Replacement Takata Airbag Recall: What You Need to Know (Part I)

Takata lies at the center of what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls the “largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” A recent Honda recall involving replacement airbags is just the latest in the long Takata saga. According to the automaker, the airbags’ improper manufacturing could prompt explosions that might send sharp metal fragments flying within vehicle cabins. In this two-part series, we will explore the latest recall and its relation to the overarching Takata drama.

How Honda Discovered the Malfunction

The dangers of replacement Takata airbags were brought to light in January, 2018, when a 2004 Honda Odyssey was involved in a crash. The driver suffered an arm injury due to the unexpected rupture of the Takata replacement inflator.

While investigating the crash, authorities at Honda discovered that inflators manufactured at a Takata facility located in Monclova, Mexico experienced excessive introduced moisture during assembly. This is worrisome, as moisture can degrade the chemicals necessary for airbag inflation. As a result, deployment may prove excessively powerful, leading to the inflator’s rupture.

Which Models Are Affected By the Recall?

The latest Honda-Takata recall impacts a variety of Honda models manufactured between 2001 and 2010, including:

• Accords
• Civics
• CR-Vs
• Pilots
• Odysseys
• Ridgelines

A recall was also issued for several Acura models. The need for recall varies from one model to the next. For example, all Odysseys manufactured between 2002 and 2004 require attention, while the Civic recall involves vehicles produced through 2007. Contact your local Honda dealer if you have any question whatsoever as to your vehicle’s recall status.

Replacement parts are available from alternate manufacturers, as are free repairs and free car rentals on the day of repair. Honda strongly encourages all drivers impacted by the recall to have their vehicles checked out as soon as possible.

Were you harmed in an accident involving a defective airbag inflator? You can benefit from the strong legal support of Regan Zambri Long PLLC. Contact us today to learn how you can secure the damages you deserve.