The Takata airbag debacle seems to rear its ugly head again. If you don’t remember, this was when tens of millions of cars were recalled due to. History seems to be repeating itself again as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently warned the public not to drive older Honda and Acura models.
Which Honda and Acura models are affected and why?
The reason for the recall is that the two affected models and the Acura are equipped with driver-side Takata Alpha pumps, which have a 50% failure rate in minor collisions. The recall notice the company sent out went on to state, “If the inflator ruptures, the metal fragments explode toward the driver’s face or leave them with devastating or life-altering injuries.”
Takata cite location information or call 888-234-2138 for more information.
Should I drive my 2001-03 Acura or Honda if the recall is not fixed?
Technically, no. Given the seriousness of the recall issue, the NHTSA recommends that you not drive your vehicle if it is still open to a recall. Instead, make an appointment with your local dealer and only drive to the appointment when needed. While it may be a minor inconvenience in the meantime, it’s better than potentially getting into an accident.
Is it safe to buy a 2001-03 Honda or Acura that is on the recall list?
Yes, as long as the recall is made before the change of owners. It should be noted that dealerships must perform all vehicle recalls prior to selling it. However, we recommend checking any vehicle’s history report before purchasing it, whether it be from a dealership or private party seller.
Don’t forget to also do a pre-purchase inspection on any used car you intend to buy. Some unscrupulous sellers will hide hidden repairs or damages caused by minor accidents and negligence in car care. In this case, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a professional before any contracts are signed.
If you plan to sell a vehicle from this list at a private party sale, it’s important to call ahead. Failure to do so could result in damage to the new owner although there are no known restrictions on private party sales with open withdrawals.
After completing the recall process, drivers can safely drive their vehicles.
