Honda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak

Torrance, CA – July 07, 2022 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 112,060 vehicles over a potential fuel leak and increased risk of fire.

This recall includes 2006 – 2014 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks and affects only those sold or registered in “salt belt” states.

Recall summary

On the underside of the truck, straps attach the fuel tank to part of the vehicle’s frame called a “crossmember.”

In states where salt is used to de-ice roadways, salt and dirt may build up underneath the vehicle. This buildup may corrode the crossmember, eventually causing the fuel tank to detach.

An improperly secured fuel tank may come into contact with the ground, causing damage to the tank and possible fuel leaks.

The component in question is the crossmember (component C: floor middle), with part number 65730-SJC-A00.

Recall risks

Since fuel is flammable, a leaking fuel tank increases the risk of a fire, which could cause injuries and property damage.

Safety tips

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Warning signs

Drivers may hear noise from the Honda Ridgeline fuel tank or its straps dragging on the ground.

Other recent Honda recalls and investigations

In February, the U.S. government launched an investigation into defective rearview cameras on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The inability to show an image when reversing increases the risk of a crash and injury.

In December 2021, there was a Honda SUV and pickup truck recall that affected more than 700,000 vehicles. This was over hoods that may fly open while the car is in motion and block the driver’s view. Included in the recall were the 2017 – 2020 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. 

Prior to that, in early December, there was a 2021 Honda Ridgeline recall over a child seat safety concern, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Honda dealers will conduct an inspection of the rear frame. Depending on the extent of the damage, they will attach reinforcements, repair the corroded frame or offer to repurchase the vehicle. Repairs will be completed at no cost to the owner.

Owners can expect to receive information regarding the repair program by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Honda frame rust recall. To perform a Honda recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHonda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak

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