In what was the canary in the mine American Honda said yesterday that it is recalling 341,000 Accord Sedans from the 2008-2010 model years in the U.S. to replace the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) electronic control unit.
Honda, Fiat Chrysler, Volkswagen and Mercedes have now issued recalls. Some Kia, Mazda and Volvo Truck vehicles will also be included. About five million vehicles are involved globally so far.
In a statement Honda says that manufacturing process issues may allow moisture to enter the circuitry within the SRS electronic control unit, which, over time, can cause corrosion and eventual malfunction of the unit.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, Continental will notify automakers, who will recall cars dating as far back as 2006. Continental says fewer than 2 million of the affected vehicles are in the U.S.
If the SRS control unit fails, the SRS indicator would illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard. In the event of a vehicle crash, the airbags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Honda has confirmed two injuries related to this safety defect.
A new SRS control unit will be installed in affected vehicles, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. However, due to the large volume of new parts needed to repair affected vehicles, it appears the necessary parts will not be available until fall 2016. As a result, owners will be informed of the recall in an initial notification letter. A second notification letter will be sent when parts become available.
In the interim, if a vehicle included in this action displays the SRS indicator on the instrument panel – not the “Passenger Airbag Off” indicator located on the dashboard – . Vehicle owners are advised to see a dealer.
