For a safety device, the airbags in many popular Honda models sure do seem dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that it's led Honda to recall 2.8 million vehicles worldwide … making it the company's largest recall ever.

The problem is so bad and widespread that as of December 29th, 2011 Honda has told its dealers not to sell some used models until they carry out a recall to fix the issue.

This problem has caused a dozen injuries and at least one death.

The Excessive Pressure and Flying Shrapnel Problem

Back in 2008 Honda discovered a troubling fact about the inflators in their airbags: the chemicals they contain are causing too much internal pressure. So much, in fact, that not only will your airbag punch your face like Joe Frazier but you'll then be greeted by a wave of … wait for it … flying metal shrapnel.

That's right. The inflator is causing so much internal pressure it's actually exploding in some instances and spraying parts all about the cabin of your vehicle. This according to the NHTSA:

"Excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture with metal fragments striking and injuring the driver or other occupants."

Yep. I'd say that's recall-worthy.

The Recall Timeline

Back in 2008 Honda announced it would start recalling vehicles for their airbag woes in 2009. But that wasn't enough … the recall was expanded in 2010, then twice more in 2011.

The recall not only covers many of Honda's most popular models, but also vehicles that have already had their airbags serviced because the Honda service technician probably just replaced one defective airbag for another.

Here's the timeline of how things have broken down at Honda:

• December 2011 — Honda has issued a stop sale on all used cars that are part of the airbag recall. That means Honda dealerships are being told not to sell any used Hondas, certified or not, until they have been inspected and fixed if necessary. This is a big move from Honda, but is certainly the right one now that there are reports on injuries and at least one death coming from their airbags.

• December 29th, 2011 — Honda is adding 272,000 additional vehicles to its massive airbag recall list and has issued a stop sale to dealers of older used Hondas until they are checked out and any faulty parts are replaced.

  This recall now includes certain 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to 2003 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL vehicles.

• December 5th, 2011 — Today Honda announced they are recalling almost 1 million additional vehicles for big, bad airbag problems. At least 20 people have been hurt so far.

  This latest recall affects models primarily sold in North America, including 2001 and 2002 Accords, 2001 through 2003 Civics, 2001 through 2003 Odysseys, 2002 and 2003 CR-Vs and 2003 Pilots. Acura models listed in the recall include 2002 and 2003 3.2 TLs and 2003 3.2 CLs.

  The original recall dates back to 2008 and now includes 2.8 million vehicles worldwide.

• May 3rd, 2011 — Honda has recalled hundreds of thousands of 2001-2003 Honda and Acura models for airbag issues since 2008, and now the Japanese automaker is re-recalling those vehicles. Honda is inspecting 833,000 vehicles for airbags that deploy with too much pressure, which could lead to metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material. This defect has resulted in 12 injuries and one death since 2010.

  Among the 833,000 vehicles affected by the recalls are the 2001-2002 Accord and Civic, the 2002 Odyssey and 2002-2003 CR-V. Acura models affected are certain 2002-2003 TL sedans and 2003 CL coupes. This latest news brings the total to 1.6 million vehicles since 2008.

• February 9th, 2010 — Honda announced today, that for the second time, it will expanding an airbag recall which dates back to the original recall in November, 2008.

  This newest round of recalls includes 378,758 additional vehicles – bringing the total to just under 820,000 vehicles in the running recall. The expanded list includes some 2001-2 Accords, Civics, Odysseys, CR-Vs and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles.

• July 2009 — Honda announced that it would recall 440,000 vehicles for the same problem, saying that the action was prompted by reports of “unusual” deployments.

  This applied to 2001 Accords and Civics, as well as some 2002 Accords and Acura 3.2 TLs.

• March 6th, 2009 — Honda recalled nearly 4,000 model year 2001 Honda Civic and Honda Accord cars for a safety defect in its driver air bags. The chemicals inside the driver air bag inflator caused excessive internal pressure during deployment, which could cause the inflator to rupture. A ruptured inflator could cause metal chunks to slice through the fabric air bag and hit the consumer. Obviously, this defect would not only prevent the air bag from properly protecting you, but could also cause injuries, including injuries to your eyes and face.

• September 2008 — Honda inspected a vehicle which showed signs of an unusual deployment, apparently confirming their prior suspicion of improperly manufactured air bag inflators. Honda finally notified the government in November 2008 that it would be conducting this recall on its Honda Civic and Honda Accord models.

What To Do if Your Honda Has Been Recalled

Chances are if you own a Honda from the early 2000's, your vehicle has been recalled. If Honda has your correct mailing address, you'll probably be receiving a notice soon. Better yet, call Honda at 1-800-999-1009 with your VIN & they will confirm whether your vehicle is covered. Dealers will be inspecting the airbag inflators & the replacement is free, if they determine it needs replacing, no doubt using their "Metal-Shrapnel-Possibility" detectors.

What to Do if Your SRS Light is On

When you see the SRS light illuminated on your dashboard it means your airbags are deactivated. Now you might think, aren't I better off not having shrapnel thrown at my face? But the SRS light is indicative of a bigger problem … one that you need to address immediately.

Simply clearing the light will not solve the problem.

Have Your Say

Let us know if you've experienced this problem, know of a potential fix or just want to voice how frustrated you are: