On Sunday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted that Japanese automaker Honda has recalled another batch of vehicles.
Honda has requested the return of 303,770 2023-2024 Accords and HR-Vs for checking. The two vehicles have been found to be missing a critical seat belt part, which increases the injury risk for passengers.
The carmaker has informed owners to take their automobiles to a dealer for inspection. If the mechanics detect an issue with the seat belt pre-tensioner assembly, they will replace it for free.
According to the Associated Press, Honda expects less than 1.00% of the inspected vehicles to require a replacement. The company added that there were no reported deaths or injuries related to the issue as of November 16.
Owners of the Accord or HR-V can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall through Honda’s website. They only need to enter their personal Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to view a list of potential issues, if any.
Alternatively, they can call Honda’s recall hotline at 1-888-234-2138 to inquire. A query can also be made on NHTSA’s website or by calling its Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Honda will send notification letters to relevant owners by snail mail starting January 8 next year, according to NHTSA.
NHTSA Stresses Tumultuous Year for Honda
NHTSA highlighted Honda’s turbulent year with a series of vehicle recalls totaling 15 this year.
Prior to the recall of its Accord and HR-V, Honda had issued a recall order for 248,999 vehicles on November 20.
Nearly a quarter million cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans across Acura and Honda brands are at risk of engine damage. The problem stemmed from improperly ground crank pins on specific V-6 engines that can result in a sudden stall.
Before the most recent announcement, Honda’s vehicle recall list included the 2015-2020 Acura TLX and 2016-2020 Acura MDX. It also comprised the 2016 and 2018-2019 Honda Pilot, the 2017 and 2019 Honda Ridgeline, and the 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey.
The move has prompted the NHTSA to recommend adopting more stringent quality control measures to meet the minimum safety standards.
