The company will replace the driver's side air bag inflator on the cars because they can deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator to rupture and injure or kill the driver.
Japan's No. 2 automaker originally announced the recall to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November 2008 and the total of number vehicles recalled since then is approaching 1 million.
The latest expansion of the airbag recall includes 378,000 cars in the U.S., some 41,000 cars in Canada and 17,000 cars in Japan, Australia and elsewhere in Asia. The North American recall was announced Tuesday and followed Wednesday by the recall in Asia.
Honda's announcement comes at a time of increased attention on automotive recalls. Though the problems are unrelated, rival Toyota Motor Corp. is in the process of recalling more than 8 million cars and trucks due to faulty gas pedals. On Tuesday, Toyota said it would recall more than 440,000 of its flagship 2010 Prius and other hybrids due to a braking glitch.
"There is a heightened sensitivity right now to anything to do with recalls," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
Honda's latest U.S. recall airbag affects certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.
The recall now affects 952,118 vehicles, including certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.
In Japan, the recall covers three models, including the 2001 sedan Inspire.
Honda said it is aware of 12 incidents linked to the problem -- one death in May 2009 and 11 injuries. The company said it is not aware of any problems happening after July 2009.
The automaker's original announcement to NHTSA in November 2008 involved fewer than 4,000 2001 Accords and Civics. The recall was expanded in July of 2009 to 440,000 vehicles including the 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic, as well as certain 2002 Acura TL sedans.
Company officials said the airbag produces too much pressure that can cause the inflator to rupture, sending metal fragments toward the driver.
Honda says owners should take their vehicles to dealerships as soon as they are notified by the company in writing. Notification will begin during the month of February.
Last month Honda recalled 646,000 Fit hatchbacks worldwide because of a glitch that could cause water to enter the power window mechanism, causing components to overheat.
The Fit recall affects 2007-2008 models. The Fit is sold in other countries as the Jazz and City. The recall affects Asia, Latin America, Europe, South Africa and North America. About 140,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S.
Toyota's Recall List:
Toyota's recall of eight car and truck models over potentially sticky gas pedals, which affects 2.3 million U.S. vehicles:
- 2009-10 Corolla
2009-10 Matrix
2005-10 Avalon
2007-10 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-10 Tundra
2008-10 Sequoia
2009-10 RAV4
Toyota's recall of models due to gas-pedal entrapment under floor mats, which affects 5.3 million U.S. vehicles:
- 2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2007-2010 Lexus ES350
2006-2010 Lexus IS250/IS350
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe (built by a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors Co.)
The following models, encompassing 1.7 million vehicles, are affected by both recalls:
- 2005-10 Avalon
2007-10 Camry
2007-10 Tundra
Toyota's recall of hybrids with brakes that seem to fail momentarily, which affects 147,500 U.S. vehicles.
- 2010 Prius
2010 Lexus HS250h
Toyota's recall to check a power-steering hose that may be in
contact with a brake tube, potentially creating a hole in the tube,
leading to loss of brake fluid and longer stopping distances. The
recall affects 7,300 U.S. vehicles.
- 2010 Camry
Source: Toyota Motor Corp.
