Honda has issued a recall for almost half a million vehicles throughout the United States and Canada due to a potential issue with the front seatbelts. The recall affects several of the company’s most popular models, including the CR-V, Accord, Odyssey, and Insight. The Acura RDX models from 2019 and 2020 are also included. The recall is related to a possible latching issue with the front seatbelt, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Honda says that the surface coating on the buckle can deteriorate over time, causing the release button to shrink at lower temperatures. This could increase friction and prevent the buckle from latching properly.
Honda has received 301 warranty claims related to the issue since it first came to light in 2019. However, there have been no reports of injuries caused by the problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shared documents indicating that the issue is caused by the deterioration of the buckle’s surface coating.
Honda is advising customers to take their vehicles to a dealer for inspection, where the buckles will be replaced if necessary. The company has stated that it will begin notifying customers about the recall in mid-April. Owners can check the NHTSA’s website to see if their vehicle is included in the recall.
This recall is just one of many issued by automakers so far in 2023. Other notable recalls this year include one from Ford for over 200,000 vehicles due to a potential issue with the transmission and another from General Motors for over 275,000 vehicles due to a potential issue with the airbag sensor. These recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of regularly checking for recall notices and having any necessary repairs performed promptly.