What is a VIN?
VIN stands for "Vehicle Identification Number" and it's specific to your Acura. This set of seventeen letters and numbers is unique to your car, defining its engine size, body style, model year, transmission type, color, and more. All cars newer than 1980 come with a VIN.
Where can I find my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a small, metal plate attached to the driver's side of your car's dashboard. This small tag should be visible through the windshield for viewing ease. Every vehicle is required to have a VIN with the right placement and it's illegal to remove or alter this tag. If the tag is missing, chances are the car has been repaired, or more likely, stolen.
While your Acura is being worked on, take advantage of our FREE SHUTTLE SERVICELet us check your VIN for you!
Acura Airbag Inflator Recall FAQ
How do I know if my car is affected by the recall?
Enter your VIN into the NHTSA VIN-lookup tool to find out if your car is affected.
What is taking so long for my airbag to arrive?
It could take weeks or possibly months for replacement airbags to arrive, but Takata taken steps to complete requests in a timely fashion.
Can other suppliers help fill the gaps?
Different suppliers are now involved, including AutoLiv, TRW, and Daicel. Takata says that it now uses competitors' products in half the inflator-replacement kits, and anticipates that number to reach over than 70%. The other suppliers use a propellant that hasn't been involved with problems Takata has had.How important is that I respond to the recall?
All recalls need to be treated seriously. Have the work performed as quickly as parts are available and the service can be scheduled. Since age of the car has been found as a factor in a lot of the Takata airbag ruptures, it's especially important for owners of older recalled cars to get this work done.Does it matter where I live?
According to NHTSA, yes. The Takata inflators are vulnerable to persistent high humidity as well as high temperature conditions, in states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, the Gulf Coast states, Hawaii, and island territories. Because a number of confirmed deaths have taken place in places outside the priority recall area, this recall shouldn't be taken lightly.
How are repairs being prioritized?
Automakers are receiving the replacement parts as quickly as they can, and most are sending them to the high-humidity areas first. Northern and less-humid areas may have to wait longer for parts availability, depending on the brand. Contact your dealership to find out how fast the work can be performed.
What if I spend only a certain part of the year in a humid climate?
People who travel to the higher-risk areas in low humidity times aren't at the same high level of risk as those who live in those areas year-round, according to NHTSA.
Are the airbags in my car definitely defective?
No. Since 2002, only a small number of about 30 million cars have been associated with these incidents. Between November, 2014 and May, 2015, Takata reported to NHTSA that the company had done more than 30,000 ballistic tests on airbag inflators returned prior to the recalls. In those tests, 265 ruptured. That's an extremely high number, and, at 0.8%, a much higher frequency than what has been seen so far in vehicles actually on the road. According to defect reports filed with the government, Takata said that as of May 2015 they were made aware of 84 ruptures that had occurred in the field since 2002.
I'm worried about driving, what should I do until the fix is made?
If the recall on your car involves the front passenger-side airbag, try not to let anyone sit in that seat. But, if you use the VIN-lookup tool and it shows that the problem involves the driver's side, so you should do anything you can to minimize risk. If possible, consider:
- Minimizing your driving.
- Carpooling with a vehicle that isn't affected.
- Using public transportation.
- Renting a car.
Renting a car could not be the ideal solution. Asking your dealer if they'll give you one might be worth a try to put pressure on the manufacturer. If you get a rental car, take time to familiarize yourself with its operation prior to driving.
Should I expect to pay any money to get the recall fix?
Repairs under the recall are done at no charge, but unrelated problems uncovered during the service would not be.