Why Illinois Owners Of Older Hondas Are Being Told To Park Them

It was just last week that we got the news about a couple of major insurance companies, State Farm and Progressive, refusing to insure Kias and Hyundais of a certain model year because of a serious theft problem that was discovered a year or so back.

Now, Honda owners (not all, just those with Hondas of particular model years) are being told to get out of that Honda and park it because of another problem that's far more dangerous and life threatening than being denied insurance coverage from Jake and Flo.

On Friday, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fired Off A “Do Not Drive” Advisory For Certain Honda Models With Takata Airbag Inflators Due To A High Possibility That They'll Explode In A Collision

Maybe it's just me, but they had my full attention at the word "explode." Reading deeper into the problem, it's not really the fact that the airbag will explode, it's that if and when it does, you could be maimed or killed by flying shrapnel (fragments produced by an explosion).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in what could only be called an extremely serious warning, says, according to the Associated Press:

The risk to drivers and passengers is dire because the so-called “Alpha” inflators have a 50% chance of exploding in a crash. If the inflators blow apart, they can shoot shrapnel toward a driver’s face that could kill them or cause serious injuries.

“These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50% chance of rupturing in even a minor crash,” NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement. “Don’t gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it’s too late.”

Fox News reports that since 2009, the exploding airbags have killed at least 33 people worldwide. Twenty-four of the deaths took place in the U.S., along with approximately 400 injuries.

Let's Take A Look At The Cars And Model Years Included In The NHTSA "Do Not Drive" Warning, Along With What To Do If You Have One

Like most people who've bought cars, you're probably familiar with the make, model and year of the car you drive, so figuring out if you're included in this warning should be pretty easy. Here are the cars that desperately need attention:

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

Honda said it has reached out to the owners of these particular vehicles more than 18 million times with mailed notices, emails, phone calls, and even home visits. Honda says that repairs are free and parts are available. They'll even offer free towing and a loaner vehicle if needed.

Reach out to Honda by clicking here. Check the NHTSA's recall webpage here.