Re: Confirmed Rupture of Takata Driver and Passenger Front Airbag Inflators in Malaysia on May 27, 2018
Statement date: June 1, 2018
Honda has confirmed that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver front airbag inflator ruptured in a crash on May 27, 2018 in Malaysia. The crash resulted in the tragic death of the driver. No official cause of death has been determined. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family of the driver during this difficult time.
Honda has confirmed during an inspection with the Royal Malaysia Police that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver front airbag inflator ruptured in the crash of a 2004 Honda City on May 27, 2018 in Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. The vehicle involved in this crash was included in a Malaysian Product Recall announced on May 21, 2015, requiring replacement of the SDI inflator of the Takata driver front airbag. Several notification letters related to the recall were sent out to the then owners of the vehicle based on the information in our database. Honda records indicate that the recall replacement was never completed and the vehicle was not serviced in Honda authorized dealers.
The vehicle involved in this crash has also been included in the Takata single stage (SPI) passenger front airbag inflator recall issued on the same day, May 21, 2015. Honda has confirmed that the passenger front airbag inflator ruptured in the same day of the crash on May 27, 2018.
Honda is communicating with the authorities and out of respect for the family, Honda will not provide any personal information.
Information on Honda Malaysia’s On-going Activities for Takata Airbag Inflator Recalls:
Honda Malaysia has enforced its notification activities on Takata front airbag inflator recalls via press releases, advertisements, inclusion in roadshows, phone calls and SMS, as well as direct mails, to keep customers informed and urge affected customers to do the replacements. The details of the activities include:
• Mailed more than 3,200,000 letters to affected customers
• Blasted more than 3,660,000 SMS to affected customers
• Made phone calls to more than 71,700 affected customers
• Advertised campaigns and issued press releases to notify the public
• Created a notice on the company’s website, made VIN (chassis number) search of affected vehicles available on the website www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my
• Conducted 'outreach campaigns’ at all on-ground activities and roadshows
• Shared information about the recall in Honda's ‘With Dreams' magazine
The company has also enhanced the activities for airbag inflator replacement including ensuring 100% stock availability of driver and passenger front airbag inflators, and increasing service capacity via Service Central Hubs, Mobile Hubs, Hubs at selected Petronas stations, Hubs at Honda roadshow and prioritizing replacement activities at dealerships.
As at May 29, 2018, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 224,000 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator which translates to 85% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 445,000 units or 75% completion ratio.
For City (2003-2008) Year Model, Honda Malaysia has completed replacement of more than 47,500 units of Takata driver front airbag inflators, translating to 79% completion ratio and 47,200 units of Takata passenger front airbag inflators translating to 78% completion ratio.
As with previous incidences of airbag rupture, Honda Malaysia strongly and urgently advises and continues to encourage (2003-2008) Year Model City owners to get their vehicles inspected and repaired immediately at Honda authorized dealers.
Honda Malaysia continues to appeal to owners of Honda vehicles affected by the Takata front airbag inflator product recall to get their vehicles repaired at Honda authorized dealers as soon as possible. The company also urges all Honda vehicle owners to register their vehicles at the nearest dealers so that any necessary information sent out can reach the owners adequately.
Vehicle owners can check their vehicles' product recall status at www.productrecall.honda.com.my or www.honda.com.my or call Honda toll free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any Honda authorized dealers.
Honda Malaysia would like to affirm that the current selling line-up of Honda models do not have the same type of Takata airbag inflators as previous models affected in the recall. All current selling Honda models are not affected.