Honda recalls nearly 500,000 vehicles over seatbelt issue

Honda is recalling nearly 500,000 vehicles for a manufacturing issue with front seat belts that could prevent them from locking, the company said.

Affected models include certain 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2017-2018 CR-V, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight and 2019-2020 Acura RDX.

“With continued use, the surface coating of the buckle channel may deteriorate over time and the release button may shrink against the channel at low temperatures, increasing friction. This may cause problems locking the buckle. seat belt buckle,” the company said in documents detailing the defect.

An unlocked buckle increases the risk of injury, the company said.

Honda dealers will replace front seatbelt buckle release buttons or buckle assemblies in all affected vehicles free of charge, as needed, the company said.

By early March, Honda had not received any reports of injuries or fatalities related to the issue, the company said in the documents.