Some Hondas Are Under Investigation For Airbags That Deploy Randomly
Federal safety regulators are looking at potential safety defects in more than 580,000 Honda vehicles, opening two separate investigations for faulty seatbelt warning displays on the dashboard and airbags that could unexpectedly deploy while the vehicle is in motion.
Key Points
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has launched separate probes into more than 580,000 Honda vehicles—covering the 2023–2024 Pilot and 2018–2022 Odyssey
- Six complaints and multiple field reports allege that rear seatbelt indicators in the Pilot display false readings
- Regulators received 18 complaints and several injury reports claiming side curtain and thorax airbags deployed without warning while vehicles were moving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that its Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has begun two preliminary evaluations—one concerning the 2023–2024 Honda Pilot SUV, and another involving the 2018–2022 Honda Odyssey minivan.
142,600 Pilots are being looked at after regulators received six complaints and multiple field reports alleging the rear seatbelt warning system displays inaccurate information. The warnings can incorrectly indicate that a rear passenger’s belt is either fastened or unfastened, creating both false positive and false negative alerts. NHTSA says he issue is with seatbelt sensors in both the second- and third-row seating positions.
The second job is much more serious. 441,000 Honda Odyssey minivans built between 2018 and 2022 are being looked at for unintended airbag deployments involving side curtain and side thorax airbags. NHTSA says it has received 18 consumer complaints—including one injury—of airbags deploying without warning while the vehicle was moving.
Owners claim the deployments are happening after hitting a pothole or other uneven road condition, with no prior indication of failure before the airbags triggered.
So far, a recall hasn't been issued for either problem, nor has Honda commented publicly. NHTSA will continue gathering information from owners and the automaker before deciding if a full-scale recall is needed.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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