Honda Expected to Join Toyota in Expanded Airbag Recall

Honda Motor Co. is likely to recall some 1.1 million vehicles worldwide to replace airbag inflators that could explode, according to Reuters, which cites an unnamed source.

The inflators were made by Takata Corp. Last year BMW, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Toyota recalled a combined 3.4 million vehicles worldwide to fix the same problem.

But Takata has acknowledged its records aren't accurate enough to determine how many defective inflators were produced or where they are.

Toyota is now preparing a new recall of 844,300 vehicles in the U.S. and 650,000 in Japan to replace inflators that were inspected but not replaced in last year's campaign. Honda's original recall covered some 1.1 million vehicles worldwide, including more than 561,000 in the U.S.

Toyota's recall will cover 2002-2004 Toyota Sequoia large SUVs and Lexus SC sport coupes and 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla/Matrix and Pontiac Vibe small cars. The campaign includes original equipment airbags and any that may have been replaced after deploying.

Toyota will replace all inflators in all vehicles that were inspected last year but didn't receive a new unit. It says the campaign will begin with vehicles located in high-humidity climates.