Honda recalls 440,000 Odysseys in the U.S. due to side airbag malfunction causing injuries
Honda recalls 440,000 Odysseys in the U.S. due to side airbag malfunction causing injuries
Honda has issued a recall for 440,830 of its Odyssey minivans in the United States due to a defect in the side airbag system that has already been linked to 25 reported injuries. The recall affects vehicles from the 2018 to 2022 model years and stems from an issue with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU), which may cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly.
Faulty Airbag Deployment Linked to the Recall
According to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect in the SRS module can lead to unintended airbag deployment due to an "overresponsive threshold margin." This issue may arise when the ECU misinterprets certain underbody impacts, such as driving over potholes or speed bumps, as collisions. The resulting wrongful deployment of side and side curtain airbags poses a safety risk to occupants. Honda has identified 130 warranty claims related to the issue and has acknowledged the 25 associated injuries.
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Timeline of Events Leading to Recall
The problem was first brought to Honda's attention in February 2017. Following an investigation, the company concluded in July 2021 that while unintended airbag deployment could occur in specific conditions, it did not present immediate safety concerns. However, in October 2025, the NHTSA requested a reevaluation of the issue. Honda conducted further analysis over the first quarter of 2026, which ultimately led to the decision to issue this recall.
NHTSA, in its communication, emphasized the importance of timely reporting: "The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days… Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation."
Next Steps for Affected Owners
Honda will notify affected Odyssey owners by mail, instructing them to visit authorized dealerships to have the airbag module reprogrammed or replaced at no cost. As of now, Transport Canada has not issued a corresponding recall for Canadian owners of the Odyssey, but updates may follow.
This recall highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly, particularly when linked to injuries. Honda's decision comes after years of investigation and underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight in ensuring vehicle safety standards. Owners are advised to take immediate action upon receiving notification to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive.