Acura recalling 43k MDX and RLX models over seatbelt issue

Tue, 14 Oct 2014

If you've ever lived in a wintery climate, you may have noticed something strange: no, not the perilously enticing sparkle of cold metal in the sunlight or the way your warm breath suddenly becomes visible in the frigid air, but the way your seatbelt seems increasingly reluctant to retract as the temperature drops. Acura, however, has found the problem more serious than a minor inconvenience, and is recalling some 43,000 vehicles across the United States to address the issue.

The recall in question affects about 7,000 RLX sedans (from the 2014 model year) and another 36,000 MDX crossovers (covering the 2014 and 2015 model years) to have their front seatbelts replaced. In the affected vehicles and in very low temperatures, Acura has found that "the driver's and front passenger's seatbelts may not release from the retracted position." Needless to say, seatbelts that can't be used don't offer any protection in the event of an accident, so the Japanese automaker is notifying owners and dealers to hook up to have those seatbelts replaced.

Statement by Acura Regarding Seat Belt Recall: 2014 RLX and 2014-2015 MDX

10/11/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

- Approximately 43,000 Acura vehicles are subject to this recall in the U.S.
- Both front seat belts will be replaced, free of charge

Acura will voluntarily recall approximately 7,000 model-year 2014 RLX vehicles and approximately 36,000 MDX vehicles from the 2014-2015 model years in the United States to replace the front seat belts, free of charge. In very low temperatures (below 0°F) the driver's and front passenger's seatbelts may not release from the retracted position. A seatbelt that cannot be used by the seat occupant increases the risk of injury in a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Acura is announcing this recall to encourage all owners who purchased an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-Oct. In addition, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by going to recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 382-2238 and selecting option 4.

By Noah Joseph