The 2023-2024 Honda Accord And HR-V Seat Belt Safety Issue

On 2023-11-27 10:45:26

In May 2023, a significant safety concern emerged for certain models of the Honda Accord and HR-V vehicles. The issue revolves around the front seat belt pretensioners, which are crucial for occupant safety during a collision. These vehicles were found to potentially lack a critical component in their seat belt assembly, leading to non-compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

 

Discovery and Investigation

The problem first came to light when American Honda Motor Co. received a market complaint. This triggered an investigation that concluded with the identification of a defect related to motor vehicle safety, along with a non-compliance with FMVSS. These findings necessitated a safety and noncompliance recall.

 

The Defect

The core issue involves the assembly of the front seat belt pretensioners. Specifically, these pretensioners may have been assembled without a rivet securing the quick connector and wire plate. The absence of this rivet, a result of being overlooked during the assembly process, significantly compromises the functionality of the seat belt system. Without the rivet, the seat belt pretensioners are unable to properly restrain occupants during a collision. This malfunction drastically increases the risk of injury to passengers, making it a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.

 

Recall and Remedial Actions

In response to this problem, Honda is reaching out to registered owners of the affected vehicles. Starting January 8, 2024, owners will receive notification letters instructing them to visit an authorized Honda dealer. The dealer will then conduct an inspection and, if necessary, replace the faulty seat belt pretensioner assembly with a non-defective part.

 

Recall Identification

Honda has assigned the numbers MG7 and NG5 to this recall. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it the campaign number 23V-782. This identification helps in streamlining the recall process and ensuring that all affected vehicles are properly addressed.

The 2023-2024 Honda Accord and HR-V vehicles' seat belt issue is a significant safety concern that Honda and the NHTSA are addressing with urgency. Owners of these models are urged to comply with the recall instructions to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers.