This is not a minor problem. Honda confirmed a new expansion of a review campaign that now reaches more than 100,000 Honda and Acura brand vehicles in the United States, due to a defect that could alter the operation of the passenger airbags.

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The situation involves several of the company's most popular models and covers units manufactured between 2016 and 2026.

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Although no injuries or accidents related to this failure have been reported so far, the brand has already accumulated hundreds of claims linked to the problem.

A key sensor at the center of the problem

The fault is related to the weight sensor installed in the front passenger seat. This component is tasked with identifying who occupies the seat to determine whether the airbags should deploy in the event of a crash.

Its function is especially important when small children or babies travel in child restraint systems. In these circumstances, the system must prevent the deployment of the airbag to avoid possible injuries.

According to information presented to road safety authorities, Honda detected that one of the electronic components of the sensor can crack over time. If that happens, moisture could enter the system and cause a short circuit.

Risk of incorrect activation

The main danger is that the front and passenger knee airbags could deploy when they should not.

Specialists point out that improper activation can represent a risk for short occupants or children traveling in the front seat under certain circumstances.

Honda had already initiated a recall related to this defect in January 2024. However, subsequent investigations led the company to conclude that the number of affected vehicles was much higher than initially estimated.

Why did the number of units involved grow?

The brand explained that the extension of the recall occurred after detecting errors in the identification of vehicles equipped with defective sensors.

Issues identified include incorrect calculations of production dates for affected parts, inaccurate information for tracking some components, and insufficient verification processes on vehicles that received replacement parts.

As of May 14, 2026, Honda has received 228 warranty claims related to this condition. Even so, the company maintains that there are no records of accidents, injuries or deaths associated with the defect.

The models involved

Among the Hondas included in the campaign are the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline, Fit, Odyssey, HR-V, Insight and Passport from different model years.

On Acura's side, the measure covers the MDX, TLX and RDX manufactured in various periods between 2017 and 2026.

Honda also indicated that some drivers may be able to detect warning signs before a complete failure occurs. These include the SRS light being on and abnormalities in the passenger airbag indicator.

The solution will be free for all affected owners. Dealers will replace the sensor with an updated version, while the company claims to have strengthened quality controls and traceability processes to prevent a similar situation from happening again. Notifications to owners will begin to be sent in July.