The problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 20V-026 (20V026000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | D8J, Z8G |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu Motors Limited |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 17, 2020 |
| Owners notified | October 1, 2020 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,439,841 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 1998 Acura CL
- 1999 Acura CL
- 2001 Acura CL
- 2001 Acura MDX
- 1998 Acura RL
- 1999 Acura RL
- 2000 Acura RL
- 1999 Acura TL
- 2000 Acura TL
- 1998 Honda Accord
- 1999 Honda Accord
- 2000 Honda Accord
- 1996 Honda Civic
- 1997 Honda Civic
- 1998 Honda Civic
- 1999 Honda Civic
- 2000 Honda Civic
- 1997 Honda CR-V
- 1998 Honda CR-V
- 1999 Honda CR-V
- 2000 Honda CR-V
- 1997 Honda EV Plus
- 1998 Honda EV Plus
- 1998 Honda Odyssey
- 1999 Honda Odyssey
- 2000 Honda Odyssey
- 1998 Isuzu Oasis
- 1999 Isuzu Oasis
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 1998 Acura CL airbag problems 8
- 1999 Acura CL airbag problems 6
- 2001 Acura CL airbag problems 32
- 2001 Acura MDX airbag problems 18
- 1998 Acura RL airbag problems 2
- 1999 Acura RL airbag problems 9
- 2000 Acura RL airbag problems 26
- 1999 Acura TL airbag problems 13
- 2000 Acura TL airbag problems 62
- 1998 Honda Accord airbag problems 79
- 1999 Honda Accord airbag problems 74
- 2000 Honda Accord airbag problems 454
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 20V-026 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,439,841 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.