This isn't good news, that's for sure.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into failing supplemental restraint system (SRS) modules in the 2008 Honda Accord. According to the press release, the government organization has received 19 complaints where airbags did NOT deploy when they were warranted. You see, when the SRS module fails, there's a chance that none of the airbags will deploy.
A recall has not been issued yet but this is something we'll be keeping an eye on. According to Auto Blog this part's installed on 384,000 units and The Detroit News has said it costs approximately $500 to replace.
If you are driving a 2008 MY Accord and the airbag light is on, you should consider getting it checked out ASAP.
Be safe out there, Spies!
Honda's press release follows:
INVESTIGATION Subject : SRS Module Failure
Date Investigation Opened: AUG 18, 2015
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE15029
Component(s): AIR BAGS
All Products Associated with this Investigation close
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
HONDA ACCORD 2008
Details
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
SUMMARY:
ODI has identified 19 VOQ reports alleging failure of the air bag SRS control module. One of the reports involved a frontal crash event where the frontal air bags did not deploy. The crash resulted in an injury to the driver and lone occupant, and the vehicle was subsequently inspected by the agency. According to the reports, the failure of the SRS module is indicated by the air bag readiness indicator lamp illuminating on the instrument panel. Consumers report the SRS control module had to be replaced to correct the condition. Several reports indicated that the SRS module was unable to communicate thus preventing diagnostic trouble codes from being retrieved. An inability of the SRS unit to communicate raises concern about the readiness of the entire supplemental restraints system. As a result, for vehicles with a failed SRS module, some or all of the air bags may be unavailable in a crash warranting deployment.
ODI is opening this investigation to further evaluate the scope, frequency, and consequence of the alleged SRS module failures.
The VOQ reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10733519, 10715339, 10703521, 10676517, 10653157, 10648611, 10633431, 10629318, 10627454, 10606626, 10604360, 10583069, 10578211, 10533114, 10500547, 10480012, 10462403, 10457826, 10441706.