This week, Honda issued a recall of over 400,000 vehicles due to a brake problem. These models include the 2007 and 2008 Honda Odyssey minivans and Honda Element small trucks. Approximately 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements are involved in the recall. According to the company, the brakes may become soft due to inadequate sealing which allows air to intrude the mechanism. While only a minute amount of air may enter the mechanism, over time this quantity of air will compound, resulting in a “soft” or “low” brake pedal. This will require the driver to press the brake harder and much closer to the floor in order to stop the vehicle. If the problem is not fixed, braking power may be greatly minimized or even lost completely and could possibly lead to an accident.
At least three crashes have occurred due to this issue, claims the National Transportation Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These accidents have resulted in only minor injuries. This recall will begin on April 19, 2010.
Honda is telling owners to wait to receive a letter or phone call from the company regarding the fix, before they schedule a repair. The company gives these instructions because the problem is gradual. The automobile company also says that parts are not currently available. However, people who already feel an issue with the brake pedal should schedule an appointment with a Honda technician immediately.
Honda has recalled over 1.5 million vehicles since November 2008. This first recall involved over 500,000 vehicles because of faulty air bags. In February 2010, an additional 437,000 vehicles were recalled because of this issue. These vehicles include certain models of the Accord, Civic, Odyssey, and CR-V from years 2001 and 2002, as well as some 2002 Acura TL sedans. Certain models of the 2002 Pilot and Acura CL are also affected.
The latest recall includes 390,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada. More than 17,000 vehicles are being recalled in Australia, Japan, and other Asian countries. Most of the cars included in this recall are in the U.S.
Honda Motor Co. has issued this recall due to a faulty airbag inflator which causes increased pressure during airbag deployment. This may cause the airbag to rupture upon impact. Additionally, metal shards may spray outwards, resulting in injury or even death. The automobile company is aware of at least 12 injury reports due to this issue, including one death which occurred in May of 2009. The expanded recall is due to a defective air bag inflator that may have been used in more vehicles than they had previously thought.
Also in February, over 140,000 Honda Fit and Jazz automobiles were recalled due to a malfunction which allowed water to seep into the power window mechanism. This seepage can lead to overheating. This issue has resulted in one death in South Africa. The company stresses that 2009 and 2010 models are not affected by this recall.
If you or a loved one owns one of the affected Honda models and have experienced problems with airbag inflation and subsequent injuries, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.