PETALING JAYA: Honda has confirmed that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver’s airbag inflator ruptured in a crash on Sept 24, 2016 in Malaysia.
The crash resulted in the tragic death of the driver. No official cause of death has been yet determined.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family of the driver during this difficult time.
Honda has confirmed during an inspection with the Royal Malaysia Police that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver’s airbag inflator ruptured in the crash of a 2009 Honda City on Sept 24, 2016 in Johor state.
The vehicle involved in this crash was included in a Malaysian Product Recall announced on July 10, 2015, requiring replacement of the SDI inflator of the Takata driver’s front airbag.
A notification letter was sent out to the owner related to the recall and our records indicate that the recall repair was never completed.
The vehicle involved in this crash has also been included in the Takata single stage (SPI) passenger’s front airbag inflator recall announced on June 23, 2016.
Honda has confirmed that the passenger’s airbag inflator did not rupture while it deployed and functioned in a proper manner in this crash.
Honda is communicating with the authorities and representative of the driver’s family.
Out of respect for the family, Honda will not provide any personal information.
Honda Malaysia has enforced its notification activities on Takata front airbag inflator recalls via press releases, advertisements, inclusion in roadshows, personal calls and SMS, as well as direct mails, to keep customers informed and urge affected customers to do the replacements.
The details of the activities include:
- Mailed more than 735,400 letters to affected customers
- Advertised campaigns and issued press releases to notify the public
- Created a notice on the company’s website, made VIN (chasis number) search of affected vehicles available on the website (www.honda.com.my)
- Conducted “outreach campaigns” at all on-ground activities and roadshows
- Sent email to more than 35,800 affected customers
- Blasted more than 730,000 SMS to affected customers
- Shared information about the recall in Honda’s ‘With Dreams’ magazine
- Made phone calls to more than 54,000 affected customers
The company has also been increasing its activities for airbag inflator replacement enhancement, which include improving stock availability, and increasing service capacity via Service Central Hubs, Mobile Hubs and prioritising replacement activities at dealerships.
As announced in Aug 2016, Honda Malaysia have secured 100% of Takata driver front airbag inflators and as of Sept 27, 2016, Honda Malaysia have completed more than 157,000 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator which translates to 60% completion ratio.
For the City model, Honda Malaysia has completed about 33,600 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator, with a 66% completion ratio.
As at Sept 27, 2016, the Northern (Penang), Southern (Johor) and Central (Selangor) as well as Mobile Hubs have completed more than 10,800 replacements of Takata front airbag inflators in affected Honda vehicles since August 2016.
This contributed to the total number of Takata front airbag inflator replacements completed at more than 211,000 units or 54% completion ratio.
