The problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-501 (19V501000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | E5D, X5C |
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module |
| Report date | June 27, 2019 |
| Owners notified | August 12, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,657,752 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2003 Acura MDX
- 2004 Acura MDX
- 2005 Acura MDX
- 2006 Acura MDX
- 2005 Acura RL
- 2006 Acura RL
- 2007 Acura RL
- 2008 Acura RL
- 2009 Acura RL
- 2010 Acura RL
- 2011 Acura RL
- 2012 Acura RL
- 2003 Honda Accord
- 2004 Honda Accord
- 2005 Honda Accord
- 2006 Honda Accord
- 2007 Honda Accord
- 2001 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda Civic
- 2003 Honda Civic
- 2004 Honda Civic
- 2005 Honda Civic
- 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2003 Honda CR-V
- 2004 Honda CR-V
- 2005 Honda CR-V
- 2006 Honda CR-V
- 2003 Honda Element
- 2004 Honda Element
- 2005 Honda Element
- 2006 Honda Element
- 2007 Honda Element
- 2008 Honda Element
- 2009 Honda Element
- 2010 Honda Element
- 2011 Honda Element
- 2007 Honda Fit
- 2008 Honda Fit
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Odyssey
- 2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2004 Honda Pilot
- 2005 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Honda Pilot
- 2007 Honda Pilot
- 2008 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline
- 2007 Honda Ridgeline
- 2008 Honda Ridgeline
- 2009 Honda Ridgeline
- 2010 Honda Ridgeline
- 2011 Honda Ridgeline
- 2012 Honda Ridgeline
- 2013 Honda Ridgeline
- 2014 Honda Ridgeline
Plus 5 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2003 Acura MDX airbag problems 42
- 2004 Acura MDX airbag problems 26
- 2005 Acura MDX airbag problems 39
- 2006 Acura MDX airbag problems 15
- 2005 Acura RL airbag problems 36
- 2006 Acura RL airbag problems 9
- 2007 Acura RL airbag problems 7
- 2008 Acura RL airbag problems 8
- 2009 Acura RL airbag problems 3
- 2010 Acura RL airbag problems 7
- 2011 Acura RL airbag problems 1
- 2003 Honda Accord airbag problems 318
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-501 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,657,752 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.