Honda on Friday issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for a collection of vehicles from the 2001-2003 model years. It says that the “risk to vehicle occupants is dire,” if they do not complete a recall for the Takata airbags contained within.
The vehicles in question are the 2001-2002 Honda Accord and Civic, as well as the 2002 CR-V and Odyssey, in addition to the 2003 Honda Pilot, the 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL, and the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are around 8,200 Honda and Acura vehicles being driven today with these Takata Alpha airbags, which the agency considers the most dangerous on America’s roads.
Read: NHTSA Questions Automakers In Light Of Potentially Lethal Airbags
“If you have a vehicle with a recalled Takata Alpha airbag, you must get it repaired now – for free,” said Ann Carlson, NHTSA’s Acting Administrator. “These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50% chance of rupturing in even a minor crash. Don’t gamble with your life or the life of someone you love.”
Honda has managed to replace (or account for) 99 percent of Alpha inflators, but NHTSA says that it is “absolutely critical” that the remaining vehicles have their recall repairs completed—a service for which there is no cost to owners.
As some of the oldest vehicles under recall, the inflators have a failure rate of around 50 percent. If it ruptures, the part can send metal fragments flying out into the passenger compartment, potentially injuring, or even killing, occupants.
Owners are encouraged to reach out to Honda/Acura’s customer service department at 888-234-2138 or by visiting their Takata website. Owners of all vehicles can check active recalls on their vehicles at NHTSA.gov.
