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.
