Japanese automobile maker Honda has issued a recall for more than 1.2 million Honda vehicles stating dangerous airbags to be the issue. The recall has currently been issued in North and Central America.
According to a Reuters report, the car’s Takata airbags on the driver’s side have been found to be exploding, releasing shrapnel into the cabin of the vehicle. The company has said that it will be replacing the defective airbags free of cost.
The recall covers many Honda and Acura models sold between 2001 and 2016.
Japanese automotive parts maker Takata used ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags. However, the chemical can deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures and humidity, blowing apart a metal canister and hurling shrapnel.
It has been reported that at least 23 people have been killed worldwide because of this defect. An investigation into the matter showed that Takata’s Mexico facility introduced excessive moisture into the inflator during assembly, leading to the problem.
The vehicles to be recalled were previously repaired using specific Takata desiccated replacement inflators (PSDI-5D) or entire replacement airbag modules containing these inflators.
Honda became aware of the issue when a Honda Odyssey crash lead to the front airbag of the car deploying and injuring the driver’s arm.
Honda has said that it will begin free repairs of the recalled cars immediately in the United States with replacement parts made by alternate suppliers.
( with inputs from Reuters)
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