Unprecedented action aims to speed up the exchange of airbags in vehicles out of circulation; Find out how to check the status of your car
In an attempt to broaden adherence to Takata’s airbag recall, Honda has begun an operation to actively search for pending vehicles at auctions and in transit yards. The automaker announced partnerships with a private auctioneer in Rio de Janeiro and with the São Paulo DMV to exchange the components before the cars return to circulation.
The strategy aims to circumvent the logistical difficulty of tracking older vehicles. According to the manufacturer, the high turnover of the Brazilian fleet — where cars change owners, on average, every three years — makes traditional notifications sent to registered addresses ineffective. In addition, most of these cars no longer attend the dealership network for periodic inspections, leaving the brand’s radar.
In Rio de Janeiro, the joint action with dealerships monitors auction lots to identify affected units and carry out on-site repairs. In São Paulo, the focus is on the Detran yards, where technical teams replace the inflators in seized or retained cars.
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The Takata airbag recall is considered the largest in the history of the global automotive industry, involving millions of vehicles from various brands. The defect lies in the chemical propellant of the inflator, which can degrade when exposed to excessive heat and humidity for long periods. When triggered in a collision, the device risks exploding with disproportionate force, throwing metal shrapnel at the occupants. The defect has already been associated with fatal cases and serious injuries in Brazil and abroad.
Honda reiterates that the service is free and indispensable for road safety. Owners should check if the vehicle’s chassis is included in the call through the automaker’s official website or through the Customer Service Center, at 0800-701-3432.
