Honda issues ‘do not drive’ warning to 8,200 US vehicles amid air bag controversy

The immediate alert includes various 2001-2003 model year Honda Accord, Civic CR-V and Odyssey, Pilot and Acura 3.2CL and 3.2 TL vehicles with so-called “Alpha” inflators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that owners of those vehicles should not drive them until they are repaired, warning that “the risk to vehicle occupants is serious.”

Since 2009, more than 30 deaths worldwide — including at least 23 US deaths — and hundreds of injuries in vehicles from various automakers have been linked to Takata air bag inflators, which can release potentially lethal metal shrapnel inside vehicles. Huh.

Read also: Honda Activa H-Smart Launched; Received 5 New Patented Technologies: All the Details Here

NHTSA said last month that the driver of a 2002 Accord in Bowling Green, Kentucky, was killed in February by a faulty air bag inflator. Honda has reported 17 US deaths and over 200 injuries in the United States related to Takata inflator bursts.

Over the past decade, in the largest auto safety recall in history, more than 67 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide.

Honda said on Friday that it has attempted to reach owners more than 18.3 million times, including through mail notifications, emails, phone calls and door-to-door visits. The Japanese automaker emphasized that it is offering free towing and loaner vehicles for free recall repairs. Honda has so far replaced or accounted for over 99% of the “Alpha” inflators.

Honda said “we are concerned for the safety of those who have not responded and are now adopting the new Stop Driving message to prompt them to act.”

In November, Chrysler parent Stellantis urged owners of 276,000 older US vehicles to stop driving immediately after three crash deaths linked to faulty Takata air bag inflators.

NHTSA said the Takata recalls were prompted by propellants that could break down after prolonged exposure to high temperature fluctuations and humidity.