Honda Motor has launched a recall affecting 98,892 vehicles in the United States following a safety defect tied to the front passenger seat weight sensor, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.
The recall covers certain Acura TLX vehicles, Accord Hybrid models and 2022 Accord vehicles, according to the regulator. NHTSA said the fault involves the seat weight sensor for the front passenger seat, which may develop a crack and then short circuit.
When the sensor cracks and shorts, the system that governs passenger airbag deployment can be compromised. NHTSA noted that the defect may cause airbags to deploy unintentionally - including in situations where an occupant such as an infant in a child seat or a young child is present and the airbag deployment would ordinarily be suppressed.
To address the issue, Honda will instruct dealers to replace the affected seat weight sensors at no cost to owners, the agency said. The regulator described the replacement as the remedy for the condition.
Below are the key details released by the regulator:
- Total vehicles recalled in the U.S.: 98,892.
- Models included: certain Acura TLX, Accord Hybrid, and 2022 Accord vehicles.
- Defect description: front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit.
- Potential consequence: airbags may deploy unintentionally even when occupants are present for whom deployment should be suppressed, such as an infant in a child seat or a child.
- Remedy: dealers will replace the seat weight sensors at no cost.
The NHTSA notice highlights the specific failure mode of the seat weight sensor as the root of the recall action. The recall notification places the responsibility for repair on Honda's dealer network, which will perform sensor replacement free of charge for affected vehicle owners.
Honda owners whose vehicles match the model descriptions and model year cited by the regulator should expect communication from the manufacturer or their dealer network about the next steps for obtaining the free sensor replacement. The recall details emphasize the safety implications for child passengers when the occupant detection system does not function as intended.
Further questions about the recall, eligibility or timing of repairs are expected to be addressed through Honda's official dealer channels and the regulator's consumer information systems.