PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysians died in separate crashes in Honda vehicles, which were recalled to have components in their airbags changed.
Honda Malaysia confirmed the Takata single stage (SDI) driver’s airbag inflators ruptured in two crashes in April and May.
But the company, in a statement, added that no official cause of death had been determined for either case.
In 2014, a pregnant Malaysian and her unborn baby died when a Takata airbag failed. This brings the global death toll linked to airbag ruptures to 13.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of the drivers during this difficult time,” it said.
The first crash involved the driver of a 2006 Honda City on April 16, in Sabah.
The vehicle involved in this crash was included in a Malaysian Product Update (recall) announced on May 21, 2015, requiring replacement of the SDI inflator of the Takata driver’s front airbag.
The second crash involved a 2003 Honda City on May 1, in Kedah.
The vehicle involved in this crash was included in a similar recall announced on December 8, 2014.
“Honda is communicating with representatives of the drivers’ families in an effort to resolve their remaining concerns.”
Out of respect for the families, Honda did not provide any personal information about the victims.
Honda Malaysia has urge owners of Honda vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator product updates to get their vehicles repaired at authorised dealers as soon as possible.
Vehicle owners can check their vehicles’ product update status at www.honda.com.my or call their toll free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any Honda authorised dealer.
