Honda is recalling about 300,000 of its 2023/2024 Accord and HR-V models after the vehicles were found missing a part of a seat belt mechanism that protects riders in the event of a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front seat belt pretensioners were installed without a rivet during assembly.
A seat belt pretensioner that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a collision.
While the recall covers about 300,000 sedans and SUVs, Honda estimates that no more than 1% of those cars actually have the defect.
Owners can take their cars to a dealer for inspection and, if needed, a pretensioner replacement, at no charge. Honda says it will directly notify the owners of affected vehicles by mail starting Jan. 8.
Since the first production date of the recalled vehicles in April 2022, through Nov. 16, 2023, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to the issue, according to the NHTSA.
