Honda to recall 1.2 million vehicles over air bag danger

Japanese car giant Honda is to recall 1.2 million vehicles across Europe as part of a 5.7 million worldwide recall involving Takata Corp air bag inflators which can explode and hurl shrapnel into the vehicle.

The total includes 440,000 vehicles in Japan and another 2.2 million in the United States announced earlier this week.

In Europe, a breakdown according to country is as yet unavailable.

Takata’s inflators can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister.

At least 11 people have been killed worldwide as a result of the problem, and 139 others have been injured. About 24 million vehicles are being recalled in the US, the largest automotive recall in American history, and millions more globally. No incidents have been reported by UK customers

The following models have been affected in Europe by the recall:

CR-V (2007-2011 MY)

CR-Z (2011-2015 MY)

Jazz (2009-2014 MY)

Insight (2010-2014 MY)

A spokesperson for Honda (UK) said: “In accordance with standard national guidelines in the event of recall activity, Honda will contact all affected customers in the coming weeks. They will be invited to take their vehicle to their local Honda dealership so an inspection can be completed and, if a fault is found, fit a replacement airbag inflator unit.

“The repair will be completed free of charge.

“If a customer is concerned that their vehicle may be affected, we would advise that they contact Honda customer services for further support.

“Also, to be clear, it is possible that there may be some overlap with recall notices around airbags already being carried out.”