Honda Recalled 4.5 Million Vehicles in Expanded Takata Airbag Recall

More than half of those vehicles (2.3 million) have been recalled previously for similar issues.

WASHINGTON — American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 4.5 million vehicles to replace defective Takata front-passenger inflators in two new campaigns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on Friday.

The recalled Honda and Acura vehicles are:

2003-’06 Acura MDX
2005-’11 Acura RL
2009-’11 Acura TSX
2010-’11 Acura ZDX
2008-’11 Honda Accord
2010-’11 Honda Accord Crosstour
2006-’11 Honda Civic
2005-’11 Honda CR-V
2003-’11 Honda Element
2010-’11 Honda FCX Clarity
2007-’11 Honda Fit
2010-’11 Honda Insight
2002-’04 Honda Odyssey
2003-’11 Honda Pilot
2006-’11 Honda Ridgeline

The recall also includes approximately 2,700 Honda Gold Wing motorcycles with optional airbags.

“In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front airbags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling,” said NHTSA in its recall summary. “An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.”

Honda spokesman Chris Martin told Edmunds that the automaker is “not aware of any market ruptures or injuries specific to this expanded vehicle population.”

Honda has confirmed nine deaths and more than 100 injuries in the U.S. related to Takata airbag driver’s front-inflator ruptures in vehicles covered by previous recalls. A 10th fatality in the U.S. occurred in a 2006 Ford Ranger.

Honda expects this new round of recalls to begin in late summer for automobiles and in late fall for the motorcycles.

A VIN search at Honda websites or NHTSA’s recall website is not yet possible for this action, Honda noted.

“We anticipate that concerned owners of the affected automobile models will be able to accurately search their vehicles’ recall status on these sites beginning on June 6,” Honda said.

Notices will be mailed to owners beginning on June 27, NHTSA said.

Honda and Acura dealers will replace the defective inflators.

Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Edmunds says: Owners of these vehicles should begin checking the status of their vehicles on June 6. It’s also wise to stay in touch with your Honda or Acura dealer for updates.