Honda Recall: Defective Takata Air Bag Inflators Force Second Recall

Honda (HMC) is recalling 1.2 million vehicles for defective Takata driver’s air bag inflators that could explode or send shrapnel into the passenger compartment that could kill or seriously injure drivers and passengers, CBS News reported. This recall affects 2001 to 2016 Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S., Canada, and Central America, according to the news outlet.

The Takata air bag inflators utilize ammonium nitrate to inflate the air bags , which can break down in high temperatures and humidity, causing the metal canister to explode and shoot shrapnel into the vehicle.

The defect has caused the death of at least 23 people worldwide and is part of the largest U.S. automotive recall to date with more than 70 million vehicles expected to be recalled, CBS News reported.

The 2019 air bag inflator recall is an extension of the 2014 recall that replaced the ammonium nitrate with a moisture-absorbing chemical that was thought to be safe. This recall is adding new replacement parts to the air bag inflators.

According to Transport Canada, the vehicle models affected by the recall include; 2001 to 2007 Honda Accord, 2002 to 2006 CR-V, 2001 to 2005 Civic, 2003 to 2010 Element, 2002 to 2004 Odyssey, 2003 to 2008 Pilot, and 2006 Ridgeline.

The Acura vehicles affected by the recall include; the 2003 to 2006 MDX, 2001 to 2005 EL, 2002 to 2003 TL, and 2003 CL.

Shares of Honda stock were down 0.02 percent as of 10:09 a.m. on Tuesday.