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Honda recalls 2.7 million vehicles for new air bag inflator defect

WASHINGTON — Honda said on Tuesday it will recall 2.7 million older U.S. vehicles in North America for potentially defective air bag inflators. The defect involves a different type of Takata inflator than those that have prompted the largest-ever auto safety recalls worldwide covering more than 42 million U.S. vehicles by 19 automakers with Takata air bag inflators. The new recall covers Honda and Acura automobiles from the 1996 through 2003 model years. Honda said it is aware of one field rupture of an inflator in the new recall campaign — a 2012 crash in Texas that resulted in an injury — and two in junkyards in Japan. The campaign covers 2.4 million U.S. vehicles and 300,000 in Canada, Honda said, adding that it has not determined recall numbers for other countries. Takata issued a new defect notice in November for inflators from four automakers, including Honda. Honda said all three vehicles "potentially were exposed to unusually high amounts of moisture prior to the rupture events." Honda said the recalls cover driver front airbag inflators manufactured with non-azide propellant and said "all inspections and repairs will begin in approximately one year, as replacement parts from alternative suppliers are not yet available." Honda said it "regrets any inconvenience or distress that this situation may cause to our customers as we seek to resolve this situation. Honda believes that the risk of improper airbag deployment in its vehicles remains very low at this time, but we cannot absolutely guarantee the performance of any recalled part." Related Video:

Clarion Builds' 1991 Acura NSX going up for auction at Barrett-Jackson

Having driven it, I can say with full confidence that Clarion Builds' tuned and restored 1991 Acura NSX is a very, very special car. If you're in the market for just such a vehicle, good news: on October 20, that very same NSX will be going up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas. As much as the people behind the car hate to see it leave their hands, this just makes room for another awesome project to take its place. Really, this was the final fate for the NSX all along. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the American Red Cross. At the end of its life, Clarion Builds' 1974 BMW 2002 was auctioned off, too. Rather than simply holding on to the car or selling it for profit, the company partnered with Barrett-Jackson auctions. The auction house doesn't charge a fee for charity vehicles, meaning all of the money will go toward the Red Cross. The 2002 sold in 2016 for $125,000. Clarion Builds' expects the NSX to fetch even more money. This NSX has more than 230,000 miles on the chassis. It packs a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 and a six-speed manual transmission. Everything, from the bodywork to the suspension, has been modified. The car will be showcased in Las Vegas before and after the auction alongside Clarion Builds' latest project, a 1993 BMW 850Ci. More on that car to come sometime soon. Related Video: Image Credit: Larry Chen Acura Honda Auctions Coupe Performance

2014 Acura RLX

Good. But Good Enough?
Spoiler alert: The 2014 Acura RLX is a good car. But that shouldn't come as a surprise. Despite the fact that Acura is subject to a lot of criticism for things like its odd positioning in the automotive landscape, questionable styling choices in recent years, and the fact that, more or less, its products feel like lux'd-up Hondas rather than something truly unique, the cars have always been inherently good - decent to drive, nice to sit in and reliable to own. That's what happens when you ride that sort of "affordable luxury" line.
Because Acura's sedans don't really fit into any one definable segment, the brand hopes it can draw customers from a broader range who aren't necessarily dedicated to a certain marque. And while there's certainly rhyme to that reason on the more entry-level end of the spectrum, that proposition makes less sense as you move toward higher price points. (Have a gander at the Hyundai Equus, if you will.) On the other hand, Acura pulled data from a 2012 Strategic Vision survey that showed the number one purchase decision for luxury buyers last year was value for the money, with manufacturer reputation coming in at a close second.