Honda Recalls Accords, HR-Vs Over Defect

Honda is recalling 303,700 Accords and HR-Vs due to a defect that can result in front seat belts failing to tighten adequately during a crash, according to a Honda filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The automaker has issued a recall for Accords built between Oct. 4, 2022, and Oct. 14, 2023, as well as HR-Vs made between April 26, 2022, and Oct. 14, 2023, according to the NHTSA filing. The recalled vehicles are gas-powered, Honda reported.

The automaker indicated front seat belt pretensioners were assembled without a rivet securing the quick connector and wire plate. Seat belt pretensioners missing a rivet won't properly restrain the occupant in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury, the company reported.

According to Honda estimates, 1% of the recalled vehicles are flawed. Seven warranty claims have been made regarding the issue, but no injuries or deaths have been reported, according to the filing.

Honda reported that the initial complaint about the issue was received on May 23. On Sept. 20, it received the affected parts and started an investigation. On Nov. 16, it identified a defect that required a recall.

All affected vehicle owners will be notified by mail to bring their vehicles to an authorized Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the seat belt pretensioner assembly and replace it with a nondefective part if required.

Dealer notification began in late November. Owner notification is scheduled to start in early January.