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Honda is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that certain Odyssey minivans have a defect that can cause side airbags to deploy unexpectedly, even when the vehicle has not been involved in a collision. The claims have raised concerns about occupant safety and whether some drivers were exposed to unnecessary risks without adequate warning.
What is the problem?
The lawsuit centers on certain 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models equipped with side curtain airbags that may deploy after relatively minor impacts, such as driving over potholes, speed bumps, or road debris. Plaintiffs allege that a software defect within the supplemental restraint system can incorrectly interpret these events as serious crashes and trigger the airbags without warning.
Airbags are designed to activate during significant collisions, and when they deploy unnecessarily, they can startle drivers, obstruct visibility, and potentially cause injuries to occupants. The proposed class action also alleges that Honda was aware of the defect but continued to sell affected vehicles without adequately disclosing the issue to consumers. Honda has since issued a recall affecting more than 440,000 Odyssey minivans in the United States to address the software concern.
What owners should do
Owners of 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey vehicles should check whether their minivan is included in the recall by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database or by contacting a local Honda dealership. Honda dealers are offering free software updates and, in some cases, replacement components to correct the defect.
Drivers who have experienced unexpected airbag deployments should keep records of repair visits, medical expenses, and communications with the manufacturer, as this information may be useful if problems persist.
How Honda owners can take back control
Having an airbag deploy unexpectedly can be incredibly frightening and undermine confidence in the vehicle, leaving owners dealing with repair costs, inconvenience, and safety concerns.
If recurring defects or unresolved safety issues have plagued your Honda, you may have more options than you realize. The Lemon Firm helps consumers navigate complex vehicle problems and understand whether they may be entitled to compensation or other remedies. Contact our team today to discuss your situation with a case analyst and learn what steps could be available to you.