Recall Alert: Honda Recalls Nearly 67,000 Vehicles in Canada
Honda has issued a recall for almost 67,000 vehicles in Canada due to airbag-sensor issues in the front passenger seats. The recall notice, released on February 6th, highlights problems with the weight sensor that ensures airbags deploy only for adults. If a child is seated in the front passenger seat, the deployed frontal and knee airbags could potentially cause injury, according to the company.
The recall affects a wide range of Honda and Acura models, including popular ones such as Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline. It also includes Acura MDX, RDX, and TLX models from 2020 to 2022. Honda stated that the issue arose after their Tier 1 supplier made a temporary change to the base material in the printed circuit board of the vehicle’s seat sensors due to a natural disaster at their Tier 2 supplier’s manufacturing plant.
The alternative base material used was not adequately tested for its intended purpose, leading to additional strain on the printed circuit board. Honda explained that an internal short circuit can occur if the capacitor cracks. It is estimated that around one percent of the recalled vehicles have this defect. To address the situation, Honda is advising owners of affected vehicles to monitor both the passenger airbag indicator and the warning light for the supplemental restraint system (SRS). If either of these lights illuminates, it indicates a potential issue.
In case of an illuminated SRS light, Honda strongly advises owners to take their vehicles to a Honda or Acura dealership immediately. However, the company has notified dealers about the recall on February 2nd, and owner notification is set to begin next month. It is important to note that due to limited service parts availability, Honda recommends prompt action for those experiencing SRS light issues.
To ease the concerns of those who have already paid for repairs related to this recall, Honda has mentioned that they may be eligible for reimbursement. This gesture demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.
Interestingly, Honda’s recall comes just two months after Toyota issued a similar notice regarding airbag sensors, recalling over 100,000 vehicles across Canada. Toyota recalled 99,965 Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as well as 3,812 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles in response to the issue. Airbags, although they can cause injuries such as cuts, bruises, or abrasions, are proven to be more beneficial than harmful. Transport Canada highlights the importance of airbags in preventing life-threatening head and chest injuries. According to the agency, a study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the combination of seat belts and airbags is 75 percent effective in preventing serious head injuries and 66 percent effective in preventing serious chest injuries.
This statistic demonstrates the critical role airbags play in ensuring passenger safety. It is crucial for vehicle owners to stay informed about recalls and promptly address any potential issues to protect themselves and their passengers on the road. Honda’s recall serves as a reminder for all automakers to prioritize rigorous testing and quality control measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, Honda has issued a recall for nearly 67,000 vehicles in Canada due to airbag-sensor issues in the front passenger seats. The company has identified problems with the weight sensor that could potentially cause injury if a child is seated in the front. Honda has urged owners of affected vehicles to monitor warning lights and take their vehicles to a dealership if necessary. Additionally, Honda has assured reimbursement for those who have already paid for repairs related to this recall. This incident highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality control in the automotive industry to ensure passenger safety.
