Honda Malaysia yesterday gave an update to the Takata airbag inflator recall situation. In their statement, they apologised for not being able to meet replacement demands and were now taking in parts from alternative suppliers such as Daicel, Autoliv and TRW to meet the demand. Combined with the supply coming in from Takata, Honda Malaysia estimates 100% availability for every affected Honda vehicle in the country of DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATORS by mid-August 2016. PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATORS, however, are facing a shortage globally. Some models are only being recalled for Driver front airbag inflator recalls, though.
Honda Malaysia are also replacing airbag inflators on ‘Parallel Imported’/Grey Market Hondas for free. Just contact your nearest Honda dealer for details.
To increase the ability of Honda Malaysia to carry out the inflator replacements, they have done the following:
a. Reduce the Preventive Maintenance Service Schedule (maintenance service) intake starting 20th July 2016 at Honda dealers to 50% in order to increase the capacity for airbag inflator replacement.
b. Open three (3) temporary Central Hubs to further increase capacity for airbag inflator replacement. These three hubs will operate 7 days a week to provide additional centres for airbag inflator replacement. The locations of the Central Hubs will be announced soon.
c. Open Mobile Hubs nationwide to make it more convenient for customers to reach servicing venues and to ensure faster and easier airbag inflator replacement process. The locations and details of these Mobile Hubs will be announced soon.
In an effort to provide better platform for communication, Honda Malaysia has set up a special page www.productrecall.honda.com.my so that customers can log in to have better understanding on recall process flow. We have also prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to address customers’ concern and queries on the website for easy reference. You can also visit www.honda.com.my or call 1800-88-2020.
Here’s what Honda Malaysia have done to get the message to customers so far:
• Mailing more than 240,000 letters to owners.
• Advertising campaign and issued press releases to notify the public.
• Notice on our website, and made available VIN (chassis number) search of affected vehicles on our website, www.honda.com.my
• Outreach campaigns at all on-ground activities and roadshows.
• Sending email to more than 35,000 owners.
• Blasting SMS to more than 126,000 customers.
• Share information about the recall in Honda’s ‘With Dreams’ magazine.
• Phone calls to customers – calls made to more than 2,000 customers.
