NHTSA Opens Probe into 583K Honda Vehicles Over Safety Issues

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched separate investigations into about 583,600 Honda vehicles over potential defects involving rear seatbelt warnings and inadvertent airbag deployments.

NHTSA is examining 142,600 units of the 2023-2024 Honda Pilot SUV for a possible malfunction in the rear seatbelt warning system, which may incorrectly alert drivers about passenger seatbelt usage.

A second probe covers 441,000 units of the 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey minivan, following complaints that side airbags deployed unexpectedly while the vehicle was in motion, including incidents involving potholes.

“Inadvertent deployment of airbags while a vehicle is in motion can lead to injury or driver distraction, which may result in a collision,” the NHTSA said.

NHTSA has not issued a recall and is assessing the scope and severity of the issues.

(Reporting by Mandayam in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)