[Slider]

They're probably all bad. That regulators from the US had to pressure them to go this far makes me awfully suspicious.

 

[Dnick]

Here's the latest. Looks like Takata is finally "all in".

Japanese air-bag maker Takata agrees to declare 34 million vehicles outfitted with their product to be defective, triggering one of the largest auto -- and consumer product -- recalls in history, the Transportation Department confirms.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...hicles-to-be-recalled-because-faulty-airbags/

 

[Figgus]

I wonder if the expansion is going to get our passenger airbags into the mix.

 

[rollinhonda]

They're probably all bad. That regulators from the US had to pressure them to go this far makes me awfully suspicious.

Plus, the latest reports say Takata does not have a solid cause for the problem. I wonder if we will have to wear face guards until they resolve it. Toyota is advising having the air bag turned off.

We've had airbags since the 80's and now there's a problem?

CR says in perspective the number of fatalities (11) and injuries is still very small.
I suppose it is against GMs close to 100 deaths linked to the ignition switch recall.


http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...now-about-the-takata-air-bag-recall/index.htm

 

[H&A]

I believe Takata may be the only manufacture that uses ammonium nitrate for their inflators. All the other companies use more expensive but likely more stable chemicals.

In USA Todays article "The unsolved mystery of the exploding air bags" they say "It's also unclear whether the replacement air bag systems are safer. That's because they use the same volatile chemical to inflate the bags, ammonium nitrate, that some suspect is at the heart of the problem. Other air bag manufacturers use less-volatile chemicals, but they cost more."
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/04/26/takata-deadly-mystery-air-bags/26403667/

I'd read an article several months back saying there was a chance they'd have to do it all over again in another 10 years if it isn't a problem with the manufacture but is actually a problem with the propellant becoming unstable for other reasons.

Just found this one saying that Takata changed the inflators back in 2008 to help avoid future problems with moisture.
http://www.autonews.com/article/201...ged-design-of-its-airbags-in-2008-report-says

 

[Carsmak]

Which brings me to a question, I've had all along on Air-Bag Systems.

None of it needs to be tested/re-certified/replaced at any point after manufacture or installation?

REALLY!!!

Fire Extinguishers have to be re-certified annually, and I seriously doubt one will "Explode" and send shrapnel at the user.

I only point this out because if you have never had one go off you need to see it first hand, especially when your sitting in front of it. It will give you pause, it's a controlled bomb between your hands on the steering wheel.

 

[rollinhonda]

The re-certification may be a good idea. I don't know what they would do outside of making sure the assembly is not damaged and that there is a charge to set the bag off when needed.

I don't think it would do anything to resolve the shrapnel issue as that seems to be related to a materials being used in manufacturing.

 

[Bajan]

My 2006 was done about 4 months ago. Dealer checked one day and had me return two days later for the repir

 

[ernieD]

Going on 3 months that I called my Honda dealer to schedule airbag replacement on my '08 Pilot. I got the letter in the mail from Honda. Dealer says I'm in their computer list and they are waiting for the part(s) to arrive.

Guess I just need to not get into an accident til then. A full size Chevy truck hit the rear of our '13 Crosstour in a parking lot. Good thing it was going slow. Hit the rear of our CT as wife was backing out, her fault grrrr. :act051:

Put a huge dent in trucks chrome bumper front. And bent it under the front end. Just tiny paint dings and some scraped rubber on the very rear corner and bumper. No indentations at all on the CT. Can only see the small scrape when your up close. Whew. Pretty impressed with our CT's sturdiness.

 

[H&A]

Going on 3 months that I called my Honda dealer to schedule airbag replacement on my '08 Pilot. I got the letter in the mail from Honda. Dealer says I'm in their computer list and they are waiting for the part(s) to arrive.

If you want to get bumped up the list then having them pay for a loaner car helps. It won't guarantee a quick replacement but typically they will want to get you out of the rental/loaner car as fast as possible. I also don't know if they require that you leave your car at the dealer when you take the loaner, which might be a big downside. But if anyone truly isn't comfortable driving their car as it is then it is a good option.

from:
http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=8340-en
" If a customer affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls requests alternative transportation until their vehicle can be repaired, including use of a loaner vehicle or rental vehicle, Honda will accommodate their needs at no charge."

It isn't much fun for the dealers since on the other end of things we have the customers like the one that told us "I don't have time to mess with this. Just take me off the list" when we called to tell them their airbag was here and ready to install.

 

[ernieD]

Right H&A. I read that in the Honda letter I received but just didn't think it would be this long. And to be honest, I didn't think my, or any, Honda dealers would actually let me go with that option of a temp loaner. I do need my SUV for hauling musical gear most every weekend. So if they offered me even a 4dr sedan, prolly wouldn't work out.

But if I have a choice of at least a CR-V, might work. Or would it just be a random rental car? The CR-V is sort of the next car I'm considering when replacing my Pilot in fall 2016. So be nice to teset one out for awhile.

But I like the spaciousness of my '08 Pilot. I'm now considering getting a 2015 Pilot, if I can still find one by then. If not, may be going with a '16-'17 Toyota 4Runner or Highlander at that time. But thanks for that suggestion, I may try that here in August when all my gigs slow down.
I am more concerned if my wife has to drive the Pilot., when I want to use the Crosstour for heading to Austin as I sometimes do. I'm retired so mostly just drive the Pilot on weekends and short trips to my gym 2-3 days a week. But that airbag is always in back of my mind when I mount up in my Pilot. peace, ernie

 

[khayes9999]

Thanks H&A, my wife and 2 kids are in our '08 Pilot every day. I have called my dealer and a 2nd and they both say "wait for your letter to come in the mail." Maybe calling Honda CS will expedite the process (wishful thinking I know). Interestingly, I have gotten letters from both dealers and Honda about trading in my Pilot for a new one... Maybe that's the only way it will get replaced. They'll probably low-ball me on the TI value because it's "unsafe."

 

[ernieD]

"Maybe that's the only way it will get replaced. They'll probably low-ball me on the TI value because it's "unsafe." "

/\ This is what I was thinking as well, K....9999. Plus, I wasn't quite ready to buy a new vehicle this year. Was considering buying a used vehicle for the first time in many years. But with the last few floods in our area, scary to think what "new looking" newer model autos out there may have been submarines recently. So we wait. :act018:

 

[H&A]

.... I do need my SUV for hauling musical gear most every weekend. So if they offered me even a 4dr sedan, prolly wouldn't work out.

But if I have a choice of at least a CR-V, might work. Or would it just be a random rental car? The CR-V is sort of the next car I'm considering when replacing my Pilot in fall 2016. So be nice to teset one out for awhile. ...

It is likely just random depending on what they or the local rental car place they use has available. Some dealers have their own 'fleet' of rental cars and others use places like Budget or Enterprise. It might be worth checking with them to see if they have something like a CR-V available though.

The cars that have rental cars out would, most places, get the first available airbags for replacement.

 

[ernieD]

A bit off topic here but WOW! Just saw that Honda video advert where they acknowledge the "trembling" '15 CR-V issues. But yet to offer a solution. I was really impressed with the CR-V I test drove but drove off with a new, '13 Crosstour EX-L when I tired of my Ridgy after only about 10 months.

Silly I know but I wanted something more sporty and I found I can still carry my bass gear in the cargo area of the CT very well. I'm still sorta waiting to see what the 2nd Gen RL is gona finally come out looking like. I found I don't really need a truck, I know this is TX and by law we should own at least one "big ol' truck, yep'. But I sure like the spaciousness and comfort of our '08 Pilot.
I already hate that they are putting fold down armrests instead of a large, padded center console in the '16 Pilot. And the second row captains chairs serve me no purpose. But I see now, one can still opt for second bench seating, cool.
Well, I'm way off topic here so I'll stop. Here's hoping I get a call sometime this year for my new airbag. Prolly just in time to trade my Pilot. Really leaning to the Toy 4Runr or Highlander. Even reading very good things on the Jeep GC or Altitude(?). I'm not totally in love with the looks of the mini-vanish, new Pilot. But I'll go test drive one while having my airbag being installed.............if ever. peace, e.

 

[khayes9999]

July 8, 2015: Honda recalling more vehicles for airbag problem.... If you don't want to read the article these are only cars that were sold domestically in Japan; however, I'm sure the list will expand outside of Japan soon.

http://www.usnews.com/news/business...ces-another-recall-for-faulty-takata-air-bags

Just a note, still no letter from Honda for my '08 Pilot recall and dealer again told me to wait. I am calling a second dealer today.... I will keep everyone posted. I am sure they will tell me the same thing.

Next step is a call to Honda and to go to dealers with printout of Honda Bulletin saying they will provide rental if needed.

 

[Dnick]

If you check back in this (or other?) thread, you'll find a Honda link that you can check for yourself by entering your VIN. If it's covered (most likely is), then take that with you to the dealer when you go in.

 

[khayes9999]

If you check back in this (or other?) thread, you'll find a Honda link that you can check for yourself by entering your VIN. If it's covered (most likely is), then take that with you to the dealer when you go in.

Thanks Dnick! I will be bringing that printout along with the bulletin stating they will give the customer a loaner until repairs are completed when I go to the dealership Monday. We'll see if this "jump-starts" the process. Still no letter from Honda and Honda CS was no help when I called.

 

[trs1vet]

Apparently, this recall isn't being handled very well. My vehicle wasn't included in the initial report but, when I heard there were additional vehicles being added, I checked my VIN and found it to be part of recall. Called dealer who said they would order it. Approx. 2 weeks later, took the vehicle in for service and asked about the airbag. Again, they said they would order it. Approx. 1 week later I got a call the part was so had it replaced. When I asked why I never got a letter from Honda, I was told they just sent out the letters last week???? Last week?? Sounds odd. When I initially contacted the dealer, there was never any mention made of a "loaner".

 

[H&A]

With something like 25 million Hondas being recalled my guess is they have to send out the letters slowly starting with the areas most at risk due to supply issues. I forget how many of those vehicles are within the US but even still it will be awhile before they have enough inflators for all of them. They are flowing pretty well through our dealership at 30-50 a day being replaced but even with that low of a number it requires added people to handle ordering each air bag with a VIN, contacting customers and shipping the old ones back to Honda. All for a $30 part.
I'm also guessing they are balancing a fine line with loaner cars between taking care of the customers and having to supply millions of loaner cars.