On July 31, 2009, Honda issued a recall on 440,000 vehicles. The recall involves the driver's side airbag in certain 2001-2002 Honda Accords, 2001 Civics and 2002-2003 Acura TLs. The affected vehicle would require replacement of the steering-wheel airbag inflator.

Typically, when a recall is issued on a vehicle, the manufacturer will send all of the affected consumers written notice. Although Honda issued a press release on this recall, the company has chosen to provide written notice only to a small percentage of the affected owners. Honda contends that the limited disclosure of this recall is required because there is a shortage of the airbag inflator, the part that is needed to repair the airbags.

Typically, when a consumer takes his or her vehicle into a dealership for repairs, maintenance or warranty work, the dealer will enter the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), into a computer which will advise the dealer whether a recall has been issued on the car. If a recall has been issued, the dealer will inform the consumer and make the necessary repairs.

In an undated memo from Honda to its Honda Service Advisors, Service Managers, Part Managers, and Sales Managers, the dealerships are instructed to "Only repair a customer's vehicle when the customer presents his or her campaign letter from American Honda." Honda specifically instructs the dealerships to "not use VIN Status Inquiry to determine eligibility for the campaign." Honda Recall Notice

Interested owners may confirm their vehicle's recall status by visiting the Honda "Owner Link" website at www.owners.honda.com/recalls. Consumers who own one of the recalled vehicles can also contact Honda's automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Any persons wishing to file a complaint about a consumer matter or to alert the Attorney General about unfair or deceptive practices may do so by calling the Consumer Protection Hot Line, 1-800-368-8808, or by obtaining a complaint form from the consumer web page at www.wvago.gov.