Honda is recalling 2,430 model year 2001-2002 Honda Accord, and Honda Civic 2-door and 4-door, model year 2002-2003 Honda CR-V, model year 2002 Honda Odyssey, model year 2003 Acura CL, and model year 2002-2003 Acura TL vehicles. This recall is related to a series of recalls on these vehicles in which Honda is replacing the inflators within the driver’s side air bag to address a defective condition.

This recall addresses approximately 2,430 air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts in the event. For example, a covered vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the driver’s air bag, and the replacement air bag installed was one that may have contained a defective inflator. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s air bag, the inflator could produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture with metal fragments striking and injuring the driver or other occupants. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 27, 2011. 11V-260.

Honda is recalling 1,854 model year 2010 Acura ZDX passenger cars manufactured between November 12, 2009 and March 22, 2010. During the manufacturing process, the dashboard covering material may have not been properly laser scored to allow complete deployment of the front passenger’s SRS airbag. In the event of a crash, the airbag will not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about April 21, 2010. 10V-145.

Honda’s supplier informed Honda on March 24, 2010 of the fact that the dashboard covers were not properly scored during manufacturing. Then, about two weeks later, Honda determined that this was a safety defect and notified the government by letter dated April 9, 2010. The improperly manufactured dashboards (instrument panels) did not receive laser cuts on the underside of the cover at the passenger side air bag. Without those laser cuts, both the timing of the passenger air bag deployment and its force level are affected. The problem was so serious that Honda issued a “Stop Order” to its dealerships prohibiting from selling any of those vehicles until they are inspected and, if necessary, repaired. Honda then told its dealerships that if they violate this, they will be required to indemnify Honda for any damages it has to pay to someone injured as a result of the failure to inspect and repair.