Honda Recalls Another 4.5 Million Cars For Air Bag Issue

(RTTNews) - Honda Motor Co Ltd. (HMC) has recalled another 4.5 million cars over issues related to airbags manufactured by Takata Corp. (TKTDF.PK), taking the total number of vehicles recalled for airbags to 24.5 million.

The inflators manufactured by Takata were said to have not sealed adequately, and were at risk of letting in moisture during extended use. The airbags could deploy too forcefully and eject shrapnel onto passengers.

The issue has reportedly claimed eight deaths globally. It has affected eleven automakers, including Honda, BMW and Toyota, while Honda has been the hardest hit.

Takata uses ammonium nitrate as propellant that inflates its air bags through a chemical reaction, which may be a safety concern.

The latest recall affects 1.63 million vehicles in Japan, and includes 17 models, including the Fit subcompact, Stream minivan and CR-V sport utility vehicle. The recall does not affect vehicles in North America.

Honda closed marginally lower in Tokyo at 3,832 yen.