Honda recalling 748k Odyssey and Pilot models over airbag concern

Fri, 18 Jan 2013

American Honda today announced a recall of approximately 748,000 Odyssey and Pilot models due to faulty airbag concerns. The vehicles in question are Odyssey minivans from the 2011 to 2013 model years and Pilot crossovers from the 2009 to 2013 model years.

According to a statement from Honda, driver's side airbags in the affected vehicles were potentially assembled without some of the rivets that secure the bag's plastic cover. Because of this, the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, leading to further occupant injury. As of this writing, no injuries have been reported in conjunction with this issue.

Honda will begin officially notifying owners via mail in mid-February. The automaker urges customers to take their vehicles to an authorized dealership, where vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired. In lieu of waiting for the snail mail approach, owners may also visit www.recalls.honda.com or can contact the automaker directly at 1.800.999.1009 and select option four.

Scroll down to read Honda's official statement.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Driver Airbag Rivet Recall: 2009-2013 Honda Pilot and 2011-2013 Honda Odyssey

01/18/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 748,000 model-year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey vehicles in the United States to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver's-side airbag. Driver's-side airbags in these vehicles potentially were assembled without some of the rivets that secure the airbag's plastic cover. If the rivets are missing, the airbag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-Feb., 2013. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-Feb., owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

By Steven J. Ewing