Why did the side airbags on my 2008 Honda Accord deploy for no reason?

Question

Hey,

I am leasing a 2008 Honda Accord, on the road for about 4 months now. The other day, I went to shut the passenger door and the side airbag deployed, I didn't close it with an incredible amount of force, but normally. I don't think the airbag should have gone off, I think the sensors or whatever caused it to deploy was faulty...Honda thinks differently. I was very upset to hear that, and thought for sure that my "bumper to bumper" warranty would cover it. I was wondering what i could do to fix this issue or if there is any way to show Honda that it is a malfunction, as there was no accident or collision, no dents or scratches whatsoever on my door. For an airbag to just deploy randomly without any known impact, just the door being shut normally, does not sound right. I am very frustrated over this, and so far am very angry with Honda and how they treat their customers, the total cost of the repairs can be as high as $5000. Also do you know if anybody else had a similar issue? You can email me at [e-mail]. thank you for your time and patience in reading this, hope to hear from anybody soon.

Answer 1

I don't have an answer for you, but be careful where you are placing blame.

If you have only talked to your dealer so far, you have a problem with that dealer and not with Honda.  You need to start by taking your problem to Honda's regional representative.

It should not be humanly possible to slam the car door hard enough to make the side air bag deploy. That is a major safety problem. It might help to file a report with the NHTSA.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Answer 2

there are two courses you can pursue.  the first is with the honda distributor.  in the US its American Honda.  the information on your distributor should be in your owner's manual.  For American Honda you can call them at 1-800-999-1009.  Open a consumer affairs file and request an inspection of your vehicle by a factory representative as you are being told it's not being covered under your warranty by the dealer.  Tell them you want an engineer to investigate the defect that caused your air bag to deploy.  I reality they need to prove its not under warranty before denying coverage.  Obviously if they find any indication of damage they will deny coverage but if its as you say then the appeal to american honda or whoever your distributor is should be successful.

if the distributor says its not covered then contact your insurance company.  they will pay for it if honda doesn't

hope that helps

Answer 3

DON'T put your personal info on the web...people steal things...

Next...CALL Honda Corporate (it's toll free) they WILL help you...

next the bumper to bumper warranty ONLY applies to things that are NOT on the 'replacement' list, tranny, motor, chassis. If it can be replaced, it's not a warranty item. (it's spelled out in your paperwork).

NEVER lease a car when you can buy...leasing is only renting a car..(with nothing to show for it..)

always check www.recalls.com for ALL recalls and car issues...