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

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

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

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

Honda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

May 15, 2018 Sean Reyes
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

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks

May 14, 2018 Sean Reyes
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

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

April 19, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

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
Honda Recalling Fury Motorcycles For Leaking Fuel Tanks

Honda Recalling Fury Motorcycles For Leaking Fuel Tanks

January 8, 2018 admin

 

Torrance, California – Jan. 8, 2018 – The American Honda Motor Co. recently announced a recall of 20 of its 2010, 2016 and 2017 model year Honda Fury motorcycles, due to concerns that some of their fuel tanks could leak, according to a defect report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These fuel tanks could have come with the motorcycles as manufactured, or have been installed as replacement parts. These fuel tank parts went through “an improper manufacturing process” that could lead to a risk of fuel leakage.

There are only 20 such vehicles in the recall, of which only three are expected to have this defect. However, given the gravity of the risk involved, this could still be a significant issue for vehicle owners.

The Defect

The motorcycles listed in this small recall were determined based on sales records for parts, as the issue revolves around replacement parts for 2010 and 2016 bikes. For the 2017 models, the recall was for motorcycles that had the defective fuel tanks as original equipment.

Specifically, the manufacturing process in question did not provide the necessary welds around a bracket that holds the fuel tanks in place. As a consequence, natural road and engine vibrations could lead the tank to separate from the bracket, and potentially result in a fuel leak.

This increases the risk of fire because any leaked fuel in the presence of an ignition source may be set aflame, increasing risk of injury or damage to the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 22, 2017, Honda learned of the first occurrence of a fuel leak in the market, and another such issue arose slightly more than a month later on Oct. 24.

As a result, Honda launched an investigation into the cause of the leaks, spanning from November into December. That investigation found that a single day of fuel tank production saw a hiccup in the proper manufacturing process that led some tanks made that day to pass the final welding stage for stay brackets on affected tanks. As a result, they have a structural weakness which others do not possess.

The decision to push forward a formal recall was made Dec. 12, 2017, and as of that date, the company had already received two warranty claims for the defect. However, it had not received any field reports of injury or fire related to the issue.

The Solution

Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by Honda via both phone and mail and are asked to return their Fury motorcycles to a local authorized Honda Motorcycle dealer. There, the dealers will inspect the welding on the fuel tanks and determine whether the tanks need to be replaced. If so, that change will be conducted free of charge.

Notification of both owners and dealers began Dec. 14, 2017.

adminHonda Recalling Fury Motorcycles For Leaking Fuel Tanks
Honda recalls vehicles with defective driveshafts

Honda recalls vehicles with defective driveshafts

November 30, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 30, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 5,400 believed to contain defective right halfshafts, according to an internal defect information report submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Honda Civic sedans produced between Aug. 30, 2017 and Sept. 30, 2017, as well as Honda Civic coupes that rolled off the assembly line between Aug. 10, 2017 and Oct. 3, 2017. The automaker is unsure how many of the vehicles referenced in the action are equipped with the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could be equipped with right halfshafts that did not receive proper heat treatment during production and are therefore not structurally sound. As a result, vehicle load and operational stress may fracture these components, leading to the immediate loss of motive power. Should this breakage occur while the vehicle is parked without the emergency brake engaged, it could roll away.

The defective halfshafts pose a serious hazard to owners. However, Honda has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries as yet.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 30, 2017, engineers at a Honda production facility conducted a post-assembly road test during which a new vehicle lost motive power due to the sudden fracture of the right halfshaft. The automaker immediately instituted a yard hold and launched an internal investigation into issue. Quality assurance personnel reviewed existing production processes and found that a parts supplier had used defective equipment to cool halfshafts following heat treatment. This oversight inhibited the parts’ structural integrity.

On Nov. 2, Honda decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to address the issue. The vehicle manufacturer notified dealers Nov. 3.

The Solution

Honda has directed dealers to replace the halfshafts in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail Dec. 15. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal recall reference code K0E. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHonda recalls vehicles with defective driveshafts
Honda recalls minivans with defective seats

Honda recalls minivans with defective seats

November 22, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 22, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled approximately 800,000 vehicles that could potentially be equipped with defective seats, according to a company press release. The safety campaign affects 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey minivans. The automaker has not announced what percentage of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles are believed to contain second-row outboard seats that do not properly latch after adjustment or removal. This poses a serious risk to occupants, as the seats may lurch forward suddenly when drivers apply the brakes, thus increasing the likelihood of injury. As of now, Honda has received 46 reports referencing injuries connected to the defective seating.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not yet released details into the investigation that led to the recall.

The Solution

Honda engineers are in the process of developing a sustainable solution to the problem. In the meantime, the car company has published reference materials that show owners how to properly lock the back seats in place and mitigate the risks associated with the defect. A video displaying the same procedures will follow soon. Honda intends to notify vehicle owners via first-class mail in late December. Individuals in possession of the recalled vehicles who require more immediate help can call customer service personnel at (888) 234-2138. Owners can also contact the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration directly using the organizations’ toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHonda recalls minivans with defective seats
Honda issues recall for defective air bag assemblies

Honda issues recall for defective air bag assemblies

September 18, 2017 admin ,

 

Torrance, Calif. – Sept. 18, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled approximately 646 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective replacement air bag inflators, according to documents filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects numerous Honda models, including:

  • 2008-2012 Honda Accord sedans with production dates ranging from July 20, 2007 to Aug. 21, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour crossovers with production dates ranging from Dec. 4, 2009 to May 30, 2012.
  • 2006-2011 Honda Civic sedans with production dates ranging from Sept. 12, 2005 to March 16, 2011.
  • 2007-2011 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Aug. 2, 2006 to Nov. 15, 2011.
  • 2009-2012 Honda Fit hatchbacks with production dates ranging from Nov. 12, 2008 to May 9, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Insight compact hybrid sedans with production dates ranging from Feb. 20, 2009 to Dec. 20, 2011.
  • 2009-2012 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from May 19, 2008 to Aug. 27, 2012.

The Japanese automaker is unsure what percentage of the vehicles named in the campaign contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could contain frontal air bag inflators that were damaged during installation and therefore may not deploy properly in the event of an accident, according to an internal service bulletin submitted to the NHTSA. This poses a serious hazard to passengers. However, Honda has not received field reports linking the defective air bag inflators to any accidents or injuries thus far.

Timeline of Events

On Aug. 7, 2017, an American dealer notified Honda that technicians had incorrectly installed replacement air bag inflators in vehicles involved in an earlier recall related to Takata air bag assemblies. Staff for the automaker began investigating the report immediately and requested further details from the dealership employees who executed the air bag inflator installation. This inquiry unfolded over the course of eight days.

On Aug. 28, Honda officials reviewed all evidence gathered during the investigation and determined that the improperly installed features posed a serious safety risk to occupants. The car manufacturer then ordered a voluntary safety recall. Honda notified dealers Aug. 31.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the frontal air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document. Honda intends to notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 1. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138. Callers should use one of the following recall identification codes: O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01 and O09. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHonda issues recall for defective air bag assemblies
Honda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

Honda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

July 19, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – July 19, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled dozens of vehicles possibly equipped with defective fuel feed and fuel purge hoses, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid sport utility vehicles manufactured between March 23 and May 8, 2017. The car company is unsure at this time what percentage of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may come equipped with misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses. As a result, vibrations from the engine may push the fuel feed hose against the breather pipe. This contact could, over time, damage the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses and lead to leaks. This increases the risk of an engine fire and endangers owners. However, Honda has not received reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect as of June 29.

Timeline of Events

Honda engineers discovered the misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses during a routine quality check conducted June 7, 2017. The automaker immediately launched an internal investigation involving an evaluation of assembly processes and additional vehicle inspections. The inquiry concluded June 16. On June 29, Honda decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The car company contacted dealers a day later.

The Solution

Honda has directed dealers to evaluate the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses in affected vehicles and replace and reroute them if necessary, according to the NHTSA. Dealers are to make these repairs free of charge. Honda plans notify owners via first-class mail by July 31. Those who need more immediate assistance can contact Acura Client Relations at (888) 234-2138 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHonda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

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