- How deadly are the Takata Alpha airbags that caused the recall?
- Which Honda and Acura vehicles still include these faulty airbags?
- Are the Takata airbags still being replaced under the recall?
- How many vehicles have been impacted by this recall?
- How can Honda and Acura owners check their vehicles for this and other recalls?
The largest automotive recall in history continues to raise its ugly head. Those who thought the Takata airbag recall was finally behind us are wrong. Honda issued a “Do Not Drive” warning to 8,200 Acura and Honda owners. This isn’t a simple warning to be careful; the danger and risk of driving these cars could be hazardous to everyone around these vehicles.
How deadly are the Takata Alpha airbags that caused the recall?
Since 2009, more than 30 deaths worldwide, including 23 fatalities in the United States, are linked to the Takata Alpha airbag inflators. These inflators can explode and send potentially deadly shrapnel throughout a vehicle. In many cases, the faulty inflator sent the shrapnel directly into the driver’s face.
Although the recall was issued several years ago, 8,200 Honda and Acura vehicles with these dangerous airbags remain on the road. Reuters tells us the recent death of the driver of a 2002 Honda Accord in Bowling Green, Kentucky was caused by a faulty airbag inflator.
Which Honda and Acura vehicles still include these faulty airbags?
2003 Acura TL | Acura
Although Honda has replaced or accounted for more than 99% of the Alpha inflators, owners must replace the airbags in the remaining models. The risk is dire and the cause of Honda issuing a “Do Not Drive” warning about these vehicles.
Models with remaining Alpha airbags include:
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2003 Acura 3.2 CL
Are the Takata airbags still being replaced under the recall?
Yes, they are. In fact, with this new warning, the NHTSA urges owners to stop driving and bring the vehicle to a local dealership. The replacement airbags are covered under this recall.
“If you have a vehicle with a recalled Takata Alpha airbag, you must get it repaired now – for free. 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 – schedule your free repair today before it’s too late.” – NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson
How many vehicles have been impacted by this recall?
Over the past decade, the Takata airbag recall has impacted more than 67 million vehicles in the United States. This recall spans over 20 automakers and more than 100 million vehicles globally. This makes it the largest auto safety recall in history.
The NHTSA reports 8.5 million vehicles to remain unrepaired. This includes 3.5 million General Motors vehicles and 1.2 million Honda models.
How can Honda and Acura owners check their vehicles for this and other recalls?
An Accord on a country road | Christopher Evans, MediaNews Group, Boston Herald via Getty Images
Owners of impacted vehicles can check their VIN at the NHTSA site and learn about any recalls for their vehicles. This site provides the desired information if you’re unsure whether your vehicle has any recalls or recently purchased an older model Honda or Acura.
Next, check out the six strangest safety recalls in automotive history, or learn more about this ongoing Takata airbag recall in this video below:
Related
Keyword: Honda’s “Do Not Drive” Warning Impacts Thousands of Honda and Acura Owners