NHTSA Orders Takata To Recall Airbags By December 2

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is ordering Takata to conduct a nationwide recall of its airbags, while Honda was found to have issued Takata-related recalls as early as 2002.

Reuters learned the automaker called back 2,686 vehicles — including the 2000 Honda Accord and Acura TL — in March of 2002, citing a November 2001 report from a dealer who witnessed an “improper deployment” of a Takata airbag in an Accord. The incident prompted both the automaker and the supplier to investigate, leading to the recall months later.

The recall, which focused on passenger airbags deploying due to improper welds, could further plunge Honda into hot water with federal regulators, especially since Honda North America executive vice president Rick Schostek testified before Congress that the first time his employer had known of an airbag failure was in 2004. The NHTSA is “actively investigating” the automaker presently, using information going back to 1998 in so doing.

The agency also formally issued an order to Takata to declare a nationwide recall by December 2 of the driver-side airbags at-fault for a number of injuries and fatalities due to catastrophic failure upon deployment. Per Bloomberg, should the supplier fail to meet the deadline, the NHTSA will force the recall, and fine the company $7,000 for every violation found. Takata representative Toyohiro Hishikawa said the company’s execs were discussing how best to respond to the letter.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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 19 comments
  • VtecJustKickedInYo VtecJustKickedInYo on Nov 27, 2014

    I am starting to find it ridiculous that their are recalls on cars over ten years old, I understand it is unsafe but so is 10 year old suspension, bald tires, and other neglect that is usually common because of the US's lack of road worthiness tests. Does the government have a forced period when faulty air bags should be under warranty, such as emissions 8 year 80k miles regardless of manufacturer?

    • See 13 previous
    • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Nov 28, 2014

      @APaGttH It is not the same. Honda it is a US homegrown family business and GM is the faceless multinational company.

  • Petezeiss Petezeiss on Nov 27, 2014

    The 2002 recall was for "improper welds" that caused an airbag to deploy. Doesn't say anything about the 2001 airbag deployment being a detonation that fragged the cannister. Neither does the Reuters article. Piling on with an irrelevance.

  • Gardiner Westbound Gardiner Westbound on Nov 27, 2014

    The accompanying photo reminded me there was a time when Acura made good looking cars.

  • Raresleeper Raresleeper on Nov 28, 2014

    Oh yea. Look at that gorgeous... TL, I presume? Type S, is it (larger wheel diameter).? What a beauty. Rest in peace, Acura. SMH.

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