Defective Takata airbag inflators have made Honda and Acura expand their safety campaign to several 2001-2003 MY vehicles.
The airbag inflators that pose a high risk are found on the 2001-2002 Honda Civic and Accord, 2002 CR-V and Odyssey, 2003 Pilot, 2002-2003 Acura TL and 2003 CL.
Said models have already been subjected to a recall between 2008 and 2011, but despite this, there are roughly 313,000 units that haven’t been repaired yet.
The cars affected are said to “show a far higher risk of ruptures during airbag deployment“, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which prompted “an urgent call“.
“With as high as 50 percent chance of a dangerous airbag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately. Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge“, said Anthony Foxx, US Transportation Secretary.
Out of the 10 confirmed US fatalities linked to Takata airbag inflator ruptures, 8 were in this range of vehicles, as the defective parts have exploded with excessive force, after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, and sent shrapnel towards the occupants. Globally, 14 people have lost their lives under similar circumstances and approximately 150 have been injured.
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