There is a modification to the BBC that is suppose to fix the disconnect problem. Any Honda sevice center can install the fix free under warranty. I haven't had the fix done yet, but the dealer said the fix is available now.

Also, there is suppose to be a modification to the speed control to make it easier on the thumbs. I don't know if this fix is available yet.

With these 2 upgrades, this should be a great mower.

It already is a great mower! Try to find the same quality & features for the same price in another mower- good luck.

I was waiting to give an update until I had used my replacement mower a couple of times, which I now have.

I got fed up with the runaround regarding the upgrade to the HRR216K3VXA that was suppose to help the blade disengage and thumb pressure issues. I called an authorized Honda repair place and the first question they asked was where I purchased the machine - I knew instantly the finger-pointing game was afoot and I was in trouble. He quickly dismissed me by saying it was Home Depot's problem, not theirs and to deal through them. Of course HP (two different staff individuals) had already told me they don't do repairs. So, I boxed it up and lugged it back to HP and bid it farewell.

I then went to my handy, dandy and trustworthy True Value store close to my home (again), and talked to them about the line they carry - Cub Cadet. I had stopped here first before purchasing the Honda, and decided not to go the Cub Cadet route, as they didn't even make a showing in the Consumer Reports rating article.

I purchased the CC-949, and have now used it twice. It has a 5.5 HP Honda/ARCS engine, is a 3 in 1 (bagger, side discharge and mulcher), and it is serviced by my friends at True Value. I have not used the bagger or side discharge, as I am a mulcher. It does a very respectable job at mulching - it leaves a few clumps here and there, but that is not overwhelming. It also is easy to start, no issues with thumbs, or blades disengaging, and it moves right along. All in all, a good purchase and less expensive than the Honda.

In the end, at least for me, I guess the whole mower thing becomes a package purchase as opposed to just going out and buying a machine. Knowing I can take it to a place close by for service, if needed, and to a store where staff actually know what they are talking about and you can even find one easily to help you (actually, they greet you at the door and ask if they can help - interesting concept), has added value in and of itself.

I do want to thank everyone who makes posts to this site  I have learned a lot from you folks, and will surely learn more as time goes on  keep up the good work.

"I called an authorized Honda repair place and the first question they asked was where I purchased the machine - I knew instantly the finger-pointing game was afoot and I was in trouble. He quickly dismissed me by saying it was Home Depot's problem, not theirs and to deal through them."

Before I bought my VXA at Home Depot, I called Honda about extending the warranty to 3 years and warranty service at an authorized Honda Service center. They told me I could extend the warranty and get service at a Honda dealer. They also said if a Honda dealer didn't want to service the mower because I didn't buy it from them, they want to know the info and who the dealer was that refused the service. Honda does not want issues with dealers refusing service.

I have received the 3 year warranty and the Honda dealer told me they can install the BBC update when ever I am ready to bring them the mower. They also stated that they were getting info about the speed control update.

My VXA purchase experience is similar to huskyfan's. I got the 3 yr. warranty on my VXA, after it was no longer being offered by my local Honda dealer. I also was told that the BBC improvement would be installed for me under warranty & the same for an improvement to the thumb paddle wheel drive control. Although I've not had the mower more than a year, I've not had the need to take advantage of either or these 2 offers from Honda. Like I've posted on other threads on this forum, these 2 "problems" with this mower have not been "problems" for me. I believe that it's a matter of individual preference & ability, as well as proper mower set-up & adjustment. It's an awesome mower for the $.