Honda Airbag Recalls: An In-Depth Review

Takata, the now-bankrupt airbag maker, created major distress for several automakers before reaching a settlement with U.S. safety regulators in 2015. The settlement followed the largest series of recalls of automobiles in American history. The agreement Takata reached with NHTSA was for 70 million air bag inflators in the United States.

Has Honda issued any airbag recalls?

Honda recalled more than 2.7 million vehicles sold in Canada and the United States equipped with Takata airbag inflators in 2019, in addition to 600,000 older vehicles involved in previous recalls.

Other affected automakers included Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

The reason for the withdrawal

Takata used ammonium nitrate to produce a small explosion that inflated the airbags. Ammonium nitrate has been found to deteriorate over time when exposed to high humidity and heat and therefore burn too quickly. When this happened, some of the metal canisters containing Takata’s airbags exploded, sending shrapnel flying.

Booster replacements do not use ammonium nitrate.

According to USA Today“At least 25 people worldwide have been killed and hundreds injured by Takata inflators. Approximately 100 million inflators are recalled worldwide.

Honda says older models manufactured between 1996 and 2003 may have been produced without the “proper gaskets” needed to deploy properly. Newer models manufactured after 2003 were not recalled due to several problems with Takata airbag inflators.

The best way to find out if your particular vehicle is covered by this recall is to enter its VIN number here.

Recent Honda Airbag Recalls

• Honda Cross Tour 2010-2015NHTSA Callback ID: 14V-788
• Honda Rider 2003–2015NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-502, 19V-378 and 18V-661
• Honda CR-Z 2011–2015NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-500 and 16V-061
• 2013–2014 Honda Fit EVNHTSA Callback ID: 19V-502, 18V-661 and 16V-061
• Honda FCX Clarity 2010-2014NHTSA Callback ID: 18V-042 and 16V-061
• Honda Insight 2010-2014NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-502, 19V-378, 18V-661 and 18V-042
• Honda Ridgeline 2006-2014NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-500, 19V-501, 19V-182, 18V-662 and 16V-061
• Fit Honda 2007-2013NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-502, 19V-500, 19V-378, 18V-661, 18V-042 and 16V-061
• 2001-2012 Honda Accord CoupeNHTSA Callback ID: 19V-502, 19V-378, 18V-268, 18V-661, 18V-042, 7V-545, 17V-030 and 12V-030
• Honda Civic Hybrid 2003-2011NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-501, 19V-499, 19V-182, 15V-370 and 15V-320
• Honda Civic Coupe 2001-2011NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-501, 19V-499, 19V-182, 15V-370 and 15V-320
• Honda Element 2003-2011NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 19V-501, 18V-662, 18V-041, 17V-029, 16V-344 and 15V-320
• Honda Odyssey 2002–2004NHTSA Callback ID: 19V-499, 19V-182, 16V-344 and 15V-320

Frequently Asked Questions About All Honda Airbag Recalls

• What is the reminder for? The front airbag may be installed incorrectly
• How can this affect the vehicle? Can potentially deploy incorrectly if blocked
• What models were affected? Select 2001-2015 models, primarily Acuras and Civics
• Is there any risk if the problem is not corrected? Potential for serious injuries
• How is the withdrawal resolved? Any authorized Honda dealer can replace the airbags free of charge.

A Final Word on Airbag Injuries

Although airbags save lives and prevent serious injuries, some injuries accompany the deployment of an airbag inflator.

Common types of superficial and secondary problems that occur when an airbag inflates in a crash may include:

• Abrasions on the upper body, including the face, arms, and chest.
• Bruises on the face, chest, arms and knees
• Burns on the chest, arms, and hands.
• Finger sprains and wrist injuries
• Fractures to the face, arms and wrists
• Cough, sore throat and asthma
• skin irritation
• eye injuries
• Fetal injury in pregnant women

The potential injuries behind these recalls are the result of shrapnel from weakened airbag inflator cartridges which, in at least 25 documented cases worldwide, have caused death.

It is essential to check your emails and mail for reminder notifications. If you are unsure if your Honda has been recalled, be sure to check the links found here.

Visit the NHTSA website for more information about recalls issued on Hondas. You can also enter your 17-digit VIN number or the year and model of the vehicle to find recall information. If you don’t find what you are looking for, call us.