Honda Airbag Inflators May Explode Unexpectedly

re: NHTSA campaign 20V026000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 21, 2020 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling select 1996-2000 vehicles that are equipped with airbag inflators which deflate before deployment or explode without warning, sending sharp objects into the vehicle.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is 1,500,705.

Affected Vehicles Include:

  • 1997-1998 Acura 2.2CL
  • 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL
  • 1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL
  • 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX
  • 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL
  • 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL
  • 1996-2000 Civic Coupe
  • 1997-2000 CR-V
  • 1997-1998 EV Plus 
  • 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles.

The Defect:

Almost 2 million Honda vehicles are under recall, sighting a manufacturing issue in the airbag inflators of 1996-2000 year vehicles. Certain airbag inflators were equipped with Non-Azide driver airbag inflators (NADI) that were not installed with phase stabilized ammonium (PSAN) propellant. These affected NADI inflators can absorb excess moisture over long periods of vehicle use. This excess moisture as well as long term exposure to high temperatures can cause inflators to de-inflate or explode without warning, sending dangerous items into the vehicles interior.

Solution:

All affected vehicle owners will be notified by Honda before March 9, 2020. The repair will entail the installation of a replacement driver frontal airbag inflator that does not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Unfortunately, dealers do not have access to all parts needed for the full repair. Therefore, a second letter will be mailed to affected vehicle owners once certain replacement parts are available. Vehicle owners may contact American Honda’s Customer Support & Campaign Center  at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu Customer Service at 1-800-255-6727.

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

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Marshall EarleyHonda Airbag Inflators May Explode Unexpectedly