Now-bankrupt airbag maker, Takata, created a lot of grief for several automakers before settling with U.S. safety regulators in 2015. That settlement followed the largest series of automotive recalls in U.S. history. The agreement Takata made with the NHTSA involved 70 million airbag inflators in the U.S.
Has Honda issued any airbag recalls?
Honda recalled over 2.7 million vehicles sold in Canada and the U.S. equipped with Takata airbag inflators in 2019, in addition to 600,000 older vehicles involved in earlier recalls.
Among the other automakers affected were Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
The Cause of the Recall
Takata utilized ammonium nitrate to produce a small explosion that inflates airbags. Ammonium nitrate proved to deteriorate over time when exposed to high humidity and heat and therefore burn too quickly. When this occurred, some of the metal canisters that contained Takata’s airbags exploded, hurling shrapnel.
Recall replacements don’t use ammonium nitrate.
According to the U.S.A. Today: “At least 25 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds injured by Takata inflators. About 100 million inflators are being recalled across the globe.”
Honda says older models made from 1996 to 2003 may have been produced without “appropriate seals” needed to deploy properly. Newer models manufactured after 2003 have not been recalled due to various issues with the Takata airbag inflators.
The best way to know if your particular vehicle is covered by this recall is to enter your VIN number here.
Recent Honda Airbag Recalls
- 2010–2015 Honda CrosstourNHTSA Recall ID: 14V-788
- 2003–2015 Honda PilotNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-502, 19V-378, & 18V-661
- 2011–2015 Honda CR-ZNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-500 & 16V-061
- 2013–2014 Honda Fit EVNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-502, 18V-661, & 16V-061
- 2010–2014 Honda FCX ClarityNHTSA Recall ID: 18V-042 & 16V-061
- 2010–2014 Honda InsightNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-502, 19V-378, 18V-661, & 18V-042
- 2006–2014 Honda RidgelineNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-500, 19V-501, 19V-182, 18V-662, & 16V-061
- 2007–2013 Honda FitNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-502, 19V-500, 19V-378, 18V-661, 18V-042, & 16V-061
- 2001–2012 Honda Accord CoupeNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-502, 19V-378, 18V-268, 18V-661, 18V-042, 7V-545, 17V-030, & 12V-030
- 2003–2011 Honda Civic HybridNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-501, 19V-499, 19V-182, 15V-370, & 15V-320
- 2001–2011 Honda Civic CoupeNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-501, 19V-499, 19V-182, 15V-370, & 15V-320
- 2003–2011 Honda ElementNHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 19V-501, 18V-662, 18V-041, 17V-029, 16V-344, & 15V-320
- 2002–2004 Honda OdysseyNHTSA Recall ID: 19V-499, 19V-182, 16V-344, & 15V-320
FAQ for All Honda Airbag Recalls
- What is the recall for? The frontal airbag may be installed improperly
- How can it affect the vehicle? Can potentially deploy improperly in the event of a crash
- Which models were affected? Certain 2001–2015 models, mostly in Acuras and Civics
- Are there risks if you fail to have the problem corrected? Potential for serious injuries
- How is the recall resolved? Any authorized Honda dealer can replace the airbags for free
A Final Word about Airbag Injuries
While airbags save lives and prevent serious injuries, there are certain injuries that go along with the deployment of an airbag inflator.
Common types of superficial and secondary issues that occur when an airbag inflates during a collision can include:
- Abrasions to the upper body, including face, arms and chest
- Contusions to face, chest, arms and knees
- Burns to the chest, arms and hands
- Sprained fingers and wrist injuries
- Fractures to the face, arms and wrists
- Coughing, throat irritations and asthma
- Skin irritations
- Eye injuries
- Fetal injury in pregnant women
Potential injuries causing these recalls are the result of shrapnel from weakened airbag inflator canisters that in at least 25 documented cases worldwide caused fatalities.
It is essential to check your email and mail for recall notifications. If you are unsure if your Honda has been recalled, be sure and check the links found here.
Visit the NHTSA website to learn more about recalls issued on Hondas. You can also enter either your 17-digit VIN number or the vehicle year and model to find recall information. If you can’t find what you are looking for, give us a call.
