Dubai Auto major Honda has launched a service campaign for over 3,400 vehicles across a range of its models in the UAE after concerns about airbag safety.
In a public notice issued in the press last week, official Honda dealer Al Futtaim said: “In certain vehicles, the passengers (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.”
It said the rupture could be harmful for passengers. “In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could be propelled upward toward the windshield, or downward toward the front passenger’s foot, potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.”
An airbag is a vehicle safety device. It comprises a flexible fabric envelope that is designed to inflate rapidly during a collision. Its purpose is to cushion occupants during a crash and prevent them from being severely thrown around and striking parts of the car such as the steering wheel or a window.
The models affected include Civic ES1 (2002-03 models), ES8 (2003), CR-V RD5 (2002-03), Stream RN3 ((2002-03), Jazz GD1 (2002), Accord CM5 (2003), Odyssey RL1 (2003) and MR-V YF1 (2003). The maximum number of affected vehicles (1,942) are Accords, followed by the MRV (363), Civic ES1-2003 359 and CRV RD5-2002 313.
Vehicle owners are advised to call the Al-Futtaim customer care centre on 800-Honda, or visit www.honda.ae and make a booking with Al-Futtaim Honda Service Centres.
Checking all cars
An Al Futtaim Honda spokesperson told XPRESS: “The campaign would end once all the cars under recall have been checked. Al-Futtaim Honda has contacted owners of all affected vehicles where we have contact details and this is one reason why we urge customers to keep us updated with their latest contact details. In order to reach owners where we no longer have contact details, we have advertised the recall notice in four major national papers.”
