If you own an older Honda or Acura, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Honda itself want you to keep it in park — at least until you get this one thing fixed.
When Honda previously issued a recall of some 2001-03 Honda and Acura models to fix an air bag inflator, most owners responded — but not all. Now NHTSA is telling owners of the more than 8,000 cars, minivans, and SUVs that haven't had their air bags repaired to stop driving them until and get them fixed. The models are:
- 2001-02 Honda Accord
- 2001-02 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2002-03 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2003 Acura 3.2 CL
Driving a car with one of the recalled Takata inflators means a 50% risk of the air bag exploding and hurling shrapnel in the face of the driver following a crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or even death.
Since 2009, exploding air bags have killed at least 33 passengers worldwide, including 24 in the United States.
If you're unsure if your car is part of the recall, go to the NHTSA recall website and input your 17-digit vehicle identification number.
"These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50% chance of rupturing in even a minor crash,” NHTSA acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement. “Don’t gamble with your life or the life of someone you love — schedule your free repair today before it’s too late.”
In addition to the no-cost repair, Honda is providing free towing and a free loaner vehicle if needed.
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