Honda is replacing airbags nationwide, not just in humid states

Tue, 18 Nov 2014

With a Senate hearing scheduled for November 20, the investigations into the exploding airbag inflators from automotive supplier Takata are just beginning. Honda is among the automakers most affected by the problem with over five million vehicles potentially in need of repair in the US, according to the last estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But the actual number being fixed could be even higher because the company is also working with worried owners nationwide.

According to the Associated Press, Honda is willing to perform the repair for concerned owners of affected vehicles who live outside of the high-humidity regions that the recall covers. In a letter to customers online, the company explains that it wants to work with them to fix the problem and even provide temporary transportation, if necessary.

"This is not a new thing, and it does not represent us including vehicles outside of those regions within the recall or investigatory campaigns. It is a part of our ongoing efforts to work with our customers individually to resolve their concerns, even if their vehicle is not technically part of one of those actions," said Honda spokesperson Chris Martin to Autoblog via email.

The latest reports indicate Takata's faulty parts may be linked to five deaths worldwide and at least 139 injuries. According to the AP, Honda confirms at least 46 people were harmed in its vehicles. NHTSA estimates put the total number of vehicles possibly in need of repair at around 7.8 million in the US.

Honda and Takata are also facing a lawsuit from the family of a woman from Florida who allegedly died of her injuries from one of the exploding airbags. According to the AP, the case claims that the companies hid the problem. Scroll down to read Honda's entire letter to owners.

A Message to Our Customers About Takata Airbags
10/28/2014
Revised: 11/06/2014

Honda is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our customers and making clear that we stand behind the safety and quality of our products. We want to reassure our customers that Honda has an ongoing customer service procedure that addresses each customer's needs and concerns.

For customers concerned about the issue of Takata airbags in certain Honda and Acura vehicles, our customer service will make arrangements for, as appropriate, the replacement of airbag inflators and the provision of or reimbursement for temporary alternative transportation.

For anyone who owns one of our vehicles and is concerned, we encourage them to visit recalls.honda.com or call 1-800-999-1009, option 4, and recalls.acura.com or call 1-800-382-2238, option 4.

We encourage customers with an affected vehicle to take immediate action to have their vehicle serviced at their authorized dealership.

By Chris Bruce