The recall, which affects the model years 2008-2010, is due to moisture affecting the units, which can result in the possibility that airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash, Honda said in a statement today. At least two injuries are attributed to the defect.
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Honda said it has received 1,575 warranty claims, 83 field reports and two confirmed injuries related to the defect.
In the documents, Continental says its problem first surfaced in January of 2008 when it analyzed a malfunctioning control unit that was removed from a Mercedes.
Unfortunately, Honda has reportedly told dealerships that parts are in very short supply until this upcoming autumn, and so for now it will order the replacements for cars with airbag troubles or crash damage. The repairs are scheduled to begin this summer, and owners should receive a letter notifying them about the recall within 60 days and will get a second message when parts are available.
“We are working closely with all potentially impacted vehicle manufacturers on this issue”, said Continental spokesperson, Mary Arraf.
Mazda was aware of Continental’s recall and investigating and VW did not know how many Chrysler-built Routan minivans are involved, according to company spokespeople.
A major challenge for Honda – and other makers – is getting those vehicles repaired.
This is the latest large-scale USA recall related to air bag problems.
About 5 million vehicles will be part of the wider recall, which pales in comparison to the roughly 24 million cars in the US that have been recalled as part of the Takata airbag issue, making it the single largest automotive recall in the country’s history. The units being recalled were made from 2006 through 2010 and are in less than 2 million vehicles in the US. The whereabouts of the remaining three million or so vehicles were not known.
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The filing also mentioned an additional risk in vehicles manufactured by Daimler AG and Chrysler, saying there was “a risk of an inadvertent deployment of the airbags if the ACU [air bag control unit] malfunctions, which could increase the risk of a crash and/or injuries”.
