Feds Probe Honda Pilot, Odyssey Safety Issues

There is more bad news for Honda drivers as safety issues continue to pile up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently launched a pair of investigations involving Honda. The auto safety regulator is looking at a possible passenger seat defect in Honda Pilot SUVs and faulty side airbags in Odyssey minivans.

Together, the probes cover nearly 60,000 vehicles. It is unclear if Honda will be forced to recall the cars.

The Honda Pilot probe follows complaints about problems with the SUV’s rear seatbelt warnings. The systems may not accurately display information about whether passengers are buckled up, according to NHTSA.

“The complaints state that the rear passenger seat belt warning system is displaying inaccurate information to the driver for both second and third row seating positions,” NHTSA said. “This can lead to the driver dismissing warnings regarding rear seat belt status. The inaccurate information can also cause the driver to believe rear occupants are buckled when they are not.”

That is a significant problem that poses serious risks.

“This reliance on false information presents concerns for the safety of children and child seats located in the rear rows,” NHTSA added, “especially in the third row where the buckled status is more difficult for the driver to visually confirm.”

The Odyssey investigation comes in response to complaints of side airbags inadvertently deploying while minivans are in motion.

“Consumers allege no warning prior to air bag deployment,” NHTSA said in a notice announcing the probe. “Some allegations state that the deployment(s) occurred after traveling over a pothole or similar roadway feature.”

This is also a serious safety issue. 

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

Honda Owners: Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

Sadly, these kinds of safety issues are all too common. Honda and other major automakers call back millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide variety of defects and malfunctions.

The good news is that Honda and other car owners in the Golden State have some important rights and protections under the California lemon law.

The law requires manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) cars that they cannot or will not fix.

The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses. 

Speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.