Honda, the Japanese carmaker, has issued a recall for over 330,000 of its vehicles in the United States due to faulty side-view mirrors that could fall off. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue could cause rear visibility problems and increase the risk of a crash.
Issue with Heating Mechanism in Side-View Mirrors
The recall affects certain 2020 and 2021 models of Honda Pilot and Ridgeline, as well as 2020 through 2022 models of its popular Passport and Odyssey minivans. The problem lies with the adhesive that connects the mirror glass and heating pad to the vehicle. The heating pads in the mirrors might not be adequately bonded, which can cause the glass to detach, potentially leading to both falling off from vehicles.
Delays in Addressing Mirror Vibrations
Honda started observing mirror vibrations as early as 2018 and received a report on increased vibrations in 2020. The supplier changed its heater pad and adhesive in 2021 to address the issue. However, it seems like Honda only issued a recall after NHTSA requested an investigation into the matter. The delay in addressing this issue has left many questioning Honda’s commitment to safety.
Recall Process and Reimbursement
Owners of affected cars will receive notification from Honda in the mail or can check NHTSA’s recalls page to see if their vehicle is at risk. Fortunately, owners won’t be on the hook for repairs, and Honda will replace both side mirrors for free. Moreover, those who have already paid for these repairs could receive reimbursement.
Second Massive Recall for Honda this Month
This is not the first time Honda has made headlines recently for defective products. Just a few weeks ago, the company recalled nearly 450,000 vehicles due to potentially faulty seatbelts affecting Honda CRV, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, and Acura RDX models. These back-to-back massive recalls suggest a need for better quality control measures at Honda.
In conclusion, this recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for carmakers to take responsibility for their products’ defects. While Honda is taking steps to rectify the issue, some may remain skeptical about the company’s commitment to safety in light of the delayed recall. The automaker will have to work tirelessly to regain the trust of its customers after this latest setback.
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