Honda car owners with older models advised to park until ‘dangerous’ air bags are replaced

Owners of approximately 8,200 older Honda vehicles with Takata airbag inflators are being urged not to drive until the parts are replaced.

On Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a “Do Not Drive” advisory for many 2001 through 2003 Hondas after the Takata inflators proved to have a 50% chance of exploding and hurling shrapnel in a crash.

NHTSA said the risk to drivers and passengers is “dire” because if the inflators blow apart, the flying shrapnel could cause serious injuries or death.

Vehicles affected include the 2001 and 2002 Honda Accord and Civic, the 2002 Honda CR-V and Odyssey SUVs, the 2003 Honda Pilot, the 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL.

The safety agency said the Honda and Acura vehicles were recalled in the past, but records show that repairs have not been made in all affected vehicles – though Honda has replaced 99% of the dangerous inflators.

“These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50% chance of rupturing in even a minor crash,” NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement. “Don’t gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it’s too late.”

Since 2009, the exploding airbags have killed at least 33 people worldwide. Twenty-four of the deaths took place in the U.S., as well as approximately 400 injuries.

Honda said it has reached out to owners more than 18 million times via mailed notices, emails, phone calls and even home visits in some cases.

The manufacturer said repairs are free and parts are available. Free towing and loaner vehicles are also available if needed.

Potential for the dangerous malfunction created the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, according to the Associated Press. At least 67 million Takata inflators have been recalled in the U.S., and the government said millions have yet to be repaired.

About 100 million have been recalled worldwide, which led to Takata Corp. of Japan filing for bankruptcy.