Do You Drive A Honda Or Toyota Vehicle? This Recall Applies To You

Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) have been plagued with more airbag recalls that affect over 4.39 million vehicles globally combined.

In the Toyota recall, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy as intended during a crash, which could increase the risk of injury. According to the automaker, the airbag electric control unit (ECU) may malfunction during certain types of crashes, disabling the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

As many as 2,891,976 vehicles are affected by the recall, including certain 2011 to 2019 Corolla, 2011 to 2013 Matrix, 2012 to 2018 Avalon, and 2013 to 2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicle models.

To repair the airbag issue, dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the airbag control module and wire harness free of charge.

Toyota said it will begin notifying dealers on March 17. Questions about the recall can be directed to Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

The Honda recall stems from airbag inflators that may rupture or underinflate the airbag during a crash. The airbags contain non-azide driver airbag inflators without phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which may absorb moisture and degrade with heat.

If the airbag inflator ruptures, it could send metal shrapnel into the compartment of the vehicle, striking the driver and passengers, which could cause injury or death during a crash. An underinflated airbag may not provide adequate cushion to protect the driver or passenger, also increasing the risk of injury or death.

As many as 1,500,705 vehicles are affected by the recall, including certain 1997 to 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998 to 1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1997 to 1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998 to 2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999 to 2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996 to 2000 Civic Coupe, 1997 to 2000 CR-V, 1997 to 1998 EV Plus, and 1998 to1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles.

To repair the airbag issue, Honda will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with a different design of inflator when these components become available.

Honda owners will be notified beginning March 9 with a second letter indicating when parts are available. Questions about the recall can be directed to American Honda Customers Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.

Shares of Toyota stock were down 0.58% as of 1:27 p.m. while shares of Honda stock were down 0.36% at the same time.