Honda Announces Major Recall Over Air Bag Sensor Defect

Honda Motor Co. has initiated a recall of 750,000 vehicles across the United States, addressing a critical defect in air bag deployment mechanisms. The recall targets a specific malfunction in the front passenger seat weight sensor, which could crack and short-circuit. This defect potentially prevents the air bag from being suppressed as designed during a collision, raising safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlined the defect and confirmed that dealers would replace the faulty seat weight sensors to mitigate the issue.

The affected vehicles span several popular models, including the Honda Pilot, Accord, and Civic from the 2020 to 2022 model years, alongside select CR-V and Passport vehicles from the 2020 and 2021 model years. Honda’s proactive approach to addressing the defect involves not only the recall but also a thorough investigation into the cause of the sensor malfunction. The company attributed the defect to a temporary change in the base material used in the sensor’s printed circuit board. This change was made by a supplier following a natural disaster that impacted a subcontractor’s manufacturing plant, potentially introducing additional strain on the component.

Despite the significant number of warranty claims related to this issue, totaling 3,834 since June 2020, Honda has reported no injuries or deaths arising from the defect. This recall is part of a broader trend within the automotive industry to address safety concerns promptly. For context, Toyota Motor also announced a recall in December for a similar issue affecting air bag sensors, and Honda itself recalled 4.5 million vehicles worldwide due to fuel pump failures.

This series of recalls underscores the automotive industry’s ongoing challenges with component reliability and the critical importance of manufacturing oversight. For Honda, the current recall is a step towards ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles, reflecting the company’s commitment to addressing potential safety issues and maintaining consumer trust.