTHING on the Internet about this issue. I searched everywhere the day they pulled them and found nothing.
Interesting, this could explain why Honda did not catch this issue during product testing. Perhaps the prototypes were built slower and the plastic part had a chance to cool first before assembly. They are going to lose a lot of money, not an easy fix I suspect.
I bought this same mower from Lowe's in Columbus, OH. I unboxed it. Added the oil. Add some gas. Took it for a spin. I looked closley at the engine, AND IT HAD CRACKS IN THE ENGINE BLOCK!!!! I couldn't beleive it. So I emptied the gas from the tank. Boxed it back up. Took it back to Lowe's. The girl at the return counter was nice, and did accept my mower as a return. (I've heard if you put gas in it, they are not to take it back, so I guess I got lucky.) Soooo, I still wanted a Honda mower, so picked another HRN out. This was in April 2023. They only had 4 or 5 in stock at that time. It was a little early for mower buying season, I guess. Took my 2nd new one home, but this time I really checked for engine block cracks. Anyway, this new HRN has worked fine for me. It has had a hard pull condition, maybe twice, but most of the time it is very easy to pull to start. I'm happy with it. I guess I should have registered it, now that I'm hearing about the possible recall on this item.
I just bought the commercial one two weeks ago, cannot ask more. The hydrostatic transmission is fantastic to use. :-), i came back from two years of electric :-)
I purchased both the HRN & HRX a few months ago for my lawn business. I do an oil change on new mowers after 1 hour of use then again after 5 hours. Haven't had any issues. I've heard the stop-sale is due to compression issues that may cause injury when you pull the cord. Maybe I got lucky with mine or maybe the oil changes made a difference, but so far so good. Good luck!
I applaud Honda for manufacturing a basic engine mount on their deck. I have pulled numerous of their engines and installed Briggs and Strattons' on. I currently have 1 that has an old Tecumseh motor. Good video sir. I have wrenched for years on mowers, _any_ brand that is taken care of will last. Some folks simply believe it's more than it is; just a lawnmower.
Once you get used to the "SmartDrive" (I didn't like it much at first), you'll notice yourself mowing using only one hand quite often. Even doing steep banks. One handed 180-degree turns are a breeze and the front wheel generally lands exactly where it needs to for the next line. The reason to not fill the fuel to the top is that there is charcoal in the fuel cap that works similar to the EVAP system on a car, keeping the vapors from going into the atmosphere. If the charcoal gets saturated by too much fuel in the tank, the engine will run for a bit then stall from vapor-lock (vacuum created in the tank due to not being able to vent properly). I had it happen once, and it took a week or two of running with the cap loose before it started working normally again. A buddy of mine got one of these HRN216s about a week before the "Stop Sale" went in place, for a backup mower for his lawn care business, for yards that he can't get his larger mower into. He absolutely loves the way it cuts, but still prefers my HRX217 over it. I let him borrow it before he purchased the HRN and he has tried to talk me into selling it to him several times. There is just no way I'd sell that mower, even though it's 8 years old. I've cut grass with many different mowers since 1972 and It's the nicest running and cutting mower I've ever owned or used, period. I actually look forward to and enjoy cutting grass with that mower. It makes it a pleasure and not a "Job" like so many mowers do. Take care and see you around!
I purchased this mower this past spring at HD...and have been mowing with it at least weekly since then. I am very disappointed with the quality of the mower...getting uneven cuts, ridges, and heavy wheel marks (even with cutting different pattern each time). I have researched and watched every video I can find on the HRN as far as making adjustments to relieve these issues and nothing has helped. I measured the deck on a level surface and each corner next to the nearest wheel is at a different height. I'm past the return date...and will finish this season with this mower - it will be for sale next spring, if not sooner!
I bought a slightly used one from Lowes for $300. It was self-propelled with blade start/stop. I returned it after one day after finding that it was too heavy and had bad reviews.
I’ve had mine for 3 years now. Have had zero problems so far. Today I hit a rock for the first time and it threw the drive belt. I gently pried the two keepers slightly and slipped the belt back on and away I went. although I’ve heard this mower has several issues this is the first time I’ve had a problem. To be fair your not supposed to mow rocks! 😂
I purchased a HRX with blade stop last month. It is 3/23 build last month with limited lifetime deck warranty. They quietly got rid of that any mower built 4/23 and forward.
I just bought a Honda HRN216 from Amazon that arrived last week. There has not been anything officially announced by Honda on their web site, other than one other UA-camr who was reading something from his phone about this. Gotta wonder where he got his information from. If anything, be sure to register your mower with Honda, especially for an official announcement.
@@IUseItReviews thanks man. I just used it today and had no issue. Rest assured, if there is an issue, I'll be looking to Honda to make it right. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Found one at my local dealer last week and before i got to use it for 1st time they got recalled, have other mowers so no big deal, dealer said will take couple weeks to get it done, just glad to get one before u cant get one anymore
I can support the earlier note that the current Honda HRX models have defective cam shafts. I purchased a HRX217 model earlier this year. Had a problem starting after the first use. Had the lawn mower repaired by the dealer brought it home, same issue. Then was provided a replacement mower. After one use, same issue. Got my $$ refunded and returned the mower. Short story - new 2023 Honda lawn mowers have a big cam shaft issue and should be avoided. Doubt this will get resolved as Honda is discontinuing manufacturing all lawn mowers after this year.
Thanks for the update. Did you do a break in at all? Oil change? I know many say it is not necessary. Not sure it would be helpful or not. I am doing the first breakin oil chagne very shortly.
@@IUseItReviews I never got to the five hour usage mark on any of the lawn mowers which is the recommended point for the first oil change. In fact, I do not believe I even got much passed one hour of usage on any of the lawn mowers.
The cam issue has been addressed and has a fix. The issue is not limited to HRX mowers only, but HRN as well. Once repaired ( I've done many), the mower is fine. The stop sale is a injury liability issue as Honda still does not have a serial number break for defective camshaft models.
@@billcoomber4642 Any chance you can share the fix? How much parts and how hard to do. Wondering in case i end up buying used (no warranty) and have the issue.
Bottom line, they make many great products and the profit margin for mowers did not warrant their continued production. From Honda: “The decision to end lawn mower production is driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences, and our focus on growing profitable products in our portfolio," read Honda's statement. I purchased 3 Honda mowers when I found out about their decision.
Purchased mine end of May 2023. After a couple mows the pull cord would stick while attempting to start not allowing the engine to turn thus not starting. Problem has gone away after a month of use. Will monitor this closely.
I'm sure you know by now that this model is on company recall list for a cam assembly defect that requires replacement. It's my understanding Honda will not be making anymore gas-powered lawnmowers, and they are all in on making battery powered only in 2024. Ok, moving on from that, the gas can spout I hate as well. I don't know if you guys have a Menards Home Improvement store, but are Menards has regular old-style spouts they sell separately. I bought several for future use. Tossed out the California approved one that came with the gas can. I know by law they cannot sell the gas can with the old-style spout, but to me the new one's leak gas everywhere. Another place you can get the old-style spouts is from garage sales or estate sales. Mostly estate sales that have the older gas cans they are selling. Just a tip for you all.
Cam is plastic and there pushing away from gas engines. Says Honda plastic cam can break your wrist on pull starts but only certain lots. Main reason September 2023 no gas Honda mowers period
I'll pass my HRX2174VLA down to my grandson when I die, AFTER I show him how to maintain it before I die. Then he can pass it down to his. I personally like that kind of "Junk".
The reason for the stop sale order is because of a defective compression release that may not always work and can cause a hand / wrist injury when starting. Apparently the third party builder who makes the cam assembly for Honda didn’t let the plastic cool and harden before assembling the compression release and it randomly sticks, not providing decreased compression on start up. They are trying to determine how far back this issue goes and how best to deal with it.
Thanks for the update.. I have not seen or heard ANYTHING on the Internet about this issue. I searched everywhere the day they pulled them and found nothing.
What if it was actually the government strong arming companies to move to electric mowers. Kinda like what's happening to motor vehicles.
I have a Honda 21 inch, made when George Bush was President. That bear is a tank that will not stop.
In California this is already happening. That is what I thought might also be happening in Colorado.
Interesting, this could explain why Honda did not catch this issue during product testing. Perhaps the prototypes were built slower and the plastic part had a chance to cool first before assembly. They are going to lose a lot of money, not an easy fix I suspect.
I bought this same mower from Lowe's in Columbus, OH. I unboxed it. Added the oil. Add some gas. Took it for a spin. I looked closley at the engine, AND IT HAD CRACKS IN THE ENGINE BLOCK!!!! I couldn't beleive it. So I emptied the gas from the tank. Boxed it back up. Took it back to Lowe's. The girl at the return counter was nice, and did accept my mower as a return. (I've heard if you put gas in it, they are not to take it back, so I guess I got lucky.) Soooo, I still wanted a Honda mower, so picked another HRN out. This was in April 2023. They only had 4 or 5 in stock at that time. It was a little early for mower buying season, I guess. Took my 2nd new one home, but this time I really checked for engine block cracks. Anyway, this new HRN has worked fine for me. It has had a hard pull condition, maybe twice, but most of the time it is very easy to pull to start. I'm happy with it. I guess I should have registered it, now that I'm hearing about the possible recall on this item.
Thanks for the info.. Good luck with your mower!
I just bought the commercial one two weeks ago, cannot ask more. The hydrostatic transmission is fantastic to use. :-), i came back from two years of electric :-)
These are available again. I think I'll get the vya with the blade stop, that'll be a nice feature.
I bought my Honda HRN216VYAA used for $75 love this mower
I purchased both the HRN & HRX a few months ago for my lawn business. I do an oil change on new mowers after 1 hour of use then again after 5 hours. Haven't had any issues. I've heard the stop-sale is due to compression issues that may cause injury when you pull the cord. Maybe I got lucky with mine or maybe the oil changes made a difference, but so far so good. Good luck!
Thanks for the positive info and reply!
I applaud Honda for manufacturing a basic engine mount on their deck. I have pulled numerous of their engines and installed Briggs and Strattons' on. I currently have 1 that has an old Tecumseh motor. Good video sir. I have wrenched for years on mowers, _any_ brand that is taken care of will last. Some folks simply believe it's more than it is; just a lawnmower.
Thanks for the information. I did not know they have a standard deck. That is good information to keep around.
Once you get used to the "SmartDrive" (I didn't like it much at first), you'll notice yourself mowing using only one hand quite often. Even doing steep banks. One handed 180-degree turns are a breeze and the front wheel generally lands exactly where it needs to for the next line.
The reason to not fill the fuel to the top is that there is charcoal in the fuel cap that works similar to the EVAP system on a car, keeping the vapors from going into the atmosphere. If the charcoal gets saturated by too much fuel in the tank, the engine will run for a bit then stall from vapor-lock (vacuum created in the tank due to not being able to vent properly). I had it happen once, and it took a week or two of running with the cap loose before it started working normally again.
A buddy of mine got one of these HRN216s about a week before the "Stop Sale" went in place, for a backup mower for his lawn care business, for yards that he can't get his larger mower into. He absolutely loves the way it cuts, but still prefers my HRX217 over it. I let him borrow it before he purchased the HRN and he has tried to talk me into selling it to him several times.
There is just no way I'd sell that mower, even though it's 8 years old. I've cut grass with many different mowers since 1972 and It's the nicest running and cutting mower I've ever owned or used, period. I actually look forward to and enjoy cutting grass with that mower. It makes it a pleasure and not a "Job" like so many mowers do.
Take care and see you around!
@tinkerscorner Thanks for the thoughful reply!
I purchased this mower this past spring at HD...and have been mowing with it at least weekly since then. I am very disappointed with the quality of the mower...getting uneven cuts, ridges, and heavy wheel marks (even with cutting different pattern each time). I have researched and watched every video I can find on the HRN as far as making adjustments to relieve these issues and nothing has helped. I measured the deck on a level surface and each corner next to the nearest wheel is at a different height. I'm past the return date...and will finish this season with this mower - it will be for sale next spring, if not sooner!
I bought a slightly used one from Lowes for $300. It was self-propelled with blade start/stop. I returned it after one day after finding that it was too heavy and had bad reviews.
Thanks for the info! Mine is a little heavy but I did like the Smart Drive.
My brother have a old 2001 HRH536HXE (with casted aluminium-deck) that clocks in at 60kg/132lbs. That you can call heavy.
I’ve had mine for 3 years now. Have had zero problems so far. Today I hit a rock for the first time and it threw the drive belt. I gently pried the two keepers slightly and slipped the belt back on and away I went. although I’ve heard this mower has several issues this is the first time I’ve had a problem. To be fair your not supposed to mow rocks! 😂
Are you in Arizona? Just Sayin!!!! :)
I purchased a HRX with blade stop last month. It is 3/23 build last month with limited lifetime deck warranty. They quietly got rid of that any mower built 4/23 and forward.
Thanks for the update! glad to hear you are good so far!
I just bought a Honda HRN216 from Amazon that arrived last week. There has not been anything officially announced by Honda on their web site, other than one other UA-camr who was reading something from his phone about this. Gotta wonder where he got his information from. If anything, be sure to register your mower with Honda, especially for an official announcement.
Good luck with your purchase!
@@IUseItReviews thanks man. I just used it today and had no issue. Rest assured, if there is an issue, I'll be looking to Honda to make it right. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Found one at my local dealer last week and before i got to use it for 1st time they got recalled, have other mowers so no big deal, dealer said will take couple weeks to get it done, just glad to get one before u cant get one anymore
I can support the earlier note that the current Honda HRX models have defective cam shafts. I purchased a HRX217 model earlier this year. Had a problem starting after the first use. Had the lawn mower repaired by the dealer brought it home, same issue. Then was provided a replacement mower. After one use, same issue. Got my $$ refunded and returned the mower. Short story - new 2023 Honda lawn mowers have a big cam shaft issue and should be avoided. Doubt this will get resolved as Honda is discontinuing manufacturing all lawn mowers after this year.
Thanks for the update. Did you do a break in at all? Oil change? I know many say it is not necessary. Not sure it would be helpful or not. I am doing the first breakin oil chagne very shortly.
@@IUseItReviews I never got to the five hour usage mark on any of the lawn mowers which is the recommended point for the first oil change. In fact, I do not believe I even got much passed one hour of usage on any of the lawn mowers.
The cam issue has been addressed and has a fix. The issue is not limited to HRX mowers only, but HRN as well. Once repaired ( I've done many), the mower is fine. The stop sale is a injury liability issue as Honda still does not have a serial number break for defective camshaft models.
Thanks for the update! Very much appreciate it!
@@billcoomber4642 Any chance you can share the fix? How much parts and how hard to do. Wondering in case i end up buying used (no warranty) and have the issue.
I absolutely love my Honda hrn216vkaa mower, best mower I've ever owned by far
Thanks for the comment. I hope I have similar experience.
Great video. Thanks!
@123RockChild Glad you liked it! Thanks alot!
Bottom line, they make many great products and the profit margin for mowers did not warrant their continued production. From Honda: “The decision to end lawn mower production is driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences, and our focus on growing profitable products in our portfolio," read Honda's statement.
I purchased 3 Honda mowers when I found out about their decision.
I get it. I bought mine too!
If the box is like this and dosnt open on top does that mean its a 2023 model?
Purchased mine end of May 2023. After a couple mows the pull cord would stick while attempting to start not allowing the engine to turn thus not starting. Problem has gone away after a month of use. Will monitor this closely.
Thanks for the update!
Thanks for sharing. SIx pulls so far . HRN 216. 🙏
I have about as many! Cold and hot and so far so good!
Where is the best place that I can get one of these? Any good deals anywhere?
Amazon! If you want one still. I am willing to take the chance. Pretty much the only place to get them.
I'm sure you know by now that this model is on company recall list for a cam assembly defect that requires replacement. It's my understanding Honda will not be making anymore gas-powered lawnmowers, and they are all in on making battery powered only in 2024. Ok, moving on from that, the gas can spout I hate as well. I don't know if you guys have a Menards Home Improvement store, but are Menards has regular old-style spouts they sell separately. I bought several for future use. Tossed out the California approved one that came with the gas can. I know by law they cannot sell the gas can with the old-style spout, but to me the new one's leak gas everywhere. Another place you can get the old-style spouts is from garage sales or estate sales. Mostly estate sales that have the older gas cans they are selling. Just a tip for you all.
Shout out to @Gwinnett Lawn on the CAM issue - ua-cam.com/video/ryDXYXrtPhE/v-deo.html
Close you fuel valve when your done unless you want to risk gas in your oil.
Thanks for the reply!
@IUseItReviews friends pw oil was mixed with gas. Can't rely on needle & seat.
Good machine had mine 12 years acts like a Honda.
I hope mine lasts too!
Nice floor!
Thanks, I love it. Probably one of my next reviews!
Does Honda sell assemblies for high altitude and sea level?
I do not know. I am at 7600ft and it started and ran awesome first time. Cold start, warm start, hot start all went well.
@IUseItReviews Since air is thinner I think the pilot jet is a little smaller than sea level one. I stand corrected if I'm wrong.
Thanks for the update! Would be cool to see if they actually change parts/shipping to different reagions.
Yeah it’s true and telling us not to repair them until they get back to Us
Is this due to the Compression Release issue?
Amazon is selling 650 +350 shipping now I not paying 1000 for a 419 dollar mower
Good Luck!
They are discontinuing them.
They are stopping making mowers all together in September is the word on the street.
I have a 21 inch Honda from the George Bush administration. The beast won't quit.
Very Nice!! Hope mine does that too.
My 217 one pull.
Mine so far as well. Thanks for the comment!
Cam is plastic and there pushing away from gas engines. Says Honda plastic cam can break your wrist on pull starts but only certain lots. Main reason September 2023 no gas Honda mowers period
Thank you for the update!
RTFM Read the fuckin manual 😂
Sorry that was my military showing :)
You didn't find much...they are pretty much junk!
Hey thanks for the comment! Mine has been decent so far. However it is brand new. So we will see.
I'll pass my HRX2174VLA down to my grandson when I die, AFTER I show him how to maintain it before I die. Then he can pass it down to his. I personally like that kind of "Junk".
The cam shaft are bad had three new engines all were bad
Thanks for the update!
My HRN has been flawless.