The 2004 Honda Odyssey is among a 374,000-vehicle recall over an electrical issue that can cause airbags to inflate prematurely. Honda Motor Co. recently announced the voluntary recall of 374,000 vehicles, citing an electrical issue that can cause airbag systems to malfunction and deploy prematurely, say auto accident lawyers and product liability attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell. The recall affects nearly 318,000 2003 and 2004 Honda Odyssey minivans and 56,000 2003 Acura MDX sport utility vehicles.
The Japanese carmaker says electrical interference can cause the vehicles? supplemental restraint systems (commonly referred to as SRS) to inflate the airbags in minor accidents or for no apparent reason at all. That’s worrisome because airbags can deploy at speeds of 200 mph and a force equal to about 2,000 pounds instantaneously exploding toward a driver or passenger. Honda’s recall underscores an already troubling issue. Though airbags are designed to save lives by instantaneously placing physical buffers between a motorist’s body and a vehicle’s frame in the event of a collision, a record number of airbag-related recalls were reported last year. Unfortunately, we’re on track for another record breaker this year, too.
Other problems common to faulty or aging airbags include failure to deploy when a collision happens, ruptured airbag housing units and airbags with degraded or broken-off parts that can become shrapnel when a bag deploys. Resulting injuries can include skin abrasions and lacerations; hearing or eye damage; broken noses, fingers, hands or arms; and head or neck injuries. If you own a vehicle included in the recall and have not been injured as a result of the airbag issue, take your minivan or SUV by any licensed Honda dealer and request a free-of-charge repair. However, if you or your dependents are injured as a result of the faulty airbag, get medical treatment immediately and contact an experienced auto accident or product liability lawyer.
Jacksonville attorneys stress that you hold off on repairs and keep your vehicle and the airbag intact after an accident, as they can be used as evidence in your case. Harrell and Harrell can be reached at 800-251-1111.