American Honda to recall ATVs for a throttle defect

American Honda Motor Co. has agreed to recall about 40,000 all-terrain vehicles following reports of a sticky throttle that may pose a risk of injury or death to riders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

No injuries have been reported, although the company, based in Torrance, Calif., has received two complaints, the safety commission said in a statement Wednesday. Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately, the agency said.

The federal agency expressed concern that water can enter the throttle-position sensor and freeze, leading to a loss of speed control. Spokesmen for closely held American Honda didn't immediately respond to requests by Bloomberg for comment.

The voluntary recall involves adult-size 2007 Honda TRX 500 ATVs, also known as the Honda Foreman and Foreman Rubicon, designed for use by riders at least 16 years old, the statement said. They sold for between $6,500 and $7,600 from June 2006 to December 2007.