Dealers can begin repairing affected cars immediately.
Today, Honda and Acura announced a new recall for faulty Takata airbag inflators. Now, 1.1 million cars are being voluntarily recalled, including models as far back as 2001. The vehicles affected in this campaign stem from a previous Takata recall where PSDI-5D inflators were used to fix the issue. Neither the inflators nor the airbag modules were under recall at the time. Dealers will replace driver airbag inflators free of charge, starting immediately.
Honda’s statement says it became aware of the problem after an accident involving a 2004 Honda Odyssey. The airbag deployed in a crash, but the replacement Takata inflator ruptured, injuring the driver’s arm. Further investigation revealed that inflators manufactured at Takata’s Monclova, Mexico plant gathered excessive moisture from manufacturing errors. That potentially leads to propellant degradation, resulting in higher inflator pressure when the airbag deploys.
The company is urging owners to take their cars to their local dealers as soon as possible. With the defective units, getting into an accident could result in shooting sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury.
Affected vehicles under this recall:
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL
- 2013 – 2016 Acura ILX
- 2003 – 2006 Acura MDX
- 2002 – 2003 Acura 3.2TL
- 2004 – 2006 and 2009 – 2014 Acura TL
- 2007 – 2016 Acura RDX
- 2010 – 2013 Acura ZDX
- 2001 – 2007 and 2009 Honda Accord
- 2001 – 2005 Honda Civic
- 2002 – 2007 and 2010 – 2011 Honda CR-V
- 2003 – 2011 Honda Element
- 2007 Honda Fit
- 2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 – 2008 Honda Pilot
- 2006 – 2014 Honda Ridgeline
Total recalled vehicles stands at 12.9 million
Honda and Acura consider the cars in this campaign part of the original Takata recall figures. Since they’ve had their inflators replaced before, this doesn’t add 1.1 million to the total number of recalled vehicles. Honda states it has recalled 21 million inflators in 12.9 million Honda and Acura models to date.
Owners should start receiving mailers on the recall in mid-April, though they can schedule a repair immediately. You can check the status of your vehicle by going to www.recalls.honda.com or www.recalls.acura.com. Alternatively, you can also call 1-(888) 234-2138 for more information.
Honda and Acura dealers will offer a free rental car to owners for the day of the recall or longer, if they aren’t able to immediately replace the defective inflator.
