Honda Recalls Over 1.1 Million Vehicles Equipped With Faulty Takata Air Bag Inflators

Laguna Hills, CA – March 15, 2019 – Honda is recalling over 1.1 million vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags that could explode if deployed during a crash. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2003 Acura 3.2CL
  • 2013-2016 Acura ILX
  • 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
  • 2003-2006 Acura MDX
  • 2007-2016 Acura RDX
  • 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
  • 2004-2006 and 2009-2014 Acura TL
  • 2010-2013 ZDX
  • 2001-2007 Honda Accord
  • 2009 Honda Accord
  • 2001-2005 Honda Civic
  • 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2001-2005 Honda Civic GX NGV
  • 2002-2007 Honda C-RV
  • 2010-2011 Honda CR-V
  • 2003-2011 Honda Element
  • 2007 Honda Fit
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003-2008 Honda Pilot
  • 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

The affected vehicles had previously received a driver air bag inflator or air bag module replacement as part of a massive recall of defective Takata air bags affecting many different automakers.

The defect

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed March 11, replacement driver air bag inflators or air bag modules had been installed in the affected vehicles as part of a previous Takata inflator recall. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash in which the air bag is activated, the inflator may explode, resulting in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Car and Driver said this latest recall came about after a crash involving a 2004 Odyssey, in which the driver’s arm was bruised. This happened after the company learned that the Takata replacement, a driver’s-side inflator that is supposed to resist moisture, had ruptured due to “excessive moisture” present at the Takata factory in Mexico.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Takata air bag recall, which has been going on for over 10 years, involved over 37 million vehicles built by 19 automakers. At least 22 people were killed and hundreds permanently disfigured when the air bags exploded after deployment, spraying them with deadly shrapnel.

Timeline of events

Honda began using the Takata-made driver-side air bag inflators June 2014 as part of a regional safety improvement campaign. By March 2015, when the scope of the original Takata recall expanded, Honda began obtaining remedy air bag inflators from other manufacturers to supplement its supply of replacement parts.

Honda instructed dealers to stop installing the Takata inflators July 2016, and stopped ordering the replacement parts from Takata.

On March 21, 2018, Honda was informed of the Jan. 19, 2018 crash in which the driver air bag inflator had allegedly ruptured during air bag deployment; an initial incident report was then submitted to NHTSA March 23. A joint field inspection April 10 confirmed the driver air bag inflator had ruptured, and a final rupture incident report was sent to NHTSA.

From mid-April to early-February 2019, Honda continued its investigation in conjunction with the air bag inflator supplier and NHTSA. Ultimately, examination of the replacement parts did not turn up any conclusive explanation of the factors that led to the over-pressurization found in these inflators, with Honda concluding that all available evidence suggested a manufacturing anomaly.

Honda met with NHTSA Feb. 15 to share the results of the investigation. The automaker then decided on March 6 that a defect existed, launching the recall process as a result. As of March 16, Honda had received only one injury claim related to this issue.

The solution

Honda will notify owners beginning April 17, and dealers – which are already prepared to begin repairs – will replace the driver’s air bag inflator with another inflator from an alternative supplier, free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.1 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of October 12, 2020 – the last date information was available – 541,670 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Over 1.1 Million Vehicles Equipped With Faulty Takata Air Bag Inflators

Honda recalls nearly half a million vehicles for fuel pump issues

Torrance, Calif. – February 20, 2019 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain:

  • 2016-2018 Acura MDX
  • 2015-2019 Acura TLX
  • 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles

These models were equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. The recall is due to potential fuel pump issues, and 437,032 units were potentially affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this incident, sodium particulates contained in low-quality fuels can adhere to certain internal components in the fuel pump.

This can eventually lead to build-up, which in turn increases the electrical and mechanical resistance inside the pump, and subsequently reduces fuel pump performance.

If a vehicle is operated in surroundings with high ambient temperatures, a reduction in fuel pump performance can restrict vehicle acceleration, cause an engine stall or both. If the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving, the chances of a crash greatly increase.

Timeline of events

Honda received the first report of an engine stall prior to August 2017. Claims were minimal and infrequent, so Honda made the decision to continue monitoring the market.

Between August and September 2017, after additional engine stall reports, Honda launched an investigation. Failed return parts were sent to the fuel-pump supplier.

It was known that the fuel pump operating voltage could vary between 10 V-13 V. The supplier was able to recreate the engine stalling condition while operating the fuel pump in 10 V mode.

Between October and November 2017, sodium deposits were found on the brush and commutator components in the failed fuel pumps, and between December 2017 and June 2018 Honda conducted additional tests, determining that low-quality fuels were to blame for the problematic presence of sodium.

Recreation tests confirmed that fuel containing greater than one part per million of sodium could result in the aforementioned restriction in regard to safe vehicle acceleration, or potentially result in a stalled engine.

Between July and November 2018, more testing confirmed that when the fuel pump operated in 10 V mode, more sodium could accumulate within it.

This situation was found to result in increased mechanical and electrical resistance, and caused a reduction in fuel pump performance. Poor pump performance can lead to an engine stall as well as restricted or rough vehicle acceleration.

On January 22, 2019, Honda determined that a credible defect related to motor vehicle safety existed. The automaker then made the decision to conduct a safety recall, having received 731 warranty claims and 102 field reports but no accounts of any crashes, injuries or deaths directly related to this issue.

The solution

According to a media release from Honda, all owners of registered vehicles are being contacted by mail. The notice will request that each owner take their vehicle to an authorized Acura or Honda automobile dealer.

Once the car has been brought to the seller, the FI-ECU will be updated with software programming that disallows fuel pump operation in the 10 V range and thus prevents the potential for sodium accumulation.

If the vehicle owner informs the dealer that they have experienced an engine stall, and this is confirmable via a diagnostic scan, the fuel pump will also be replaced.

Both services will be completed at no cost to the owner. Additionally, any owners who previously paid to have one, or both repairs, completed out of their own pocket will be eligible for reimbursement. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2019.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls nearly half a million vehicles for fuel pump issues

Honda Recalls More Than 1,000 Leased Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicles

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 31, 2019 –  Honda is recalling 1,082 model-year 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles, all located in California, and all part of a leasing program. The action affects some vehicles already listed under a previous recall.

The Defect

According to Consumer Affairs, the Fuel Cell Electronic Control Unit (ECU) responsible for monitoring voltage in the fuel cell stack can possibly misinterpret a minor voltage variance. In such cases, the ECO may erroneously shut down the fuel cell stack in response to the misinterpreted data. The shutdown of the fuel stack could result in an unexpected loss of motive power. Such a power loss, especially at high speeds, can significantly increase the risk of a crash and potentially cause harm to the vehicle’s driver or passengers.

Timeline of Events

According to Tire Meets Road, the Honda Clarity has been marketed as a “lease-only option” for drivers. Unlike a standard electric car which uses a battery to store electricity, the hydrogen fuel cell Clarity requires compressed hydrogen running constantly through a fuel cell, which produces electricity that powers the car’s electric motor. There have been online comments about loss of power and other issues with high parts costs and A1 service bills.

In 2017, a similar recall was issued for 2017 Honda Clarity models. Approximately 470 model-year 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell electric vehicles were recalled to service dealerships for a reset of ECO software to rectify power system problems, but lack of available parts has delayed resolving this issue for 2017 cars until mid-February 2019. The current recall for 2018 vehicles is expected to be similarly delayed.

The Solution

Honda will begin notifying owners in mid-February 2019. A dealership will update the ECU software for free. Owners can call the automaker at 888-234-2138. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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Sean ReyesHonda Recalls More Than 1,000 Leased Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicles

Honda Recalls Nearly 500 Vehicles for Structural Defect

Laguna Hills, CA – December 21, 2018 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles due to an insecure center pillar which can interfere with airbag deployment. The potential number of units affected is 403.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, supplier manufacturing records identified a specific production period of right front roof side rails affected by an improper manufacturing process. Affected vehicles may have larger-than-specified mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar garnish. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain airbag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar garnish in position and may potentially interfere with curtain airbag deployment. In the event of a crash, if the curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

Timeline of Events

On October 23, 2018, a loose right center pillar garnish was discovered during vehicle assembly, prompting a hold and stop shipment to be placed on all vehicles while an inquiry was made to the supplier. The supplier informed Honda that a recent repair to the die mold that punches the mounting hole for the right center pillar garnish clip was inappropriate, resulting in burrs in the sheet metal. These burrs were removed with grinding tools, which inadvertently increased the diameter of the mounting hole.

On October 24, 2018, with the suspect range of parts identified and manufacturing errors corrected by the supplier, Honda measured the retention force of all suspect right center pillar garnish clips. The vehicles with right center pillar garnish clips that met the retention force specification were released from hold. Honda investigated the potential consequences of a loose right center pillar garnish clip, and on November 20, 2018, Honda determined that the potential for FMVSS noncompliance existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.

As of November 20, 2018 Honda had not received any warranty claims, field reports, nor reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue.

The Solution

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge. Because the limited new vehicle warranty on all affected vehicles would have provided a free repair for the problem addressed by this recall, without any payment by the owner, reimbursement for pre-notification repairs will not be offered. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is D3D. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-848.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Nearly 500 Vehicles for Structural Defect

Honda Recalls Nearly 65,000 Acura MDX Vehicles for Brake Issues

Laguna Hills, CA – July 20, 2022 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has remedied issues with 59.452 vehicles including the 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey and the 2017-2019 Acura MDX that had rear brake issues. Additionally, 186 of these Honda models have been categorized as unreachable and 94 have been removed from the recall. One group of these 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey and the 2017-2019 Acura MDX with rear brake issues were remedied in 2019, four groups were remedied in 2019, and one group in 2020.

Laguna Hills, CA – November 28, 2018 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain vehicles to have the rear brakes bled due to gas pockets. The potential number of units affected is 64,785, including:

  • 2017-2019 Acura MDX
  • 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
  • 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey
  • 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles

The defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, in affected vehicles the rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, and reducing brake performance. A reduction in braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

Timeline of events

In July 2018, the rear brake caliper supplier informed Honda of quality issues affecting some of its products. Honda subsequently launched an investigation.

From August to October 2018, Honda learned that a sub-supplier’s manufacturing process improperly trapped high levels of hydrogen on the brake piston during surface plating, and that the tempering process intended to remove excess hydrogen may not have been performed to specification.

Honda investigated the potential for FMVSS noncompliance and the range of potentially affected vehicles, and on October 25, 2018, Honda completed the investigation.

The final determination was that the potential for FMVSS noncompliance exists and Honda, therefore, decided to conduct a safety recall.

As of October 25, 2018, Honda has received 170 warranty claims, 90 field reports, and no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue. The problem does not recur after brakes are bled to remove initial gas pockets.

The solution

Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge.

MotorSafety.org can help you determine whether your vehicle is subject to a government-mandated recall or whether there is some factory notice that you should be informed of.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Nearly 65,000 Acura MDX Vehicles for Brake Issues

Honda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling over 1,350,000 vehicles due to the passenger frontal air bag inflator being at risk of exploding. The recall includes:

  • 2011- 2014 Honda Insight
  • 2010-2014 Acura TSX
  • 2011-2014 Acura TSX Wagon
  • 2010-2011 Acura ZDX
  • 2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
  • 2011-2015 Honda Pilot
  • 2014 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2010-2013 Honda Fit EV
  • 2011-2014 Honda Fit EV
  • 2010-2012 Honda Accord
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2010-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2010-2011 Honda CR-V

Recall summary

The massive recall is part of a previous recall, but the schedule is being accelerated because the risk was determined to be more severe than previously thought. There are also enough replacement airbags to finish the whole recall ahead of schedule.

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, all these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules.

The specific defective modules may explode due to propellant degradation, which can occur after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

In the case of an inflator rupture, the force of inflation may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed.

Contact with such high speed, flying pieces of metal, should the inflation occur and metal pieces be fragmented, may result in serious injury or death to vehicle driver and/or occupants.

The repair

The registered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail by Honda. Honda will request all owners asked to take their vehicles to a Honda or Acura automobile dealer.

The dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator with a new inflator, at no cost to the vehicle owner. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.34 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,104,463 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect

Honda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Torrance, Calif. – American Honda Motor Company has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects numerous models across the Honda brand, including:
  • 2003-2012 Honda Accord sedans produced between Aug. 30, 2002, and Oct. 27, 2011.
  • 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour crossovers produced between Feb. 17, 2010, and April 16, 2010.
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic sedans produced between March 15, 2001, and March 14, 2011.
  • 2002-2011 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicles produced between April 24, 2002, and Oct. 5, 2011.
  • 2003-2004 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced between June 27, 2003, and Aug. 25, 2004.
  • 2006-2008 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced between Dec. 13, 2005, and Dec. 4, 2007.
  • 2011 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced Oct. 22, 2010.
  • 2007 Honda Fit hatchbacks produced Jan. 23, 2007.
  • 2009-2013 Honda Fit hatchbacks produced between Aug. 27, 2008, and Aug. 7, 2013.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Insight hybrid hatchbacks produced between March 26, 2009, and April 18, 2012.
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey minivans produced between July 26, 2002, and June 25, 2004.
  • 2003-2012 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles produced between July 11, 2002, and May 17, 2012.
  • 2012 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks produced May 17, 2012.
Honda is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected vehicles feature front air bag inflator assemblies that may have been installed improperly. Consequently, these components might not function as required in an accident, leaving drivers and passengers exposed should a collision occur. However, the Japanese automaker has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective air bag inflators to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Personnel from an American Honda dealership on Feb. 14, 2008, notified regional Honda officials of multiple incorrectly installed and fastened air bag inflators, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. This finding prompted the automaker to launch an investigation. On March 3, 2018, another U.S. dealership reported the same issue. Honda investigators added the suspected range of affected vehicles at the second dealership to its inquiry. Less than one week later, a third U.S.-based dealership reported finding vehicles with incorrectly installed air bag inflators. Again, Honda widened its investigation.
On March 9, officials for the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation met with Honda personnel to review the developing investigation. During this time, representatives walked NHTSA investigators through the original complaint, as well as the two supplemental inquiries that dealers had submitted since. Following this meeting, the regional stakeholders involved their counterparts in the national office.
On April 11 and April 19, national and regional Honda officials met with the ODI to determine how to address the air bag issue. Eventually, the parties agreed that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. Honda confirmed the VIN numbers for the affected vehicles April 21, and initiated an official recall April 25. The automaker notified dealerships of the impending action April 27.
The Solution
Honda has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the defective air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car manufacturer intends to notify owners via first-class mail June 1. Individuals in possession of vehicles involved in the action who need assistance ahead of the recall start date can contact Honda customer service personnel by calling (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal campaign reference codes K1P and M10. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks

Torrance, Calif. – Honda American Motor Company has recalled dozens of vehicles potentially equipped with defective seatback assemblies, according to documents submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Honda Civic hatchbacks produced between Aug. 2, 2016, and July 27, 2017, along with 2017 Honda Type R sport sedans manufactured April 7, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.
The Defect
Affected models are likely to feature driver and passenger seatback pads without openings for seat-mounted side-air bag assemblies. In the event of an accident, these components would interfere with air bag deployment, increasing the likelihood of occupant injury. However, Honda has yet to receive field reports connecting the defects to any injuries.
In addition to posing a safety hazard to occupants, these seatback components installed in the recalled vehicles violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214, which states that passengers must meet side-impact door crush resistance measurements, as well as moving deformable barrier and vehicle-to-pole testing standards.
Timeline of Events
A U.S.-based Honda dealer in November 2017 alerted the automaker to a replacement seatback pad from his inventory that seemed to be missing the slit needed to install and conceal a seat-mounted side air bag, according to an internal defect information report submitted to the NHTSA. This discovery prompted Honda to launch an investigation, which revealed the original schematics for seatback service replacements were incorrect, leading to the production of numerous defective parts. Between January and April 2018, the vehicle manufacturer tested vehicles with the “nonslitted” seatback assemblies to determine the impact of the defective components. These analyses revealed that the parts interfered with normal air bag operations, posing a serious safety hazard to occupants and violating FMVSS No. 214.
Honda quality assurance and safety personnel convened April 19, and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the action April 27.
The Solution
Honda has directed dealers to replace the defective seatback pads installed in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail June 1. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service by calling (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal recall reference codes E1D, U1B and X1C. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

Torrance, Calif. – April 19, 2018 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 5,800 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat features, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across two brands, including:

  • 2018 Acura MDX sport utility vehicles produced Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles produced between Jan. 2, 2018, and Jan. 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks produced between Jan. 12, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2018.

The Japanese automaker is unsure exactly how many of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles driver and front passenger with improperly machined rivets connecting the seat slide rails to the seat feet. These fixtures could brake in the event of an accident, allowing the front driver and passenger seats to separate from the vehicle floor.

The defective rivets not only pose a serious safety hazard to occupants but also violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210. The former requires vehicle manufacturers to install secure seating systems, while the latter mandates the use of fixed restraint assemblies.

Honda has not received reports connecting the defective rivet to any injuries. However, the connectors were involved in one accident.

Timeline of events

A tier-one vendor contacted the car company Jan. 11, 2018, after learning of an accident, during which the rivets holding the front seat side rails in place in a Honda vehicle, failed. The automaker launched an internal investigation in response.

Engineering personnel concluded this inquiry Feb. 6, 2018, finding that AKKO Fastener, the supplier responsible for producing the rivets used within Honda front seat assemblies, had improperly machined the connective fixtures.

Specifically, AKKO had deployed out-of-specification production tools, used too much material, and relied upon deficient quality controls. Honda then embarked on an administrative review to understand the breadth of the impact of the production error.

On Feb. 21, 2018, AKKO completed an internal investigation into the mis-machined rivets, while Honda and its other suppliers launched new downstream inquires.

The automaker reviewed the matter in its entirety March 29, 2018, and determined that a voluntary safety recall was required. Honda notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 6, 2018.

The solution

Honda has directed dealers to replace the driver seat frame assemblies in affected Acura MDX SUVs and swap out both the driver and passenger seat assemblies in recalled Honda Pilot SUVs and Ridgeline pickup trucks, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Dealership technicians are to make these repairs free of charge.

The automotive company intends to notify owners via first-class mail May 18, 2018.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective seat features