Some 26K Hawaii cars with airbags that could maim or kill still haven't been repaired

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Nearly three years after faulty Takata airbags prompted massive recalls around the nation, Honda says 26,000 affected vehicles in Hawaii still aren't repaired.

The company is urging certain Honda and Acura vehicles to seek free recall repairs immediately to replace Takata airbag inflators that could rupture during a crash, potentially seriously injuring or killing people.

At least 10 deadly crashes involving Honda vehicles in the U.S. have been blamed on the defective airbags.

Certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models with "Alpha" inflators – the Takata airbag inflators that were among the first to be recalled – present an even greater risk, with up to a 50 percent chance of an inflator rupture in the crash.

Honda says about 1,100 Honda and Acura vehicles with "Alpha" inflators remain unrepaired in Hawaii.

The models affected are:

• 2001-2002 Honda Accord
• 2001-2002 Honda Civic
• 2002 Honda CR-V
• 2002 Honda Odyssey
• 2003 Honda Pilot
• 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
• 2003 Acura 2.3CL

All recall repairs are free and Honda will provide owners with a free loaner or rental car the day of the repair. The replacement parts are not from Takata.

Honda says 61.6 percent of the affected vehicles in Hawaii have been repaired so far.

Hawaii News Now also reached out to Toyota, and officials said they will notify all owners affected by the recall. They also said Hawaii is in Zone A, meaning it's in a high temperature and humidity region.

The models affected are:

• 2008 – 2009 and 2012 Model Year Scion xB
• 2009 and 2012 Model Year Toyota Corolla
• 2009 and 2012 Model Year Toyota Corolla Matrix
• 2007 – 2009 and 2012 Model Year Toyota Yaris
• 2012 Model Year Toyota 4Runner
• 2012 Model Year Toyota Sienna
• 2006 – 2009 and 2012 Model Year Lexus IS 250/350
• 2012 Model Year Lexus IS 250C/350C
• 2008 – 2009 and 2012 Model Year Lexus IS F
• 2007 – 2009 and 2012 Model Year Lexus ES 350
• 2012 Model Year Lexus GX460
• 2012 Model Year Lexus LFA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it's that owners seek repairs immediately, especially since high heat and humidity make the airbags more vulnerable to ruptures.

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