Honda recalls 4.5m Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Odysseys, Pilots and Ridgelines over defective Takata airbags

Honda has recalled a further 4.5 million vehicles fitted with Takata airbags. 

 

Vehicles affected include the 2001-2007 Accord, the 2001-2005 Civic, the 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Odyssey, the 2003-2008 Pilot and the 2006 Ridgeline. 

 

It also affects Acura MDXs, TLs, CLs and Rls between 2002 and 2006. Honda described the recall as “critical”.

 

This puts the total number of vehicles Honda has had to take out of action to 24.5m. 

 

In a message to customers, Honda management said the industry was facing “an unprecedented challenge in the recall and replacement of millions of Takata airbag inflators”. 

 

Nearly two dozen car brands have been affected by the airbags made by Japanese group Takata, resulting in more than 40 million vehicles being recalled worldwide. 

 

The issue involves defective inflator and propellent devices, which could deploy improperly in the event of a crash. One car blog said they had been “shooting metal fragments into vehicle occupants”. 

 

“We want to assure you that Honda is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our customers who are affected by this issue. We stand behind the safety and quality of our products. The protection of the drivers and passengers in our vehicles is our paramount concern.”

 

It urged affected customers to take “immediate action to have it repaired”, with the work being carried out for free. 

 

“Should there be any wait for a replacement airbag inflator, our dealers are prepared to provide alternative transportation in the form of a loaner or rental vehicle, free of charge, until your own vehicle is repaired,” the group said. 

 

“We apologise 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 so that our customers’ vehicles can be repaired as soon as possible.”