Honda has announced that it will recall another 1.6 million vehicles in its efforts to replace faulty exploding Takata airbag inflators.
After this latest recall, Honda says it will have accounted for 22.6 million inflators in roughly 12.9 million vehicles.
Largest Recall in History
It’s the largest and most complex automotive recall in US history, with 37 million cars in the US from 19 automakers affected. Consumer advocates have said that the recall has been going on far too long and have been calling for automakers to be more aggressive about replacing the dangerous airbags. Since the Takata scandal began in 2013, there have been twenty-four fatalities and hundreds more injured by the inflators worldwide. At least 15 drivers and passengers have died here in the US from blunt force trauma, injuries to the back of the head and neck, and massive bleeding after being struck by the flying shrapnel.
Deadly Exploding Airbags
The problem stems from a defect in the Takata devices, which use ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbag if there is a crash. But the ammonium nitrate can become unstable over time, especially after exposure to fluctuating temperatures, like constant high humidity. This can cause the inflators to explode with a violent force. If the defective bag ruptures, it can spray sharp metal fragments, potentially injuring the driver and passengers. The airbag issue forced Takata to file for bankruptcy in June 2017. Honda was Takata’s biggest customer, but other automakers have since recalled millions of vehicles to replace the faulty inflators, including Fiat, Ford, Chrysler, and Acura.
Honda Encouraging Owners to Schedule Repairs
In a statement, Honda has said it has parts available now to complete the recall process and is encouraging owners of affected vehicles to schedule repair at an authorized dealer as soon as possible to ensure their safety. The company has said it will be notifying owners by mail about the parts and urge them to have the recall work done. There are numerous vehicles involved in the recall, including certain 2001-03 Honda and Acura models. It’s important for owners to be vigilant if they own a vehicle that’s included on the list. And if an owner is unsure whether their vehicle is affected, then they need to find out as soon as possible.
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