Honda to start massive recall in China over airbags

BEIJING - Honda will begin recalling 245,101 automobiles in China due to defective airbags on Oct 23, according to China's consumer quality authority.

Filed by Guangqi Honda, a joint venture between Honda and Guangzhou Automobile Group, the recall involves the Accord, Fit, City, Crosstour and Everus S1 models, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its website.

Some of the vehicles have front passenger airbags with defective inflators produced by Japanese manufacturer Takata that could improperly rupture and send potentially fatal shrapnel into occupants when the airbags explode, said the administration.

The problem has been linked to a number of deaths and injuries worldwide. In China, the defect involves more than 20 million vehicles, most of which have already been recalled.

Guangqi Honda will replace the defective airbags free of charge.