Honda is expanding a recall of three of its models to 440,000 vehicles because of a potential flaw in the airbag inflator, officials said Friday, adding that the recall started in November.

The recall covers 2001-2002 Accords, 2001 Civics, and 2002-2003 Acura TLs.

The recall is due to the inflator for the driver's airbag, which could produce excessive internal pressure when deployed. This could cause the inflator to rupture, sending metal shards through the airbag cushion and potentially harming the vehicle's occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Bloomberg News reported that the default has already led to one death in the U.S.

Included in the recall are model year 2001-02 Honda Accords, 2001 Honda Civics and 2002-03 Acura TLs.

Previously, Honda said only 2001 Accords, Civics and some TLs needed the fix.

Friday's recall added $440,000 more cars to the list.

Honda will send out recall notices in the next few months, but concerned owners can visit their recall website at www.owners.honda.com/recalls or www.owners.acura.com/recalls for Acura owners.

Recall