Honda recalls 14,000 units for replacement of airbags

MANILA, Philippines — Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is recalling 14,074 units of the Accord, Civic, City, CR-V and Jazz vehicle models to replace airbag inflators which may pose risks to passengers.

In a letter dated July 31 but was received on Aug.7 to Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo who heads the consumer protection group, HCPI said it is conducting a preventive measure campaign or recall for the following: 290 units of the Accord 2003 model, 1,651 units of the Civic 2001 to 2005 model, 225 units of Civic 2006 to 2009 model, 1,652 units of City 2003 to 2008 model, 38 units of City 2009 model, 9,551 units of CR-V 2003 to 2006 model, 145 units of CR-V 2007 to 2009 model, 500 units of Jazz 2002 to 2008, 22 units of Jazz 2009 model.

“It was determined that the supplier of the initial replacement front passenger airbag inflator had a problem in the manufacturing process that increased the risk of inflator rupture during airbag deployment, and may cause serious injuries to vehicle occupants,” HCPI said.

As such, the company has changed its supplier of airbag inflators and would now want to replace the inflators of all affected vehicles.

While there have been no reported cases or injuries due to the inflators in the country, HCPI is undertaking the replacement to promote safety.

The replacement is also being undertaken in line with the recall by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Japan.

Replacement of the inflators is free of charge and would take one hour to complete.

“We will duly notify the vehicle owners. If the vehicles have been sold or disposed of, we will ask assistance in getting the contact information of the new owners,” HCPI said.

Vehicle owners who wish to have more information on the recall could inquire with Honda dealers or call HCPI’s hotline 1-800-1000-46632 and 857-7240.