“Don’t drive” order for older models of Honda, Acura

Once the car of choice for millions of American families, and today the trusted companion for thrifty college students, the Honda has a cult following in the US. Today, you will still find millions of cars busily cruising the roads.

Now, some older vehicles have received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Don’t Drive” warning. The agency said Friday that 8,200 older Acura and Honda vehicles with Takata Alpha airbags should be repaired immediately because the faulty airbags make them dangerous to drive in the event of an accident.

The warning applies to various 2001-2003 models with Alpha airbags, including:

Owners can check if their vehicles are insured by entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said owners of these vehicles should not drive until they receive a free repair by contacting their dealer or Acura/Honda Customer Service. Honda will provide free towing and free car rental if required.

The risk to drivers and passengers is dire, according to the safety agency, because there is a 50 percent chance of Alpha pumps rupturing in a car crash. If the inflators explode, they can fire shrapnel into the driver’s face, which could result in death or serious injury.

“These inflators are two decades old and create a 50 percent chance of bursting even with a minor accident,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson.

Takata used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate the airbags in the crash. But over time, this chemical can become more volatile when exposed to moisture in the air and repeated high temperatures. An explosion can break a metal canister and scatter fragments around the cabin.

Honda said Friday it has tried to contact owners more than 18.3 million times, including mail notifications, emails, phone calls and door-to-door visits. To date, Honda has replaced or supplied more than 99 percent of Alpha inflators.

Airbag explosions have killed at least 33 people worldwide since 2009, including 24 in the US.

– Metro Voice and telegraph services