Honda Recalls 450K Vehicles for Seatbelts

Front Seatbelts Not Latching?

Honda is calling back nearly 450,000 automobiles for potential flawed seatbelts. A scope of models which were manufactured from the late 2016 to mid-2019, including the 2017-2020 version years, could be affected by this recall. The driver and front passenger seatbelts may be not in compliance with the standard, potentially impacting the latching system.

The recall encompasses certain 2017-2019 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord, 2018-2020 Odyssey, and 2019 Insight vehicles. Moreover, the 2019-2020 Acura RDX accounts for 448,613 of the total vehicles affected; however, only a meager one percent of those cars are estimated to have the issue.

A seatbelt buckle channel out of specification could interfere with the depression switch. Prolonged use could lead to a breakdown of its shell coating, thereby escalating friction and potentially causing glitches that may hamper the buckle from closing securely. If not fastened appropriately, it might not keep the individual stable during a crash, thus increasing the chance of harm or fatality.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported owing to this issue; however, Honda has had 301 warranty claims concerning defective seatbelts. The firm initiated its examination into the problem in June 2019 and then commenced durability assessments in November of that same year. In the intervening years, they proceeded with their investigation into the seatbelts, eventually realizing earlier this month that a fault was present and thus initiating a recall.

Honda will require aggrieved proprietors to take their recalled autos to a valid trader. The merchant shall execute an examination and at the least substitute the pilot’s and passenger front seatbelt fastener liberating switches. The dealership may, depending on their evaluation, switch the entire fastener assembly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has notified dealers that Honda will be launching a recall shortly; said recall will commence in the mid of April and the car maker should have alerted owners affected by then. Additionally, those who have previously paid for repairs connected to this will receive compensation.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration