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This close-up of a Honda Odyssey’s airbag module reveals the complex inner workings that are the focus of a new recall.Queens Today
Honda has announced a recall of 440,830 Odyssey minivans from model years 2018-2022 due to a faulty airbag system that can cause the side and side curtain airbags to deploy unexpectedly when driving over potholes, speed bumps, or road debris. The issue stems from incorrect deployment parameters in the onboard computer governing the supplemental restraint system, which can misinterpret normal driving inputs as side impacts.
Why it matters
Unexpected airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury to occupants, especially those in the second and third rows. While Honda initially did not see the issue as a major safety concern, federal regulators have now prompted further investigation and the recall to address the problem.
The details
According to NHTSA recall documents, the “SRS control logic for the second and third rows contain insufficient deployment threshold margin, allowing G-signal inputs to be misinterpreted as side impacts and causing inadvertent deployment of the side and side curtain airbags.” Honda first became aware of the issue in November 2017 but did not conclude its investigation until July 2021, when it determined the problem warranted a recall. As of April 2026, Honda has received 130 warranty claims and 25 injury reports related to the airbag issue.
Honda first learned about the issue in November 2017, shortly after the 2018 model year Odyssey went on sale.In July 2021, Honda’s investigation found the second and third-row airbags were liable to deploy in unnecessary driving situations.By October 2021, Honda concluded there were no major safety concerns related to the issue.In January 2026, a Preliminary Evaluation request from NHTSA prompted additional investigation.As of April 2, 2026, Honda has received 130 warranty claims and 25 reports of injury related to the airbag issue.
The players
Honda
A Japanese automaker that has issued a recall for 440,830 Odyssey minivans from model years 2018-2022 due to a faulty airbag system.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The federal agency that regulates vehicle safety and prompted Honda’s additional investigation into the airbag issue through a Preliminary Evaluation request.
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What’s next
Honda’s fix is simple: dealers will inspect the SRS ECU and reprogram or replace it with improved airbag deployment parameters as necessary. Federal safety regulators did not issue any guidance for second and third-row occupants until the fix is performed, indicating the relative likelihood of inadvertent deployment is low.
The takeaway
This recall highlights the importance of proper airbag deployment parameters to ensure passenger safety. While unexpected airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury, Honda’s quick response and NHTSA’s involvement should help resolve the issue before any major incidents occur.