Honda Expands Safety Recall

Honda announced today that it is expanding an existing safety recall to include 440,000 more cars.

The recall, which began last November, will now affect certain 2001-2002 Honda Accords, 2001 Civics and 2002-2003 Acura TL's and will require the replacement of the driver's side airbag inflator.

The reason for the recall is a defect in the airbag inflator which can become over-pressurized when the airbag inflates, causing it to burst. When this happens, metal pieces of the inflator mechanism shoot through the cloth airbag, potentially injuring or killing passengers.

Honda will send recall notices in the mail to affected customers over the next few months. Those most likely to have a problem airbag will be contacted first. Honda and Acura owners can check the status of their cars at www.owners.honda.com/recalls and www.owners.acura.com/recalls.