Honda Takata Air Bag Recall: Your Next Steps
Honda released documents stating that vehicles in the United States and Canada with inflators installed during previous recalls could be dangerous – drivers who’ve had Takata airbags replaced may still be at risk of an explosion on the road. Honda states: “We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience and want you to know we are doing everything possible to accelerate production of the replacement of airbag inflators.”
On March 7th, Honda recalled roughly 1 million North American vehicles for a second time. As of March 31st, 2017, approximately 1,267,727 Honda and Acura vehicles were recalled in North America due to the risks associated with defective Takata airbags. This recall affects nearly 84,000 vehicles in Canada.
The recall is for inflators that could rupture and explode with metal fragments due to over-pressurization during airbag deployment. According to an investigation by Takata, airbags are at an increased risk of rupturing if the vehicle has had several years of exposure to high humidity conditions and fluctuating temperatures. The chemical initially used in the inflator, ammonium nitrate, which creates a small explosion in order to deploy, can deteriorate over time and burn too fast, resulting in an explosion that can harm the vehicle’s occupants. Takata’s inflator recall has been carried out in phases since 2015.
Who’s affected?
Although Honda has not identified any abnormal airbag deployments relating to Takata inflators in Canada, there have been at least 23 fatalities and hundreds of injuries resulting from the recall. Honda states that about 84,000 vehicles are involved with this recall.
Affected models include:
- 2001-2007 Honda Accords
- 2002-2006 Honda CR-Vs
- 2001-2005 Honda Civics
- 2003-2010 Honda Elements
- 2002-2004 Honda Odysseys
- 2003-2008 Honda Pilots
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- 2001-2005 Acura EL
- 2001-2005 Acura TL
- 2003 Acura CL
If your vehicle is subject to an inflator recall
Honda states that it will mail recall notices out to owners of affected vehicles. If you receive one of these notices, Honda advises that customers take immediate action to decrease the risk of the defected air bag exploding. All inspections and replacements will be free of charge for Canadians at authorized Honda dealerships. The replacement of an airbag inflator typically takes less than an hour and customers should ensure a proper appointment is scheduled. Honda states that there are a lot of replacement parts available to replace the inflators for Canadians. However, if the replacement parts are not available, Honda will work with owners to arrange a temporary alternative for transportation until the vehicle’s inflator can be fully replaced.
What should you do?
Owners of the above models can check the status of the recall at www.honda.ca/recalls or www.acura.ca/recalls. Customers can also call the Honda Airbag Inflator Hotline at 1-877-445-7754 and/or the Acura Airbag Inflator Hotline at 1-877-445-9844 for further assistance.
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