Honda Recalls Over 300,000 Accords and HR-Vs Due to Seat Belt Defects
Japanese automaker Honda has issued a recall for more than 300,000 vehicles, citing faulty seat belts as the cause for concern. The recall, announced in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday, affects specific models including the 2023-2024 Accords and HR-Vs.
The identified issue involves missing pretensioner rivets in some front seat belts. Pretensioners are crucial components that tighten seat belts during an accident, preventing occupants from being thrown forward. Honda emphasized in the notice that defective pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Wearing a seat belt in a passenger car is known to decrease the likelihood of death by 45% and reduce the risk of moderate and critical injury by 50%, according to the NHTSA.
Honda initiated the recall after receiving an initial complaint about the seat belt problem in May. Subsequently, the company began investigating the issue on September 20 upon receiving the affected parts. As of November 16, Honda reported no injuries or fatalities linked to the malfunctioning part.
This marks Honda’s second major recall within a week, following a November 17 announcement recalling 250,000 cars due to a manufacturing error that could potentially damage the engine. In total, Honda has issued 14 recalls this year, impacting over 1 million vehicles.
Owners affected by the seat belt recall will receive notification by mail after January 8, 2024, and are advised to visit a Honda dealership for a complimentary inspection. Dealers will replace the necessary part free of charge.
For individuals seeking information on whether their vehicle is affected, Honda has provided a dedicated website at www.recalls.honda.com. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
