American Honda Motor Co. said it will recall 448,613 vehicles in the U.S. and more in Canada, Mexico, Panama and St. Marten over seat belt buckles that may not latch properly.
The recall covers the 2017-20 Honda CR-V, 2018-19 Accord, 2018-19 Accord Hybrid, 2018-20 Odyssey and 2019 Insight, and the 2019-20 Acura RDX.
A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may prevent the buckle from latching. The surface coating on the channel for the buckle may deteriorate and lead to the belt release button shrinking at lower temperatures, documents show.
An unlatched seat belt will not properly restrain someone during a crash, increasing the risk of injury, according to NHTSA.
Honda observed a potential trend in seat belt latching errors in June 2019 and determined on March 2, 2023, it was a defect impacting safety, documents show. It had received 301 warranty claims related to the defect as of March 2. No injuries have been reported.
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt release buttons or buckle assemblies. Owners who paid for repairs related to the issue will be eligible for reimbursement.
Vehicle owners will be notified by mail starting April 17.
"The seat belt buckle recall affects the U.S. and Canada mostly, but a small number of vehicles in Mexico, Panama and St. Marten will also require repair," Honda spokesman Chris Martin told Automotive News. It was not immediately clear how many vehicles outside of the U.S. are affected.
