In the latest round of automobile recalls, Japanese number two automaker – Honda Motor Co. – is adding 437,000 vehicles to its 15 month old global recall for faulty air bags. The company reports that it will replace the driver’s side airbag inflator in the recalled cars because the current air bags can deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator to rupture and injure or kill the driver.
Of the 952,118 vehicles, many include the 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans. The company reports it is aware of 12 incidents linked to the problem, including one death in May 2009 and 11 injuries. Honda reports it was not aware of any problems happening prior to July 2009. Owners should take their vehicles to Honda dealerships as soon as they are notified by the company, and it is expected that notifications will be mailed out during February 2010.