Honda is issuing an auto defect recall for about 347 Accord sedans and Crosstour hatchbacks due to problems with the airbags in these vehicles. According to a news report in the Chicago Tribune, in certain vehicles, the side curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger may have a faulty inflator. In the event of a car accident, the affected airbags will not deploy. This could increase the risk of injury or death for vehicle occupants. The recall is expected to begin on February 10, 2012. Honda will notify owners when the recall begins and dealers will replace the affected airbags at no charge to consumers. For more information, please call Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda Airbag Recall

The Japanese automaker over the last few years has recalled more than 2 million vehicles due to defective airbags. However, the issues relating to these 2012 models are different. Honda recalled earlier models because the airbag inflators in those vehicles over pressurized causing the inflator to rupture and metal fragments to become airborne. At least two deaths and more than a dozen injuries have been attributed to these defects. While sudden deployment and discharge of sharp pieces of metal posed a problem in the earlier recall, the current airbag recall involves defective airbags that may not deploy in the event of a crash.

The Dangers of Airbag Failure

A majority of airbag-related injuries occur because of defective airbags that either fail to deploy or deploy suddenly with such force that they cause serious injuries to vehicle occupants. When an airbag fails to deploy, the occupant is deprived of the protective barrier on which he or she has relied, over the decades. When airbags do not deploy, vehicle occupants can suffer major injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, or even broken bones.

Liability Issues

If you have been injured as the result of a defective airbag or some other vehicle defect, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. After a car accident, it is critical to preserve the vehicle unaltered so an expert can carefully examine it for defects, malfunctions and other evidence. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.