According to media reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on February 6th that American Honda Motor Co. is recalling over 750,000 vehicles in the United States due to the potential for the airbags to unexpectedly deploy in a collision. The NHTSA stated that the weight sensor in the front passenger seat of these vehicles may crack and short circuit, preventing the airbags from deploying as intended.
This recall includes certain Honda Pilot, Accord, and Civic sedans manufactured between 2020 and 2022, as well as certain CR-V and Passport vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2021.
In addition to Honda, the NHTSA also announced that General Motors is recalling over 323,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks in the United States. The reason for the recall is that the electronic release switch for the tailgate may short circuit, causing the tailgate to unexpectedly open while the vehicle is parked. This recall covers certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured between 2020 and 2024.
Documents released on its website by the NHTSA state that these switches may open the tailgate when the vehicle is in park due to water ingress. The agency states that this could result in unsecured cargo falling from the bed of the truck, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of a collision.
General Motors advises owners to check that the tailgate is closed and locked before driving the truck, and the recall will involve dealers replacing the exterior touchpad switch on the vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail starting from March 18th.
General Motors states that dealers should also suspend the sale of affected vehicles until repairs are completed. Currently, General Motors has received 136 complaints of tailgates unexpectedly opening, including one minor injury and three reports of minor property damage.
