Honda Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning for 8200 Vehicles for Takata Airbag Risk

Honda and Acura are issuing a stop drive warning for 8200 drivers of select 2001-2003 vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Affected vehicles include the 2001-2002 Honda Accord and Civic models; 2002 CR-V, Odyssey, and Pilot models; 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL models; and 2003 Acura 3.2CL models.The airbag inflators were subject to recalls by Honda between 2008 and 2011 and were never replaced by the owners of the vehicles.

Honda and Acura released a joint statement issuing a “Do Not Drive” warning to roughly 8200 owners of select models from between 2001 and 2003 still equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags. The airbag inflators were subject to recalls by Honda between 2008 and 2011 and were never replaced by the owners of the vehicles, leaving roughly 8200 affected vehicles. The list encompasses 2001–2002 Honda Accord and Civic models; 2002 CR-V, Odyssey, and Pilot models; 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL models; and 2003 Acura 3.2CL models.

Owners are urged to avoid driving the affected vehicles until the necessary recall has been completed. The repair is free, and Honda will provide free towing and a free loaner vehicle if it is needed.

Takata’s Alpha air bags are some of the oldest under recall, and they have a 50 percent failure rate, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If the inflators rupture, the metal fragments ejected toward the driver’s face could kill or leave them with life-altering injuries.

NHTSA is urging vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners should stop using the affected vehicle and contact their dealership or Acura/Honda customer service to schedule the free repair as soon as possible.