Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Honda has issued a significant recall of over 300,000 of its Accord and HR-V subcompact SUVs due to a potential flaw in the assembly of the front seat belt pretensioners. These devices are designed to tighten the seat belt instantly during a collision, maximizing the protection offered to the occupants.
The seat belt pretensioners in certain 2023 and 2024 models of Accords and HR-Vs could potentially be missing a rivet, compromising the effectiveness of the seat belts in a collision scenario. As of November 16, 2023, Honda has received seven warranty claims related to this issue, but no reported injuries. The following Honda vehicles are included in this 2023 recall:
NHTSA Recall Number | 23V-782 |
Honda Recall Numbers | MG7, NG5 |
Reason for the Recall | The Seat Belt Pretensioner rivet was not installed when initially assembled. |
Affected Honda Models | 2023-2024 Honda Accord; 2023-2024 Honda HR-V |
Recall Solution | Dealerships will inspect and replace the seat belt pretensioner assembly as necessary. |
Honda Contact Information | 888-234-2138 |
What is the Role of the Honda Seat Belt Rivet?
The rivet plays a critical role in the assembly of the seat belt pretensioner, as it firmly holds the quick connector and the wire plate together. An absent rivet can compromise the functionality of the seat belt pretensioner, failing to provide adequate restraint for the occupant during a collision.
Honda’s Seat Belt Pretensioner Investigation
Honda first became aware of this problem in May when they received the initial complaint. In response, Honda promptly initiated an investigation into the matter, which involved the collection and examination of the affected parts. Despite the recall affecting over 300,000 model year 2023-2024 vehicles, Honda had received just seven warranty claims and no crash or injury complaints as of November 16, 2023.
Does Honda Have a Seat Belt Pretensioner Fix?
Honda has announced that it began mailing recall letters to affected customers starting January 2024. These letters provide comprehensive details about the recall, including the nature of the issue, the potential risks involved, and the necessary steps customers need to take to address the problem.
As part of the recall process, Honda dealerships will conduct thorough inspections of the front seat belt pretensioner assemblies in the affected vehicles. These inspections are designed to identify any issues related to the missing rivet. If any problems are found during these inspections, the dealerships will replace the assemblies as needed. Please note that recall repair work must be performed free of charge under law.
Owners of Honda Accord and Honda HR-V models who have any questions or concerns about this recall are encouraged to reach out to Honda directly. They can do so by calling the dedicated customer service line at 888-234-2138.
Customer service representatives are available to provide further information, answer any questions, and offer guidance on the next steps. For reference, the recall numbers assigned by Honda for this issue are MG7 and NG5.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
To verify if your vehicle is subject to an open recall, you can utilize the recall check website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By entering your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the designated field on the NHTSA’s website, you can check for any active recalls.
If no recall appears after entering your VIN, it indicates that there are no current recalls for your vehicle. Given that automakers frequently issue recalls, including for older vehicles, we highly advise periodically revisiting the site to ensure that your vehicle has not been included in a new recall.
Contact Purpose | Contact Method | Details |
Recall Information | Honda Customer Service Line | Call 888-234-2138 for any questions or concerns about the recall. |
Vehicle Inspection | Local Honda Dealership | Visit your local Honda dealership for inspections and possible replacements of the front seat belt pretensioner assemblies. |
Recall Status | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Website | Check the current recall status of your vehicle by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA’s website. |
Contact the Honda Lemon Law Experts
If you are dealing with seat belt pretensioner or another manufacturing issue in your vehicle, the Lemon Law Experts may be able to assist. If you have purchased or leased a defective vehicle in California, our dedicated team at the Lemon Law Experts can help you get the resolution and compensation that you deserve.
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