Recalls for Honda Accord, CR-V

A recall for local owners of Honda Accord and CR-V from 2001 and 2002 has been extended to include another 703 vehicles not previously believed to be at risk.

According to Honda Australia, the recall originally affected 1323 vehicles and involved replacement of the driver's airbag inflator. This recall is part of a world-wide program covering vehicles sold in North America, Japan and other markets.

The importer advises that the propellant inside the driver's airbag inflator is defective in some cases and could result in an "abrupt increase" in internal pressure, leading to fragments of the airbag causing injury to the car's occupants. Preliminary investigations by Honda revealed that the propellant could be contaminated by excess moisture intake and the original recall was implemented in November 2008. The recall was extended to Japan and other markets in July of last year.

Once the company ascertained that the problem lay with a stamping machine used in production, it was decided to extend the recall to include all vehicles build while this particular machine was in operation.

Vehicles recalled are as follows:

Model: Honda Accord
Year: 2001 and 2002
Affected: 2,026 units (1,323 units Aug.’09 + 681 units Feb. ’10)

Model: Honda CR-V
Year: 2002
Affected: 22 units  (Feb.’10)