Florida community leaders create alliance to address largest auto safety recall in US history

Following a recall released by the U.S. Department of Transportation identifying airbag deficiencies in certain Honda and Acura models, community leaders in Broward County, Florida, have launched a campaign to raise awareness for local residents.

The recall states that “with as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately.”

Airbag Recall: Greater Ft. Lauderdale was created to inform drivers about the recall and about how it impacted their vehicles. Airbag Recall: Greater Ft. Lauderdale will officially launch with its “Days of Action” event April 22-24, hosting a variety of events throughout Broward County to help drivers check their vehicles and set up free repairs at local dealerships. The replacement airbag provided through the recall is free as is local towing to area repair shops.

At least 11 people – including one Florida resident – have been killed by defective airbag inflators, while approximately 180 have been seriously injured. The Ft. Lauderdale coalition represents an extension of a similar program launched earlier in the spring in Dade County, Florida.

“Our call to action for drivers across South Florida is simple: fix it, don’t risk it. Even a minor fender bender can be fatal. It’s imperative – and easy – to look up your VIN now at AirbagRecall.com,” John D. Buretta, Independent Monitor of Takata and the Coordinated Remedy Program, said.

While the recall affects vehicles from more than a dozen automakers, drivers of some older vehicles face an even greater risk. These models include 2001 and 2002 Honda Civics and Accords, the 2002 and 2003 Acura TL, the 2002 Honda Odyssey and CR-V, the 2003 Acura CL and the 2003 Honda Pilot. Thousands of these higher-risk vehicles are still on the road, but have yet to be repaired.