It's not my intent to report every recall associated with used cars (because of the volume), but recalls about airbags are important. That's why I wanted to share information from an Automotive News article about the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration investigating Honda's handling of a recall for airbag problems in 2001 model year Accords and Civics.
According to Automotive News (subscription required), "The automaker's first recall, in November 2008, involved 3,940 Accords and Civics from the 2001 model year. The second recall, in June, involved more vehicles of the same models and year. Honda expanded the second recall in July to include certain 2002 Accords and Acuras. In all, the second recall totaled 440,000 vehicles. Honda has said the airbag inflator can rupture from too much internal air pressure, sending metal fragments through the airbag and hitting vehicle occupants. The company has acknowledged one death and multiple injuries from the defect."
I'm not here to task Honda for its handling of the recall. Rather, I want to remind folks buying a used Accord, Acura or Civic from 2001 to 2002 to make sure the car they're buying is not part of this recall. More information on recalls is available by going to the NHTSA recalls website. Make sure you do your homework before buying a used Honda from 2001 or 2002.
Have you ever bought a used car only to find out later it was subject to recall at the time of purchase?