2005 Honda Civic Lx W/front Side Airbags - Low Mileage/high Fuel Economy on 2040-cars

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Honda Walking Assist Device begins US testing at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

For years, we've been wondering what implications Honda's Asimo robot could have in the real world, and now we're starting to get a sense of that. Honda announced that it will begin its first US clinical studies of the Walking Assist Device at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in an effort to provided improved mobility for people who have suffered a stroke. While the automotive tie-in here is pretty weak, this is the first time we've heard about this device since it was unveiled back in 2008.
Weighing in at six pounds, Honda's device is fitted to the waist and legs of patients to make it easier to walk, and the 22.2-volt lithium-ion battery provides enough electricity for more than an hour of operation. According to Honda's press release, which is posted below, up to 80 percent of the almost 800,000 stroke victims each year (in the US alone) are afflicted with limited mobility, so a medical aid like this could have a big impact in the real world.

Takata airbag victim urges consumers to head to the dealership

A man who lost an eye in a low speed collision due to faulty Takata airbags is urging the owners of cars with recalled parts to take their vehicles into a dealership, before it's too late. The public service announcement comes from ConsumerWatch.com. In a video, the consumer rights website gives factual information about the recall, and adds a personal plea from Corey Burdick. The Florida man lost an eye due to shrapnel from an exploding Takata airbag. The Orlando Sentinel reported that Burdick was traveling just 15 mph in his Honda Civic when he collided with another car. There were no other injuries caused by the crash, except for the loss of Burdick's eye. He filed a lawsuit against Honda and Takata this year. "I lost my eye because of a defective airbag. Take your car in today so this doesn't happen to you," Burdick said. ConsumerWatch.com told Honda and Acura owners not to drive their vehicles until the faulty airbags were replaced. Good advice, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also recently advised owners of 2001-03 Hondas and Acuras to get their airbags replaced immediately. NHTSA says airbag inflators in those vehicles have up to a 50 percent chance of exploding in an accident. But replacing the airbags isn't as easy as simply going into the dealership. Many owners who take their cars in for replacement are finding out that new parts are in short supply as manufacturers grapple with the largest automotive recall in US history. Takata may not have enough replacements until 2019, CNN reported earlier this year. The problem is so pervasive that some brand new cars were found to be sitting on dealer lots with faulty airbags still in place months after the initial recall. Some cars have received replacements that were also faulty and now will require a second trip to the dealer. However, waiting is not an option for many owners. At least 13 people have been killed and over 100 injuries have been blamed on the airbags. Related Video: News Source: consumerwatch.com, Orlando Sentinel, CNN Government/Legal Recalls Acura Honda Driving Ownership Safety consumer airbag Takata airbag recall

Honda, Acura recall Ridgeline, Accord, MDX, TLX for various fuel pump issues

Honda and Acura have issued two separate fuel pump-related recalls for Ridgeline pickups, as well as Accord and TLX sedans, and MDX SUVs. Affected Ridgelines could have an increased risk of fire, while the Accord, TLX, and MDX could potentially stall out while driving. According to NHTSA campaign No. 19V053000, Honda is recalling 106,683 2017-2019 Ridgelines because the fuel pump feed port could crack when exposed to certain acids, including car wash soaps. If it cracks, it could leak pressurized fuel, which could catch fire. Vehicles with this defect are subject to a free fuel pump replacement, as well as an extra fuel pump cover. The second recall, campaign No. 19V060000, affects 437,032 2016-2018 MDX, 2015-2019 TLX, and 2015-2017 Accord models equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines. According to Honda, fuel particulates could stick to internal components of the fuel pump. This could potentially slow down the fuel pump and hinder performance, which could cause the engine to sputter and stall. Honda dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit software and/or replace the fuel pump, if needed. If you want to know if your vehicle is included in one of these recalls, contact your Honda or Acura dealer, call the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safecar.gov. Related Video: