Honda and Toyota announce recalls
The Associated Press reports that Honda is recalling 81,000 2004 and 2005 Accord sedans for a potential defect in the airbag sensors, and that Toyota is recalling 533,000 2004-2006 Tundras and 2004-2007 Sequoias for a steering flaw.
The Honda recall concerns the housing for the sensor wires that determine the force at which the frontal airbags should deploy. The housing was installed in a way that the sensor wire may break. Without the sensor information, the airbags deploy at full force, which can injure smaller occupants. No injuries have been reported, however.
The Toyota recall concerns a ball joint on the front suspension of the Tundra pickup truck and mechanically related Sequoia SUV. Toyota is concerned that excessive wear on the joint is likely, and that the issue would make the vehicles difficult to steer. Eleven accidents and six injuries have been attributed to the defect, Toyota’s second for front suspension issues on its full-size trucks. The redesigned 2007 Tundra is not affected.
The Toyota recall seems to affect all Tundra and Sequoia models within the stated year range, but the Honda recall does not affect every 2004 and 2005 Accord sedan.
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Many owners who suffered sludge-related engine damage under warranty were informed that a lack of proper maintenance had voided them, even if they had followed Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule. Up to 4 million vehicles from the late 1990s and early 2000s are at risk for sludge buildup, including the Toyota Camry shown at right.