Honda Airbag Recall Expands a Third Time, To Include 833,000 Cars

TORRANCE, California — American Honda Motor for the third time has expanded a recall of 2001-'03 Honda and Acura models to include 833,000 cars. Honda said the driver-side inflator in some vehicles may deploy with too much pressure, which could cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.

The recall covers certain 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic, 2002 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL models.

Honda said it is "aware of several incidents related to the earlier recall and expansions, and is announcing this new recall expansion to encourage all owners of included vehicles to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive mailed notification from Honda." Customer notification will begin in late May.

The original recall, in November 2008, covered just 4,000 2001 Civics and Accords. The recall was expanded in August 2009 to include 2001-'02 Accords, 2001 Civics and 2002-'03 Acura TLs and again in February 2010 to include 2001-02 Odysseys, CR-Vs and 2002 Acura TLs.

To determine if their vehicles need repair, Honda owners can go to Honda's dedicated recall Web site or call (800) 999-1009, while Acura owners can go to Acura's Web site or call (800) 382-2238.

Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned cars, look for a recall notification in the mail or call the toll-free hotline.